Financial Aid Counselor Cover Letter

I am excited to be applying for the position of financial aid counselor. Please accept this letter and the attached resume as my interest in this position.

In my previous role, I was responsible for information and interpretation of the federal and state rules and regulations surrounding the various financial aid programs to students and parents, high school counselors and other interested individuals.

Please consider my experience and qualifications for this position:

• Proficiency with standard office software, internet, and email applications
• Thorough and broad knowledge of existing complex Federal, State and University policies, procedures, laws and regulations governing the delivery of student financial aid
• Strong interpersonal necessary
• Lead/Guidance Skills
• Adding Machine
• Word Processor
• Preference given to those with demonstrated Admissions or Financial Aid experience
• Knowledgeable on processing Consortium Agreements

In response to your job posting for financial aid counselor, I am including this letter and my resume for your review.

Previously, I was responsible for information to prospective and current students and their families regarding application procedures and factors that affect financial aid eligibility.

Please consider my experience and qualifications for this position:

• Previous work experience in a college setting preferred
• Working knowledge of financial aid preferred
• Work experience in maintaining/updating websites and/or social media accounts preferred
• Public speaking work experience preferred
• EVA working knowledge preferred
• Demonstrated budget work experience preferred
• Work experience in making travel arrangements preferred
• Knowledge of federal and state financial aid regulations is key

I submit this application to express my sincere interest in the financial aid counselor position.

In my previous role, I was responsible for drop-in and appointment counseling to students, their families and others regarding financial aid eligibility, application procedures, budget development, and debt management; set an excellent example of quality service and professionalism for student employees.

I reviewed the requirements of the job opening and I believe my candidacy is an excellent fit for this position. Some of the key requirements that I have extensive experience with include:

• Address general questions on enrollment processes such as admissions, scheduling and payment of invoices by communicating clearly about documentation students/parents need to provide
• Process financial aid awards, identify and resolves over-award situations and discrepant information, review verification documentation and makes necessary updates by working directly with students/parents to immediately identify resolution to issues and/or concerns in relation to processing of financial aid
• Review documentation and make necessary adjustments
• Assist in the administration of financial aid funds, including the awarding of financial aid to eligible students, by working closely with other financial aid staff, related institutional offices and external agencies to ensure efficient and timely delivery of funds
• Provide backup support to lead counselor for the WV Higher Education Grant Program by working with lead counselor to ensure awards are properly administered
• Review, interpret and ensure compliance with federal, state and institutional aid regulations
• Travel to attend training and conferences and to represent the University at informational seminars, public relation activities, and student recruiting events both on and off campus
• Evidence of excellent reading and writing skills demonstrated through a robust cover letter and resume Evidence of effective verbal and written communication skills

I am excited to be applying for the position of financial aid counselor. Please accept this letter and the attached resume as my interest in this position.

Previously, I was responsible for advice and counseling to students, families and colleagues in regard to financial aid programs and services; resolves inquiries and issues according to the policies and procedures outlined by the College; answers inquiries related to credit load changes, drops and withdrawals.

Please consider my qualifications and experience:

• Determining student eligibility for assistance when external aid programs are involved, ROTC Programs, outside scholarships
• Determining when necessary, with proper documentation to support, the changing of a student’s dependency status and level of financial need as deemed justifiable by the evaluator
• Maintaining a working knowledge of all federal and state student aid regulations and related office policies and procedures
• Maintaining knowledge of the rules involved in completion of IRS Tax Forms other external income and benefit programs
• Maintain a working knowledge of military education benefits and other military benefits and their effect on student’s financial need
• Superb interpersonal skills necessary to deal effectively with staff, the public, various government entities and the university community
• Prior financial aid work experience
• Comprehensive understanding of financial aid processing and eligibility requirements

I would like to submit my application for the financial aid counselor opening. Please accept this letter and the attached resume.

In my previous role, I was responsible for a thorough overview of financial aid and veteran programs as necessary or refer the student/family to the proper subject matter expert.

Please consider my qualifications and experience:

• Provide excellent customer service to a diverse constituency while maintaining successful performance in a high-volume, fast pace, and confidential service environment
• Maintain student confidentiality in accordance with FERPA regulations
• Team and service-oriented and able to effectively manage time
• Requires some nights and weekends and/or other local travel during peak season
• Proficiency with computers and common office PC-based software products (such as Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Access)
• Functional use of AcademicWorks
• Standing, sitting, repetitive hand movements
• Demonstrated knowledge of Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) requirements