Carol Smith
Mesa,AZ
Summary
Results-driven Financial Aid Officer with extensive experience in student advising, eligibility review, and records management. Expertise in communication, problem-solving, and regulatory compliance. Committed to guiding students through financial aid options and ensuring accurate processing. Strong multitasking and time management skills enhance the ability to support organizational goals and deliver positive experiences.
Overview
29
29
years of professional experience
Work History
Financial Aid Officer
Olympus Inc
Tempe, Arizona
04.2018 - 09.2025
- Reviewed financial aid applications to ensure compliance and verified student eligibility for aid at Olympus Inc..
- Monitored federal, state, and institutional aid compliance for Olympus Inc.
- Interpreted FAFSA information and updated award packages in Olympus Inc. records.
- Guided students through grant, loan, and scholarship choices at Olympus Inc..
- Processed verification paperwork and maintained accurate aid files to support student funding at Olympus Inc..
- Coordinated with admissions, the bursar, and the registrar teams at Olympus Inc.
- Addressed student inquiries regarding aid status, appeals, and payment plans to enhance student understanding and access.
- Updated student information in financial aid systems and confidential databases.
- Processed loan account payments accurately and efficiently.
Customer Service Representative
Centene Corporation
Tempe, Arizona
09.2017 - 04.2018
- Delivered timely resolutions to customer complaints, enhancing overall satisfaction.
- Resolved customer calls about claims, billing, and service issues.
- Responded to customer inquiries, ensuring accurate information on products and services.
- Guided Centene health plan members through benefits, eligibility, and enrollment processes.
- Documented member interactions in Centene customer systems and case notes.
- Followed HIPAA guidelines while handling sensitive member information.
- Remained calm and professional in stressful circumstances and effectively diffused tense situations.
Financial Aid Assistant
Studio Academy of Beauty
Chandler, Arizona
08.2016 - 08.2017
- Reviewed FAFSA forms and verified financial aid documents for accuracy.
- Explained aid eligibility, payment plans, funding options, ensuring students understood financial responsibilities.
- Guided students through award letters and loan counseling steps.
- Evaluated student applications for completeness and accuracy before submission.
- Resolved discrepancies between reported family income levels on tax returns and those stated on FAFSA forms, facilitating accurate financial aid assessments.
- Monitored missing documents and followed up with students, ensuring timely completion of financial aid applications.
- Assisted Studio Academy of Beauty students with financial aid applications and paperwork.
Assistant Director of Financial Aid
ITS and Olympian Cosmetology
Tempe, Arizona
05.2006 - 09.2015
- Managed packaging, awarding, and adjustment of student financial aid.
- Reviewed FAFSA files and verified student eligibility for aid awards.
- Monitored compliance with federal, state, and institutional regulations related to student financial aid.
- Advised students and families on funding options and repayment rules.
- Monitored SAP status and coordinated follow-up with students.
- Processed verification documents and resolved incomplete aid applications.
- Maintained compliance records and supported audit preparation for regulators.
Front End Associate
Walmart
Chandler, Arizona
04.1996 - 06.1999
- Greeted customers warmly at Walmart entrance and answered front-end questions to create a welcoming atmosphere.
- Operated cash registers and processed Walmart checkout transactions.
- Trained new front-end associates on checkout procedures and customer service best practices to enhance team performance.
- Handled returns, exchanges, and customer service desk requests to ensure customer satisfaction.
- Bagged merchandise efficiently at checkout to ensure quick customer service. merchandise and organized cart areas for customer flow.
- Maintained front-end cleanliness and stocked register supplies.
- Followed Walmart policies for cash handling and loss prevention.
- Performed daily opening and closing procedure according to standard operating procedure.
Education
High School Diploma -
Canfield High School
Canfield, OH06-1967
Skills
- Financial aid packaging
- FAFSA review
- Student eligibility
- Title IV compliance
- SAP monitoring
- Financial aid systems
- Student advising
Timeline
Financial Aid Officer
Olympus Inc
04.2018 - 09.2025
Customer Service Representative
Centene Corporation
09.2017 - 04.2018
Financial Aid Assistant
Studio Academy of Beauty
08.2016 - 08.2017
Assistant Director of Financial Aid
ITS and Olympian Cosmetology
05.2006 - 09.2015
Front End Associate
Walmart
04.1996 - 06.1999
High School Diploma -
Canfield High School