Student Financial Services Representative

Student Financial Services RepresentativeThe Student Financial Services (SFS) department supports Cairn University's mission by providing caring, accurate, and responsive financial guidance to current and prospective students. SFS helps students and families navigate the cost of higher education through the integration of financial aid and student account services, promoting both access and stewardship.The Student Financial Services Representative is a cross-functional, student-facing position responsible for assisting students and families with both financial aid and student account matters. This includes advising on financial aid eligibility and processing, managing account transactions, and providing guidance on payment responsibilities and options. In addition to student-facing tasks, the role will be responsible for a collection of logistical tasks related to data entry and maintenance, financial aid packaging, billing, and communication. SFS Representatives are expected to be cross-trained in both financial aid and student accounts functions, while taking primary responsibility for certain tasks based on strengths and departmental needs.

The role is critical to delivering excellent customer service and ensuring regulatory compliance, data accuracy, and coordinated communication.All employees at Cairn University sign the University's Foundational Statements annually as an affirmation of their commitment to support the University's mission, positions, and values. Employees are expected to carry out their roles and responsibilities in alignment with these statements in all professional interactions with students, colleagues, and the broader University community.Work is performed on campus. Regular office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Travel is not a regular component of the position; however, occasional local travel for meetings, training, conferences, recruitment activities, or other University business may be required.Essential Duties and ResponsibilitiesServe as a primary point of contact for students and families via phone, email, and in-person interactions.Provide clear guidance on financial aid processes, tuition billing, payment options, and account balances.Contribute to the execution of the Student Financial Services communication plan across all mediums.Present financial information at campus events and orientations as needed.Accept tasks delegated and adhere to guidelines and strategies provided by the Financial Aid Manager.Process federal, state, and institutional financial aid, including packaging, verification, and corrections.Certify student loan applications, conduct loan entrance/exit counseling, and monitor enrollment status.Coordinate with the Business Services office on disbursement of aid and loan funds.Support awarding and tracking of institutional scholarships and state grants.Collaborate with Admissions to encourage FAFSA completion and provide financial aid during recruitment.Maintain accurate student accounts receivable records and post transactions.Advise students on billing procedures, payment plans, and financial policies.Assist with daily cashiering functions, cash sheet reconciliation, and reporting of account activity.Coordinate tuition remission and ensure accurate billing in conjunction with Financial Aid and the Registrar.Collaborate with collection agencies and assist with past-due accounts as needed.Participate in departmental planning meetings and training for new or updated procedures.Contribute to the development and maintenance of financial services policies and documentation.Provide support for internal reporting and regulatory compliance.Assist with process improvement initiatives and student service enhancements.Serve in a front desk rotation to receive walk-in guests and payments.Participate in additional tasks and responsibilities as needed to support the overall operations and goals of the department. This may include contributing to cross-functional projects, assisting colleagues, or responding to evolving priorities, even when such tasks fall outside the specific scope of the role.Skills and AbilitiesStrong interpersonal and communication skills (verbal and written).Commitment to excellent customer service and student care.Proficiency in Microsoft Office and familiarity with student information systems (PowerCampus, PowerFAIDS preferred).Ability to manage multiple priorities and work collaboratively across functions.Analytical and problem-solving abilities.Comfort with public speaking and presenting to groups.Required Education and ExperienceBachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and experienceOne to three years of experience in administrative, customer service, customer accounts, financial aid, or other related positions.Physical RequirementsProlonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer while reviewing financial documents, managing records, and communicating with students.Frequent use of hands and fingers to operate a computer, calculator, phone, and standard office equipment.Visual and auditory ability to read financial aid forms and policies, review electronic documentation, and communicate effectively in person, by phone, and through digital platforms.Occasional walking to and from campus offices and student service areas for meetings, presentations, or collaborative efforts.Occasional lifting and transporting of materials such as brochures, forms, and supplies weighing up to 20 pounds.Sustained mental concentration required to interpret complex financial information, ensure compliance with federal and institutional policies, and respond accurately to student inquiries.Ability to remain calm and professional while assisting students and families who may be under financial or emotional stress.Emotional resilience and interpersonal sensitivity to guide students through financial decision-making and maintain confidentiality in handling personal and financial records.Capacity to manage multiple deadlines and responsibilities in a fast-paced, detail-oriented environment, especially during peak processing times.Ability to adapt to changing financial aid regulations, software systems, and institutional proceduresThis position may occasionally require extended hours during high-volume periods such as FAFSA deadlines, orientation, or the start of a semester, and must comply with all university data security and privacy policies.Serving at Cairn University Located in Langhorne, Bucks County, Pennsylvania, Cairn University exists to educate students to serve Christ in the church, society, and the world as biblically minded, well-educated and professionally competent men and women of character. Students earn bachelor's degrees in various areas including Bible, Education, Music, and Business Administration; and graduate degrees in Business, Divinity, Education, Organizational Leadership, Worship and Music, and Counseling. Cairn is a conservative evangelical institution within the protestant tradition that employs faculty and staff who profess Jesus Christ as personal Savior; agree to Cairn's Statement of Faith and Community Life Covenant; and serve students in a ministerial capacity through imparting and upholding biblical instruction, prayer, and mentoring. Members of the faculty are required to integrate biblical instruction in their respective professional subject areas. All members of the Cairn community are obligated to affirm, agree with, and align with the University Foundational Statements. During the application process, applicants will have the opportunity to review these statements and must agree to affirm and support the position of the University, if hired. Applicants are also asked to provide a Personal Testimony of salvation as part of the application process.