What are the responsibilities and job description for the Compliance Coordinator position at Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency?
PHEAA is a nonprofit student aid organization that holds a mission of providing affordable access to higher education.
Give back tomorrow by joining us today!
Salary: Grade 14, Commensurate with experience starting at $53,393.00
Shift: Monday through Friday 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Location: 1200 North 7th Street, Harrisburg, PA. Hybrid 1-2 days a week on-site
Department: State Grant and Special Programs
This position conducts independent, comprehensive field reviews of student financial aid programs at private and public post-secondary educational institutions and is responsible for responding to compliance inquiries from schools and/or PHEAA staff. Responsibilities include evaluating applications to determine program eligibility, and reviewing correspondence, policy, and procedures to ensure compliance with federal and state statutes, regulations, and sub-regulatory requirements. This position requires a high degree of professionalism to interact with Compliance Management and post-secondary education staff.
PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Compliance Management
- Conduct compliance review/testing of post-secondary school student files related to the analysis, processing of data and awarding of aid in the student financial aid programs administered by PHEAA.
- Review school policies and procedures regarding state financial aid program administration to determine if policies are in compliance with PHEAA requirements and to determine if the institution has adequate checks and balances in its administration of PHEAA administered programs.
- Observe and appraise school operations and provide technical assistance and advice to institutions to develop revised policies or procedures for the administration and management of state aid programs.
- Develop and maintain a cooperative working relationship with all levels of management within the educational institution to accurately evaluate program review data and resolve program review findings.
- Prepare program review correspondence detailing and analyzing program review findings, audit exceptions, and other areas of concern identified during the on-site program review. This includes identifying areas of noncompliance with PHEAA or federal regulations, citing the appropriate PHEAA regulations involved, providing required corrective measures for the institution to resolve the audit exceptions, and assessing the financial liabilities and payments required as a result of the program review.
- Review and analyze correspondence received from educational institutions to determine if proper corrective action has been taken by the institution to resolve the audit exceptions; and prepare follow-up correspondence to the institution advising them of any further concerns or required actions. This must include a final assessment of financial liability to the institution resulting from the program review.
- Provide technical assistance to PHEAA staff in matters relating to program reviews or examinations regarding State Grant and Special Programs regulations and requirements. Assistance is also provided in the interpretation of general information concerning an institution's programs and program review findings.
- Conduct comprehensive analysis, investigation, and research of statutes and regulations to determine if the institution's procedures are appropriate when unusual or unique situations arise.
- Collaborate with USDE auditors and related or affiliated federal agencies to provide expert, technical assistance regarding PHEAA procedures and regulations. This may include conducting joint program reviews with USDE officials at institutions.
- Identify potential risk and non-compliance in Agency correspondences and processes. Providing recommendations and guidance to Agency leaders to facilitate necessary changes.
Project Coordination
- Collaborate with State Grant and Special Programs staff to develop and review departmental procedures for the PHEAA-administered programs.
- Represent department interests on agency-wide project teams.
OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Assist with or perform training at workshops or conferences related to the Program Review Process.
- Comply with the Agency’s enterprise security and privacy policies and departmental procedures.
- Agency’s enterprise security and privacy policies and departmental procedures.
- Perform other duties and special projects as assigned.
Required Skills
Bachelor’s degree and two to four years of compliance experience and a minimum of three years of post-secondary experience in financial aid administration, or the equivalent combination of experience, training, and/or certifications.
- Demonstrated advanced analysis and research skills.
- Ability to coordinate projects with moderate supervision.
- Strong contractual/regulation interpretation skills.
- Strong written and oral communication skills.
- Must be an independent self-starter.
- Demonstrated knowledge of financial aid programs
- Experience with institutional record-keeping and student accounts
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite.
- Demonstrated ability to meet deadlines and deliverables.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT
- Perform work required for this position in an office environment and/or via remote or hybrid arrangement.
- Ability to work flexible hours on weekends and evenings.
- Travel up to 50% is required.
- Valid driver’s license and a good driving record.
- Work independently and with very limited supervision.
- Remain sedentary for significant periods of time.
- Must be able to use a personal computer.
ADDITIONAL KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
- Ability to exercise judgment and discretion in developing, applying, and interpreting regulations, guidelines, and procedures.
- Ability to use discretion when necessary and maintain confidentiality.
- Ability to manage and prioritize multiple assignments and competing priorities in a rapidly growing, fast-paced environment.
- Must have excellent analytical, critical thinking, organizational, and project management skills.
- Ability to develop and promote effective working relationships with all levels of AES/PHEAA management.
- Must possess excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to work independently, with limited supervision, as well as in a team environment.
- Ability to evaluate business processes and data from a business and technical perspective and create/implement solutions to technical problems.
- Ability to effectively negotiate differing policy interpretations without conflict.
Required Experience
Bachelor’s degree and two to four years of compliance experience and a minimum of three years of post-secondary experience in financial aid administration, or the equivalent combination of experience, training, and/or certifications.
Salary : $53,393
