Sr. Operations Analyst, Student Finance

Overview

This role is responsible for driving end-to-end operational excellence across the Student Financial lifecycle, including Financial Aid Management, Billing and Receivables, and Payment and Cash Operations.

The position operates as an embedded optimization leader within Student Finance—combining hands-on processing expertise (25%) with advanced analytics, systems optimization, and automation (75%). Key accountabilities include designing, implementing, and scaling solutions that improve efficiency, system utilization, data accuracy, and student experience.

Responsibilities

Embedded Operations & Financial Systems Expertise

• Perform processing across Student Finance functions to maintain operational fluency and support priority workloads.
• Serve as a cross-functional subject matter expert across Student Financial Aid, Billing, and Payment systems.
• Execute and validate complex financial transactions, ensuring data integrity across systems.
• Support escalations and exception handling requiring deep system knowledge.

Systems Optimization & Automation Leadership

• Lead optimization of Student Financial systems and workflows.
• Design and implement automation solutions using Power Automate (or other automation and AI platforms), Power Query, and reporting tools.
• Partner with IT to define system requirements and enhancements.
• Drive improvements in audit, reconciliation, and compliance processes.
• Eliminate manual work through automation and process redesign.
• Partner with operational leaders to identify opportunities for AI-driven operational improvements.

Data, Reporting & Operational Intelligence

• Analyze data across systems to identify trends and risks.
• Develop KPI dashboards, operational scorecards, and performance monitoring frameworks that support management decision-making.
• Support capacity planning, workload forecasting, and scalability assessments across Student Finance operations.
• Establish data validation and monitoring frameworks.

Process Engineering & Continuous Improvement

• Map and redesign workflows using visualization tools to improve efficiency and scalability; maintain SOPs and process documentation using best practices.
• Apply design thinking, systems thinking, and data-driven methodologies to identify root causes and develop sustainable solutions.
• Conduct process experiments, pilots, and proof-of-concepts to validate proposed operational improvements and emerging technologies.
• Support project planning, requirements gathering, user acceptance testing, implementation activities, and post-launch performance measurement.
• Evaluate emerging technologies and industry best practices and recommend solutions that improve organizational effectiveness and student experience.
• Drive measurable improvements in performance metrics.

Cross-Functional Integration & Execution

• Act as a liaison between Student Finance, IT, and Operations teams.
• Support project execution and ensure successful implementation.
• Contribute to training and change management efforts.
• Facilitate workshops and discovery sessions to translate business needs into digital capabilities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Information Systems, or related field.
• 4–6+ years of experience in student finance operations or process optimization.
• Experience with systems such as Banner, Salesforce, & ProSAM or other Financial Aid Management systems.
• Experience with Federal Student Aid, 3rd party billing, and VA web-based applications.
• Maintain access to federal systems, which requires no defaulted federal student loans.
• Strong technical proficiency in Excel, Power Query, Power Automate, and Power BI or equivalent technologies.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work independently.
• Demonstrated ability to quickly learn and adapt to new technologies, systems, and tools in a fast-paced, evolving environment.
• This job will be posted for 60 days from the posting date.

Compensation & Benefits

Full-time colleagues may have access to benefit options including:

• 401k with up to 6% company match
• Tuition assistance and career development opportunities
• Remote & hybrid opportunities
• Comprehensive health coverage (medical, dental, vision, and mental health)
• Generous paid time off, including parental leave and volunteer time off
• FSA/HSA options, disability & life insurance

Benefits vary based on employment status.

Location

Remote & hybrid opportunities are available.