Financial Aid Analyst

Job Description

• Playing a central role within an established social assistance environment, this position supports operational excellence through the comprehensive evaluation of personal financial data. The successful candidate will ensure that financial assistance and grants are allocated equitably, directly impacting the well-being of vulnerable beneficiaries.
• The role requires a unique balance of technical financial evaluation and high emotional intelligence. Acting as a critical link between applicants and decision-making committees, the individual will gather sensitive information respectfully, formulate objective grant proposals, and communicate outcomes clearly and professionally. Monday to Thursday 8.30 - 16.30, with a 14.30 finish time on Fridays. Hybrid may be available after training is complete.

Key Responsibilities

• Financial Analysis: Evaluate the overall financial health of applicants by thoroughly reviewing income, assets, debts, expenses, credit reports, and supporting financial documentation.
• Affordability Calculation: Calculate monthly disposable income accurately to assess an applicant's capacity to meet financial obligations.
• Beneficiary Engagement: Engage empathetically and professionally with beneficiaries throughout the pre-analysis information-gathering phase and the post-analysis feedback phase.
• Committee Presentations: Formulate and present data-driven grant proposals and fee-subsidy recommendations to the Case Committee and Admissions Committee on a weekly basis.
• Collaborative Consultation: Partner with Social Workers to incorporate qualitative, non-financial factors into the holistic decision-making process.
• Records Management: Maintain accurate, up-to-date electronic records of all beneficiary analyses, approved financial assistance, correspondence, and inquiries.
• Case Reviews: Proactively monitor and review shifts in beneficiaries' financial, familial, or employment circumstances to recommend necessary adjustments to existing assistance plans.
• Grant Renewals: Administer the end-to-end grant renewal process and manage all associated client communications.
• Project Support: Assist with ad-hoc welfare data projects and operational initiatives as required.

Requirements

• Proven working experience in a Financial Analyst, Financial Advisor, Credit Analyst, Personal Finance, or Debt Counsellor role.
• Demonstrated ability to analyse complex personal financial information and reconstruct personal income statements and balance sheets
• A B.Com degree with a financial or closely related major is highly advantageous but not essential.
• Strong interpersonal skills paired with a highly developed level of emotional intelligence (EQ), resilience, and maturity.
• Proven capability to manage conflict and navigate difficult or sensitive communications.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong IT literacy and adaptability.
• Credit and criminal clear