Financial aid consultants help colleges and universities implement and maintain computerized financial aid management systems, providing training and support to staff. They must stay informed about new software and be willing to travel. A college degree and experience in financial aid are typically required.
A financial aid consultant works with many colleges and universities to streamline the rollout of computerized financial aid management systems and teach users the basic operations. The consultant will travel to each school to provide training to financial aid office managers and staff. Schools with previously installed financial aid management systems may require a consultant to perform periodic software reviews and updates.
Colleges and universities across the United States use complicated and diverse financial aid computer systems to organize, store, and allocate grants, loans, and scholarships to students. After the school purchases a specific management system, the financial aid consultant will typically visit the main office to configure the software parameters to meet the needs of the financial aid program. The consultant can add or delete software modules as requested by the school for the most customized system.
Training and communication with faculty staff who will be using the new system is imperative; the financial aid consultant must thoroughly explain and demonstrate how the software works. The school can ask to have management only as part of the training meeting, or all financial aid employees can participate in the demo. Any questions or concerns should be discussed with the financial assistance consultant before working with the new software system to avoid errors in financial transactions.
Technology improves very quickly and the financial aid consultant must stay informed and trained to help their clientele. New versions of software and additional help modules can be created to enhance an existing financial aid management system; the consultant must be trained periodically by the software company to be able to explain new features to customers. He or she may contact various customers to set up review meetings to learn about and install the new software packages.
Schools may need to audit their financial aid accounts to ensure that money is allocated correctly. The financial aid consultant must be present for the audit to note that the system is accessed correctly. Any malfunctions or errors should be examined by the consultant to avoid future software-related problems.
Being a financial aid consultant requires a willingness to travel and excellent communication skills. Most consultant positions also require the candidate to have a four-year college degree, as well as some experience in the financial aid industry. Many companies train newly hired consultants so that they are well versed in different branded software packages.
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