Financial Aid Advisor
University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, United States
Job Description
The Student Success division at the University of South Florida is comprised of 60 departments that provide students with academic support, engagement opportunities, health & wellness services, and enhancement of the educational experience. The Financial Aid Advisor advises current and prospective students and their families on federal, state, and institutional financial aid options through personalized in‑person, phone, and email interactions. This role requires exceptional customer service, accurate interpretation of financial aid policies and regulations, and proactive issue resolution for student financial aid files. Counselors also provide holistic support, connecting students to financial literacy resources, budgeting tools, and campus or community services that promote academic and personal success.
Responsibilities
Provide comprehensive financial aid counseling to students and parents regarding educational financing, budgeting, and resource planning, utilizing detailed knowledge of financial aid processes, eligibility, financial literacy, and exceptions due to extenuating circumstances. Cross‑trained with Student Accounting Services and Registrar to assist with registration, student accounts, and academic policies. Assist students with budgeting sessions and connect them to appropriate on‑campus and off‑campus non‑financial aid resources to support overall student success. Anticipate and resolve problems that may delay the disbursement of financial aid funds. Deliver exceptional customer service through direct lobby interactions, phone calls, and email communication, ensuring clarity and accuracy in responses, while managing and supervising lobby services to maintain adequate staffing during peak periods and a professional environment. 55%
Evaluate and process professional judgment requests by verifying and recalculating financial need analysis data to adjust student aid eligibility. Make independent, informed awarding decisions based on demographic and financial data. Assist with reviewing various student appeals, such as Satisfactory Academic Progress and Scholarship appeals, to render decisions consistent with applicable regulations. 15%
Interpret and explain financial aid policies, regulations, and procedures at the federal, state, and institutional level to students and families. Ensure compliance by analyzing student financial aid records, adjusting awards and loans accordingly, and conducting thorough research to formulate clear and accurate responses for complex inquiries. Maintain compliance with privacy guidelines when handling student information and financial records. 10%
Lead and participate in outreach and engagement efforts, including orientation sessions, recruitment events, high school presentations, and community workshops. Activities may require after‑hours availability and occasional travel. Collaborate with other departments (e.g., Registrar, Student Account Services, Student Success, Dean of Students, Housing, Career Services) to connect students with resources that address academic, personal, and financial needs. 10%
Support and participate in special projects and additional financial aid or higher education‑related tasks as assigned by supervisors. Supervise student workers as needed. 5%
Other duties as assigned by supervisors. 5%
Qualifications
The successful candidate must possess a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field.
A minimum of one year of professional experience in financial aid, student services, or related areas is required; however, a minimum of two years of demonstrated customer service experience may substitute for the entire one‑year experience requirement.
Degree Equivalency Clause
Senate Bill 1310- The Florida Senate (https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2023/1310) is conditional upon meeting all employment eligibility requirements in the U.S.
SB 1310: Substitution of Work Experience for Postsecondary Education Requirements
A public employer may include a postsecondary degree as a baseline requirement only as an alternative to the number of years of direct experience required, not to exceed:
(a) Two years of direct experience for an associate degree;
(b) Four years of direct experience for a bachelor’s degree;
(c) Six years of direct experience for a master’s degree;
(d) Seven years of direct experience for a professional degree;
(e) Nine years of direct experience for a doctoral degree.
Related work experience may not substitute for any required licensure, certification, or registration required for the position of employment as established by the public employer and indicated in the advertised description of the position of employment.
Minimum Qualifications that require a high school diploma are exempt from SB 1310.
Working at USF With approximately 16,000 employees, the University of South Florida is one of the largest employers in the Tampa Bay area. We are dedicated to cultivating a talented, engaged and driven workforce that strives to be bold. Employees excel in USF’s rich academic environment, which fosters their development and advancement. In 2025, Forbes recognized USF as one of Florida’s best large employers, ranked No. 1 among the state’s 12 public universities. Our first‑class benefits package includes medical, dental and life insurance plans, retirement plan options, employee and dependent tuition programs, generous leave, and hundreds of employee perks and discounts.
About USF The University of South Florida is a top‑ranked research university serving approximately 50,000 students from across the globe at campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg, Sarasota‑Manatee and USF Health. USF is recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a top 50 public university and the best value in Florida. U.S. News also ranks the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine as the No. 1 medical school in Florida and in the highest tier nationwide. USF is a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU), a group that includes only the top 3% of universities in the U.S. With an all‑time high of $738 million in research funding in 2024 and as a top 20 public university for producing U.S. patents, USF uses innovation to transform lives and shape a better future. The university generates an annual economic impact of more than $6 billion. USF’s Division I athletics teams compete in the American Athletic Conference. Learn more at www.usf.edu.
Compliance and Federal Notices This position may be subject to a Level 1 or Level 2 criminal background check. Applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws.
Equal Employment Opportunity The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law. The University maintains programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws. Applicants for USF employment are entitled to request reasonable accommodations in the application process. A request is to be made at least five (5) working days prior to the time the accommodation(s) is needed. Visit the Central Human Resources ADA Accommodations webpage for more information on requesting an accommodation during the application/interview process.
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) Applicants for USF employment are entitled to request reasonable accommodation(s) in the application process. A request is to be made at least five (5) working days prior to the time the accommodation(s) is needed. Visit the Central Human Resources ADA Accommodations webpage for more information on requesting an accommodation during the application/interview process.
Equal Employment Opportunity The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law. The University maintains affirmative action programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws. This job description does not constitute an employment contract.
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Responsibilities
Provide comprehensive financial aid counseling to students and parents regarding educational financing, budgeting, and resource planning, utilizing detailed knowledge of financial aid processes, eligibility, financial literacy, and exceptions due to extenuating circumstances. Cross‑trained with Student Accounting Services and Registrar to assist with registration, student accounts, and academic policies. Assist students with budgeting sessions and connect them to appropriate on‑campus and off‑campus non‑financial aid resources to support overall student success. Anticipate and resolve problems that may delay the disbursement of financial aid funds. Deliver exceptional customer service through direct lobby interactions, phone calls, and email communication, ensuring clarity and accuracy in responses, while managing and supervising lobby services to maintain adequate staffing during peak periods and a professional environment. 55%
Evaluate and process professional judgment requests by verifying and recalculating financial need analysis data to adjust student aid eligibility. Make independent, informed awarding decisions based on demographic and financial data. Assist with reviewing various student appeals, such as Satisfactory Academic Progress and Scholarship appeals, to render decisions consistent with applicable regulations. 15%
Interpret and explain financial aid policies, regulations, and procedures at the federal, state, and institutional level to students and families. Ensure compliance by analyzing student financial aid records, adjusting awards and loans accordingly, and conducting thorough research to formulate clear and accurate responses for complex inquiries. Maintain compliance with privacy guidelines when handling student information and financial records. 10%
Lead and participate in outreach and engagement efforts, including orientation sessions, recruitment events, high school presentations, and community workshops. Activities may require after‑hours availability and occasional travel. Collaborate with other departments (e.g., Registrar, Student Account Services, Student Success, Dean of Students, Housing, Career Services) to connect students with resources that address academic, personal, and financial needs. 10%
Support and participate in special projects and additional financial aid or higher education‑related tasks as assigned by supervisors. Supervise student workers as needed. 5%
Other duties as assigned by supervisors. 5%
Qualifications
The successful candidate must possess a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field.
A minimum of one year of professional experience in financial aid, student services, or related areas is required; however, a minimum of two years of demonstrated customer service experience may substitute for the entire one‑year experience requirement.
Degree Equivalency Clause
Senate Bill 1310- The Florida Senate (https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2023/1310) is conditional upon meeting all employment eligibility requirements in the U.S.
SB 1310: Substitution of Work Experience for Postsecondary Education Requirements
A public employer may include a postsecondary degree as a baseline requirement only as an alternative to the number of years of direct experience required, not to exceed:
(a) Two years of direct experience for an associate degree;
(b) Four years of direct experience for a bachelor’s degree;
(c) Six years of direct experience for a master’s degree;
(d) Seven years of direct experience for a professional degree;
(e) Nine years of direct experience for a doctoral degree.
Related work experience may not substitute for any required licensure, certification, or registration required for the position of employment as established by the public employer and indicated in the advertised description of the position of employment.
Minimum Qualifications that require a high school diploma are exempt from SB 1310.
Working at USF With approximately 16,000 employees, the University of South Florida is one of the largest employers in the Tampa Bay area. We are dedicated to cultivating a talented, engaged and driven workforce that strives to be bold. Employees excel in USF’s rich academic environment, which fosters their development and advancement. In 2025, Forbes recognized USF as one of Florida’s best large employers, ranked No. 1 among the state’s 12 public universities. Our first‑class benefits package includes medical, dental and life insurance plans, retirement plan options, employee and dependent tuition programs, generous leave, and hundreds of employee perks and discounts.
About USF The University of South Florida is a top‑ranked research university serving approximately 50,000 students from across the globe at campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg, Sarasota‑Manatee and USF Health. USF is recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a top 50 public university and the best value in Florida. U.S. News also ranks the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine as the No. 1 medical school in Florida and in the highest tier nationwide. USF is a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU), a group that includes only the top 3% of universities in the U.S. With an all‑time high of $738 million in research funding in 2024 and as a top 20 public university for producing U.S. patents, USF uses innovation to transform lives and shape a better future. The university generates an annual economic impact of more than $6 billion. USF’s Division I athletics teams compete in the American Athletic Conference. Learn more at www.usf.edu.
Compliance and Federal Notices This position may be subject to a Level 1 or Level 2 criminal background check. Applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws.
Equal Employment Opportunity The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law. The University maintains programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws. Applicants for USF employment are entitled to request reasonable accommodations in the application process. A request is to be made at least five (5) working days prior to the time the accommodation(s) is needed. Visit the Central Human Resources ADA Accommodations webpage for more information on requesting an accommodation during the application/interview process.
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) Applicants for USF employment are entitled to request reasonable accommodation(s) in the application process. A request is to be made at least five (5) working days prior to the time the accommodation(s) is needed. Visit the Central Human Resources ADA Accommodations webpage for more information on requesting an accommodation during the application/interview process.
Equal Employment Opportunity The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law. The University maintains affirmative action programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws. This job description does not constitute an employment contract.
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