Operations Specialist for State Programs

Job Details:

Mercer University is searching for an Operations Specialist in the Financial Planning department on the Macon, GA campus. This is a temporary, one-year position through September 2027.

Responsibilities:
The Operations Specials for State Programs is responsible for managing and maintaining all state aid programs that are configured by our student SIS automation system and reviewing awards to ensure accuracy and compliance. This position will be the expert for all state aid programs including awarding, invoicing, and reconciling. This position will also help in the disbursement of aid by being an expert in disbursement exceptions. The Operations Specialist will perform other projects as assigned by the Director of Financial Aid Operations and Compliance.

Duties include:

• Manage and maintain state aid for all campuses and programs to ensure accurate financial aid awards to students.

• Perform weekly and monthly audit checks to ensure awards are in compliance with state aid regulations.

• Maintain CHECS reporting system including sending files and reviewing errors to ensure accurate reporting of transcript data.

• Process and maintain state aid application and certification processes.

• Review exceptions and resolve errors while ensuring compliance with federal, state, and institutional regulations.

• Works with Director of Operations for auto-packaging and auto-repackaging configuration updates and changes each award cycle.

This is a temporary, one-year position (with full benefits) through September 2027. Continuation of position is contingent upon need and availability of funding.

Qualifications:

A Bachelor's degree is required with two years of related experience, which must include one year working with relational databases and information systems, are required. Candidates with financial aid awarding and/or information management experience are highly desirable.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities: 

• Must be proficient in Microsoft office suite, especially Microsoft Excel.

• Working knowledge of general financial aid practices, programs, and/or administrative specialty.

• Demonstrates intermediate knowledge of and ability to apply fundamental concepts.

• Working knowledge of budget policies and procedures.

• Knowledge of basic methods and procedures for research and statistical analysis and the ability to apply them.

• Ability to deliver at a high level and develop and maintain collaborative relationships inside and outside of the Financial Planning Office.

• Ability to effectively and proactively prioritize and solve problems.

• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously with high levels of accuracy.