Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships

Division of Enrollment Management

University of Tennessee, Knoxville

The Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, (UTK) invites applications and nominations for our Student Services Specialist position. We are seeking candidates who can contribute in meaningful ways to the diversity and intercultural goals of the University.

Applications received within the first 2 weeks (14 days) of the job posting date will receive priority review.

The Position:

This is an on-campus position with some hybrid/remote work schedule flexibility.

Responsible for the monthly reconciliation of over 400 accounts, including over 300 scholarship accounts, multiple state grant and scholarship programs - including the HOPE Scholarship, and Federal Title IV grants, loans, and campus-based aid which includes the Pell grant and the Federal Direct Loan Programs totaling $170 million annually. Supports the reconciliation process for federal grant expenditures by working with Sponsored Projects Accounting (SPA) on the amount of federal funding that needs to be drawn down from the G5 system. Reconciles all student aid accounts utilizing institutional policies and procedures set by federal, state, and external agency guidelines. Provides documentation of monthly reconciliations for audit purposes and responds to audit findings. Utilize multiple systems simultaneously including but not limited to Banner, IRIS, OnBase, COD, JobX, TimesheetX, eGrands, and Argos to identify credits and debits from the various student aid programs (federal, state, institutional, and outside aid) to complete reconciliation. Must communicate and collaborate with campus partners to ensure accuracy so potential errors can be researched and resolved according to university policies, state, and federal guidelines. Must remain current with changing federal and state regulations regarding cash management. Prepares comprehensive totals of all Federal TIV accounts reported on the annual Federal Student Aid Fiscal Operations Report and Application to Participate (FISAP). Assist the Assistant Director and Associate Director in monitoring and managing financial aid fund budgeting and expenditures. Assist with the receipt and delivery of external check funds received by the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships. Manage and process Federal Direct Loans (including PLUS and Grad PLUS) and private student loans in accordance with federal, state, and institutional policies. Determine student eligibility for federal and private loans and ensure compliance with regulations. Assist students and parents in the financial options available to achieve their educational pursuits.

Required Education and Experience:

Associate’s degree or equivalent combination of training and experience.

• 2 - 3 years of accounting, business, or related experience in a higher education or related environment.

Preferred Education and Experience:

• 2 - 4 years progressively responsible financial aid or tax experience and Ellucian Banner experience preferred.

• Demonstrated knowledge of accounting principles.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Excellent oral and communication skills.

• Ability to write clear, concise letters using effectual writing skills.

• Sensitive to cultural diversity and ability to communicate and interact with people of all ages and diverse backgrounds.

• Proven ability to work effectively as a team member.

• Ability to analyze and interpret data and make independent decisions.

• Ability to work independently and under time constraints.

• Knowledge of MS Office products or similar.

• Ability to research and analyze financial information and make appropriate recommendations.

• Knowledge of state and federal rules and regulations pertaining to student financial aid and University fiscal policies.

• Ability to work independently and prioritize job tasks based on university, state, and federal deadlines.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of federal and state financial aid regulations and governmental agency guidelines to analyze applications and data sent to the university from prospective and current students, Including but • not limited to the IRS, Department of Veterans Affairs, Department of Homeland Security, Social Security Administration and INS.

• Computer literacy, including experience with standard accounting software, Microsoft Office, and Ellucian or IRIS (SAP) is preferred.

• Clear understanding of accounting/auditing principles, practices and procedures, cash management principles, and university, federal, and state policies, standards and procedures.

• Experience with ledgers.

• Proficient in Microsoft Word and Excel and have a working knowledge of Argos reporting.

The Division

The Enrollment Management (EM) division comprises more than 190 full-time staff who serve our students through the following departments and functions: Undergraduate Admissions, International Recruitment, Transfer Center, One Stop Student Services, Financial Aid and Scholarships, University Registrar, EM Communications, and Research & Analytics. The Office of Enrollment Management is committed to our Vision, Mission and Values. We are passionate about fulfilling our land-grant mission of accessible education and making an impact that will transform lives through the student experience.

The University and Region

UTK is the state’s flagship, land-grant university. We are a Research 1 university with 11 colleges and more than 30,000 students. With new leadership at the system, university, and college levels, UTK is poised for dramatic positive change focused on solving some of the most audacious, pressing problems our country and world face today. The city of Knoxville is a hidden gem surrounded by eight gorgeous lakes, with a beautiful and walkable downtown, a diverse music scene including internationally recognized festivals, active neighborhoods, unique restaurants, and a robust offering of diverse cultural and outdoor activities. UTK is located within easy driving distance to the Great Smoky Mountains, Atlanta, Nashville, Asheville, Charlotte, Louisville and Cincinnati. It is only a day’s drive to Memphis, Chicago, and Washington D.C. Knoxville and the surrounding counties have a population of more than 850,000 people.

For full consideration, applicants should submit a cover letter detailing relevant experience along with a resume and the name, e-mail address, and telephone number of three to five professional references.