Financial Aid System Analyst

  • CSU, Sacramento
  • Sacramento, California
  • Mar 07, 2024
Accounting and Finance Administrative Analysis and Research

Job Description

Working Title: Financial Aid System Analyst

Classification Title: Information Technology Consultant-Career (ITC-Career)

Posting Details


Priority Application Date (Posting will remain open until filled): Wednesday, November 29th @ 11:55pm PT

Hiring Preference


Eligible on-campus applicants in California State University Employees Union (CSUEU) Bargaining Units 2,5,7, and 9 will be given first consideration in the recruitment.

Position Summary

The Financial Aid & Scholarship Office processes over 50,000 applications annually and offers over $300M in federal, state and institutional aid to an estimated 72% of the student population. The incumbent provides a wide range of support to the day-to-day administration of these funds; such as, running necessary operational reports, sending regular student communications, analyze, troubleshoot and/or resolve service tickets via ServiceNow platform, streamline business processes and leverage technology for continuous improvement, update imaging & workflow system for new Aid Year (AY) start-up.

The Financial Aid Systems Analyst understands the business process and functional needs of system modules and configurations, regular use, and data structures of the assigned PeopleSoft module; Financial Aid and Scholarships. The position serves as a campus Subject Matter Expert (SME) for the CSU’s Common Management System (CMS), the CSU version of PeopleSoft’s Campus Solutions Product.

The incumbent works under the direct supervision of the Director, Financial Aid & Scholarships and supports IT-based business processes in the Financial Aid & Scholarship Office. This includes developing and maintaining knowledge of financial aid lifecycles and the various processes that support operations. Some of the functions performed in this capacity may include but is not limited to the following:
  • Assists with detecting and identifying problems and deficiencies in Financial Aid technology systems (i.e. PeopleSoft, OnBase,)
  • Assists in providing functional support for the financial aid modules of PeopleSoft CMS system and OnBase Image & Workflow system
  • Writes and maintains documentation for user guides, instructor guides and procedural guides
  • Provides support for OnBase Imaging & Workflow for the Financial Aid & Scholarship Office
  • The incumbent acts as an interface between Information Resources & Technology (IRT) and the functional area, providing module configuration, testing coordination and support, escalating technical issues and change requests as needed.
  • The incumbent will work closely with the Enrollment Management and Student Services (EMSS) central systems office.


FLSA: Exempt (Not eligible for overtime compensation)

Anticipated Hiring Range: $4,912 per month (Anticipated hiring range is at the minimum of the Classification Salary Range)

CSU Classification Salary Range: $4,912 - $12,124 per month

Best-in-class Benefits: Click here to learn more

CSU Total Compensation: Click here to learn more

Salary Grade/Range: 2

Recruitment Type: Regular (Probationary)

Time Base: Full-Time

Pay Plan: 12 months

Work Hours: Monday - Friday 8am - 5pm. Work hours may vary depending on department need.

Department Information

Our mission is to help students and their families search for, apply, receive and maintain eligibility for various types of financial aid. Financial aid education is offered through individual counseling, campus marketing activities and group presentations. Staff also undertakes research and resolution of individual student issues. The office strives to provide timely and accurate financial aid processing that is in full compliance with all federal, state and university regulations.

For more information on Financial Aid, please visit: https://www.csus.edu/apply/financial-aid-scholarships/

Minimum Qualifications

To enter this classification, a basic foundation of knowledge and skills in technical information systems and application program packages is a prerequisite. This foundation would normally be obtained through a bachelor’s degree in computer science, information systems, educational technology, communications, or related fields, or similar certified coursework in applicable fields of study. Foundation knowledge and skills for the Information Technology Consultant, depending on the nature of the position assignment, may include working knowledge of common software application packages, equipment platforms, reference database systems and sources, and training methods and a basic understanding of networks, data communication, and multimedia systems.
Further progress within this classification is based on department need and work assignments requiring higher levels of skills and knowledge. Reference the Information Technology Series Introduction for level definitions.

Required Qualifications

Experience/Education
Demonstrated ability to analyze and evaluate situations and data, make accurate recommendations on appropriate course of action, leading to the development and improvement of administrative systems. Experience in one of the following functional areas: Admissions, Records, Registration, Financial Aid, Academic Advising, Veteran’s Affairs, or related student service functions in a college or university setting. Bachelor degree in computer science, business or related field of study from an accredited university. May be substituted for work experience with school-based-software systems and/or business process analysis.
Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities
Knowledge of IT systems in general and experience troubleshooting basic client and software issues. Ability to contribute to the completion of broader and more complex organizational or program projects and goals. Often provides project leadership or represents the work unit on key projects within and outside the organization. Ability to analyze and address problems using reasoning and the interpretation and application of theories and principles to develop and recommend alternatives and best courses of action. Ingenuity in determining methods to achieve programmatic goals and develop and implement program policies required. Work requires coordination with individuals at all levels within the organization. As needed, acts as a representative to outside entities. As required, day-to-day program or work unit operations are overseen and lead work direction to administrative staff, including accountability for results, is provided while promoting and maintaining a team environment. Working knowledge of general practices, program, and/or administrative in higher education with basic knowledge of and ability to apply fundamental concepts. Ability to learn, interpret, and apply a wide variety of policies and procedures relating to and impacting the day to day operations of running queries and mastering job sets for applicable program (s). Ability to fully utilize Microsoft excel and other tools to analyze data and make accurate projections using business mathematics and basic statistical techniques. Ability to apply consultative skills to assess user needs. Ability to organize and manage multiple complex projects and prioritize and perform work assignments effectively. Ability to make independent decisions and exercise sound judgment. Ability to compile, write, and present reports related to program or administrative specialty. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships within and outside the work group and serve as a liaison for the organizational unit. Ability to gather data and analyze complex situations accurately and adopt or recommend an effective course of action or improved business process. Experience independently researching and resolving problems. General knowledge of the principles, practices and trends in the Student Services field. Functional lead for financial aid CMS module. Experience fully utilizing Microsoft Excel and other tools to analyze data and make accurate projections using business mathematics and basic statistical techniques. Able to apply the principles and practices of technical problem solving. Commitment to maintaining a welcoming and inclusive work environment with diverse colleagues and constituents including faculty, students, staff, and members of the community.
Conditions of Employment
  • Ability to successfully pass a background check

Preferred Qualifications
Master’s Degree in computer science or related field of study. Thorough knowledge of university policies and procedures in Student Services. Thorough knowledge of federal, state and CSU System regulations in Financial Aid and Scholarships. Knowledge and experience working effectively with PeopleSoft, Oracle SQL, PS Query, XML, Microsoft Office, Microsoft One Note, TPC/ IP, FTP, Virtual PC, Relational Database Management Systems(RDBMS), Constituent Relationship Management Systems, and OnBase Imaging & WorkflowGeneral understanding of Microsoft Active Directory, Oracle, SQL. Experience working with PeopleSoft/CMS. Demonstrated comprehension of the principals and practice of software, databases, and imaging Experience working with computer technology systems in higher education.

Documents Needed to Apply

Resume and Cover Letter

Failure to upload required documentation may result in disqualification.

About Sac State

Sacramento State is located in the heart of California’s capital city, five miles from State Capitol. The lush, 300-acre campus is situated along the American River, close to numerous bike trails and other recreational areas. Sacramento, also known as the “Farm-to-Fork Capital,” is one of the most ethnically diverse and livable cities in the country, with a population of half of a million. Sacramento State’s 31,000 students come not only from the Greater Sacramento Region, but also from across the state, country, and world. Our 1800 faculty and 1,500 staff are committed to meeting our mission: “ As California’s capital university, we transform lives by preparing students for leadership, service, and success. Sacramento State will be a recognized leader in education, innovation, and engagement. ” As the regional hub of higher education, Sac State is dedicated to student success , diversity, equity and inclusion , community engagement , philanthropy , and campus safety .

As evidenced by the values embedded in our Hornet Honor Code , Sacramento State is committed to creating an inclusive environment where all faculty, staff, students, and guests are welcome and valued. Our commitment is more than simply ensuring that our campus is free from bias and discrimination, but is one devoted to celebrating many diverse identities, life experiences, and perspectives that enrich our community, teaching and learning.

To learn more about why you should join the Hornet Family, please visit the Why Sac State ? page.

Background Check Disclaimer

A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily before any candidate can be offered a position with California State University, Sacramento. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the application status of applicants or continued employment of current California State University, Sacramento employees who apply for the position. One variation of background check required could be a LiveScan screening, which involves submitting fingerprints at a certified LiveScan Service Center.

COVID-19 Vaccine Certification Information:

Per the CSU COVID-19 Vaccination Policy , it is strongly recommended that all California State University, Sacramento employees who are accessing office and campus facilities follow COVID-19 vaccine recommendations adopted by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) applicable to their age, medical condition, and other relevant indications.

Out of State Employment Policy

Sacramento State University, as part of the CSU system, is a State of California Employer. As such, the University requires all employees (up)on date of hire to reside in the State of California.

As of January 1, 2022 the CSU Out-of-State Employment Policy prohibits the hiring of employees to perform CSU-related work outside the state of California.

Equal Employment Opportunity

California State University, Sacramento is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer and has a strong institutional commitment to the principle of diversity in all areas. We consider qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, pregnancy, genetic information, medical condition, marital status, veteran status, or disability. Sacramento State hires only those individuals who are lawfully authorized to accept employment in the United States.

It is the policy of California State University, Sacramento to provide reasonable accommodations for qualified persons with disabilities who are employees or applicants for employment. If you need a disability related reasonable accommodation as part of the application and/or interviewing process, visit https://www.csus.edu/administration-business-affairs/human-resources/benefits/reasonable-accomodation.html

The University is committed to creating an education and working environment free from discrimination, sexual harassment, sexual violence, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking. For more information on mandatory training for new employees, visit https://www.csus.edu/administration-business-affairs/human-resources/learning-development/csu-learn.html .

Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act and Campus Fire Safety Right-To-know Act Notification:

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, the current Annual Security Report (ASR) is available for viewing at https://www.csus.edu/clery .
The ASR contains the current security and safety-related policy statements, crime prevention and sexual assault prevention information, and drug and alcohol prevention programming. The ASR also contains statistics of Clery Act crimes for Sacramento State for the last three (3) calendar years. Paper copies are available upon request at the Police Service Center located in the University Union.

Eligibility Verification

Selected candidate must furnish proof of eligibility to work in the United States. California State University, Sacramento is not a sponsoring agency for staff and management positions (i.e. H-1-B Visa).

Note to Applicants:

Possession of the minimum qualifications does not guarantee an interview unless required by collective bargaining agreement.

Advertised: Nov 15 2023 Pacific Standard Time
Applications close:

Closing Date/Time:

Job Address

Sacramento, California 95819 United States View Map