Financial Aid Compliance Coordinator

Closing Date:

University of Arkansas - Fort Smith

The University of Arkansas - Fort Smith is a dynamic, mid-sized public university that's redefining higher education. We're on a mission to provide transformative, hands-on learning experiences for students of all backgrounds and aspirations. Our multi-faceted approach to education offers a wealth of opportunities, with over 70 academic programs, including certificates, associate, bachelor's, and master's degrees. We're committed to building a diverse community that mirrors Arkansas's rich tapestry, reflecting our dedication to serving the state's varied population while enhancing the quality of our institution.

As an employer, the University of Arkansas offers a vibrant work environment and a workplace culture that promotes a healthy work-life balance. The benefits package includes university contributions to health, dental, life, and disability insurance, tuition waivers for employees and their families, 12 official holidays, immediate leave accrual, and a choice of retirement programs with university contributions ranging from 5 to 10 percent of employee salary.

Fort Smith, Arkansas

Nestled along the Arkansas River, this vibrant city offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Immerse yourself in the rich heritage of the Old West at the Fort Smith National Historic Site, explore the eclectic local art scene, or take a scenic stroll along the picturesque riverfront trails. With a welcoming community, diverse dining options, and a thriving downtown, Fort Smith is the ideal destination for history enthusiasts and those seeking modern amenities.

Thank you for your interest in joining our university. Below you will find details for the position including any supplementary documentation and/or questions you should review before submitting your application. For general application assistance or if you have questions about a job posting, please contact Human Resources at (479) 788-7080.

If you have a disability and need assistance with the hiring process please contact Human Resources at 479-788-7080. Applicants are required to submit a request for each position to which they have applied.

Required Education and/or Work Experience: Bachelor's degree and three years of experience in financial aid, higher education student services, compliance, or closely related work.

Preferred Education and/or Work Experience: Five or more years' experience working with Title IV federal student aid compliance. Experience with Workday Student.

Summary of Job Duties:

• 25% - Policy and Procedure Development and Management:
  Leads the development, maintenance, and continuous improvement of the university's financial aid policies and procedures in alignment with federal Title IV, state, and institutional requirements. Coordinates the annual review, revision, and publication of policies to ensure accuracy, consistency, and compliance with current regulations. Ensures appropriate documentation and accessibility of procedures to support operational effectiveness and audit readiness.

• 20% - Internal Compliance Auditing and File Review:
  Reviews Workday Student financial aid processes, reports, and configuration impacts to identify compliance risks, processing gaps, and needed procedural updates. Conducts comprehensive file reviews, including but not limited to aid offers, federal verification, Return of Title IV (R2T4) calculations, enrollment changes, over-awards, C-flag resolution, and Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP). Identifies compliance risks, documents findings, and recommends corrective actions to ensure regulatory adherence and processing accuracy. Monitors the Financial Aid operational and compliance calendar to ensure key processes are completed timely and in accordance with regulatory deadlines, and documents progress to support accountability, audit readiness, and continuous process improvement.

• 10% - Return of Title IV (R2T4) Processing:
  Performs timely and accurate Return of Title IV Funds (R2T4) calculations for all official and unofficial withdrawals in accordance with federal regulations. Ensures appropriate secondary review, documentation, reporting, and reconciliation of R2T4 transactions to maintain compliance and minimize institutional liability

• 10% - Regulatory Implementation and Staff Training:
  Collaborates with Financial Aid leadership to interpret new and revised regulations and integrate requirements into business processes and systems. Develops and delivers training to financial aid staff on compliance requirements, regulatory updates, and policy changes to ensure consistent and accurate application across the office.

• 10% - Regulatory Monitoring and Analysis:
  Actively monitors communications from the U.S. Department of Education, Federal Student Aid, NASFAA, AASFAA, ADHE, and other governing bodies. Analyzes regulatory changes and guidance to assess institutional impact and supports leadership in developing appropriate compliance strategies and operational responses.

• 10% - Customer Service and Secondary Responsibilities:
  Supports the broader Financial Aid and Veteran Benefits Office by contributing to a team-based service model and assisting students in person, virtually, by phone, and via email. Maintains a collaborative and service-oriented presence within the office while ensuring accurate and consistent communication. Performs other duties as assigned

• 5% - Consumer Information Compliance:
  Serves as a member of the university's Consumer Information committee, ensuring financial aid-related disclosures are accurate, complete, and compliant with federal requirements. Reviews and updates consumer information content as needed to support transparency and regulatory compliance.

• 5% - Institutional Compliance Reporting:
  Prepares and provides required financial aid policies, procedures, and compliance documentation to the Office of the President in support of the university's annual Compliance Calendar. Ensures timely, accurate reporting aligned with institutional and regulatory expectations.

• 5% - Collaboration and Professional Accountability:
  Works collaboratively with campus stakeholders and department colleagues to support a positive, student-centered work environment. Demonstrates professionalism in communication and conduct, fosters teamwork, and provides support to colleagues and students. Maintains a consistent, service-oriented approach in all institutional interactions while contributing to a culture of accountability, responsiveness, and continuous improvement. Demonstrates reliability through consistent, regular, and on-time attendance.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: To perform the job successfully, the following competencies are required for the essential functions of this position:

• Knowledge of Title IV federal student aid regulations, including verification, Return of Title IV (R2T4), Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP), and student eligibility requirements.

• Knowledge of state financial aid programs and institutional policies and procedures.

• Knowledge of FERPA and the ability to maintain strict confidentiality when handling sensitive student information.

• Ability to interpret and apply complex federal regulations and translate guidance into operational policies and procedures.

• Ability to design, implement, and manage internal audit and file review processes to ensure compliance and accuracy.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to identify compliance risks, evaluate findings, and recommend corrective actions.

• Ability to monitor regulatory updates from federal and state agencies and assess institutional impact.

• Ability to develop and maintain comprehensive policies, procedures, and compliance documentation.

• Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities, deadlines, and compliance timelines.

• Ability to maintain accurate records and documentation to support audit readiness and institutional reporting.

• Ability to collaborate effectively with leadership and cross-functional teams to ensure consistent application of policies and processes.

• Proficiency in financial aid systems (e.g., Workday Student) and Microsoft Office applications.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills with a professional demeanor.

• Ability to provide accurate, student-centered customer service in a compliance-driven environment.

Additional Information:

Working Relationships: The Financial Aid Compliance Coordinator works efficiently and collaboratively with UAFS students and families, administrators, staff, faculty, and alumni, as well as campus guests, donors, and community members.

List Employees Supervised: The Financial Aid Compliance Coordinator has no supervisory responsibilities.

Special Job Dimensions: Work performed primarily in an office setting. While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly exhibits digital dexterity when entering data into computer. The employee frequently sits for extended periods of time, and occasionally stands and walks. Vision demands include close, relatively detailed vision when focusing on a computer screen. Employee regularly talks and hears. Employee occasionally lifts items up to 50 pounds. Routine work schedule Monday through Friday, 8:00am to 5:00pm with occasional overtime and travel required

Background Check Requirements. Criminal Background Check, Sex Offender Registry, Financial background check and Motor Vehicle Registry (MVR) Check.

This job description is not designed to contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, and/or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

All application materials must be uploaded to the University of Arkansas System Career Sitehttps://uasys.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/UASYS

Please do not send to listed recruitment contact.

This position may be subject to a pre-employment criminal background check, sex offender registry check, financial history background check, and/or drug screening. A criminal conviction or arrest pending adjudication and/or adverse financial history alone shall not disqualify an applicant in the absence of a relationship to the requirements of the position. Background checks and drug screening information will be used in a confidential, non-discriminatory manner consistent with state and federal law.

Persons must have proof of legal authority to work in the United States on the first day of employment.

All application information is subject to public disclosure under the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act.