Financial Aid Assistant

Department: Student Financial Services
Position covered by the Collective Agreement with USW Local 4120

If you are a current employee of the University of Guelph you must apply on the internal Career Page in order to be considered as an internal applicant. 
Career Opportunities (sapsf.com) 

• Processing provincial and territorial government student aid program applications and documentation in accordance with established policies, procedures, and service standards.
• Reviewing financial aid documentation for completeness and accuracy, identifying discrepancies, and determining appropriate follow-up requirements.
• Assessing routine eligibility requirements and completing updates within government aid systems, including OSAP and other provincial funding portals.
• Supporting the Confirmation of Enrolment process and resolving routine discrepancies related to registration and course load status.
• Processing OSAP summer extension requests and assisting with Continuation of Interest-Free Status (CIFS) applications.
• Coordinating documentation and processing activities related to Out-of-Province student aid programs.
• Assisting with administrative activities related to disability-related government funding programs, including the Bursary for Students with Disabilities (BSWD).
• Reviewing student accounts and coordinating the return of government aid funding to the National Student Loans Service Centre (NSLSC) when required.
• Responding to student, parent, and staff inquiries through in-person service, virtual meetings, email, live chat, and telephone.
• Explaining complex financial aid policies, procedures, deadlines, eligibility requirements, and funding implications in a clear and supportive manner.
• Assisting students with appeal processes, funding concerns, and documentation requirements.
• Serving as a resource to Lincoln Alexander Student Service Centre (The Linc) staff by providing guidance on financial aid processes and program requirements.
• Maintaining a thorough understanding of financial aid policies, University systems, student accounts, and government funding regulations.
• Assisting with the development and maintenance of internal resources, training materials, and procedural documentation.
• Ensuring compliance with the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA) and maintaining the confidentiality of student information.

The Student Financial Services environment is fast-paced, highly collaborative, and service-oriented. Candidates who demonstrate strong organizational skills, exceptional attention to detail, empathy, professionalism, and the ability to navigate complex policies and systems while supporting students through challenging situations will be most successful in this role.

Requirements

• Two (2) year community college diploma (undergraduate degree an asset) and a minimum of two (2) years of related front-line student service.
• Experience interpreting and applying policies, procedures, and regulations.
• Demonstrated ability to manage confidential information.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Excellent customer service, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Proven ability to explain complex information clearly to a diverse audience.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, Word, Outlook, and Teams.
• Experience working with student information systems, financial aid systems, or enterprise databases.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience administering OSAP or other provincial or territorial student financial assistance programs.
• Experience working in a post-secondary education environment.
• Experience working within strict legislative, regulatory, or policy-driven frameworks.
• Knowledge of student financial aid processes, student accounts, and enrolment procedures.
• Experience with Colleague, WebAdvisor, OSAP One-Key systems, or similar student information and financial aid platforms.

Hours of work: 35 hours per week, Monday to Friday. Occasional additional hours may be required during peak financial aid processing periods.

Employee Type: Regular 
Position Number: 10928801

Classification: USW, Local 4120 Salary: Band 5  
USW Local 4120 Wage Grid

*Tentative evaluation; subject to final review.

At the University of Guelph, fostering a culture of inclusion is an institutional imperative. The University invites and encourages applications from all qualified individuals, including from groups that are traditionally underrepresented in employment, who may contribute to further diversification of our Institution.

Posting Date: 10/21/2026  
Closing Date: 10/28/2026