Kaitlyn Cross
Madison Heights
Summary
Dynamic professional with extensive experience in navigating complex financial aid and VA regulations, providing comprehensive support to staff and students. Proven ability to leverage effective communication and problem-solving skills to fulfill job requirements efficiently. Demonstrated success in fostering collaborative environments while maintaining flexibility to adapt to evolving needs. Committed to enhancing operational effectiveness and ensuring a positive experience for all interested parties.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Senior Financial Aid Advisor – Military Expert
HERZING UNIVERSITY
MILWAUKEE, WI
01.2023 - Current
- Process and review student financial aid applications (FAFSA, institutional forms) for accuracy and completeness.
- Determine student eligibility for federal, state, and institutional financial aid programs.
- Verify documentation, including income, tax returns, and eligibility requirements, to support award determinations.
- Maintain accurate student records in financial aid databases, ensuring data integrity and reporting accuracy.
- Collaborate with Registrar, Alumni Support, and Student Accounts departments to resolve financial aid discrepancies.
- Stay current on changes to federal and state financial aid regulations and institutional policies.
- Participate in staff training and cross-functional projects to improve financial aid operations.
- Execute timely and accurate enrollment certification for VA benefits, ensuring eligible students receive proper financial support.
- Prepare and process regular invoices to request VA benefit payments, maintaining accuracy and adherence to deadlines.
- Provide guidance and support to Financial Aid staff regarding VA, Federal Tuition Assistance, and institutional military funding programs by reviewing complex student files, interpreting policies, and troubleshooting issues.
- Assist with the military funding email inbox, responding to inquiries from students, internal staff, and external entities with professionalism and timeliness.
- Collaborate with Financial Aid Advisors to deliver personalized guidance to military students regarding funding options
- Support annual VA Compliance Surveys, including preparation of documentation.
- Participate in training sessions for new Financial Aid employees on military funding processes and VA benefits administration.
- Participate in testing for system enhancements, executing end-user testing and providing feedback for software releases.
- Identify opportunities for process improvements, policy updates, and enhanced support methods for military students.
Senior Financial Aid Advisor
HERZING UNIVERSITY
MILWAUKEE, WI
12.2021 - 01.2023
- Assist students with applying for financial aid progressing them from enrollment through to graduation
- Coordinate with Admissions, Registration, Alumni Support, Student Accounts and Student Services to provide accurate information and friendly customer service to student
- Conduct inbound and outbound calls with students
- Assist students with completing the FAFSA, Entrance Counseling and the Master Promissory Note, submitting scholarship documentation and other aid applications
- Collection of requested verification and financial aid documentation for review
- Review documentation for completion of verification, award adjustments, and other financial aid processes
- Counsel students on financial literacy and student loan debt
- Assist as back-up to Military Specialist and field peer questions related to military benefits, documentation, processes and packaging
Financial Aid Advisor
HERZING UNIVERSITY
MILWAUKEE, WI
03.2019 - 12.2021
- Assist students with applying for financial aid progressing them from enrollment through to graduation
- Coordinate with Admissions, Registration, Alumni Support, Student Accounts and Student Services to provide accurate information and friendly customer service to student
- Conduct inbound and outbound calls with students
- Assist students with completing financial aid documentation and other requirements
- Review documentation for completion of verification, award adjustments, and other financial aid processes
- Counsel students on financial literacy and student loan debt
- Assist as back-up to Military Specialist and field peer questions related to military benefits, documentation, processes and packaging
Financial Aid Contact Consultant
REGENT UNIVERSITY
VIRGINIA BEACH, VA
08.2017 - 06.2018
- Educate current and prospective students in financial aid requirements and processes
- Notify students of federal, state, and institutional aid based on eligibility requirements
- Assist students in problem solving and troubleshooting issues with financial aid account
Financial Aid Compliance Analyst
LIBERTY UNIVERSITY
LYNCHBURG, VA
07.2016 - 07.2017
- Analyze, compare and disseminate mass amounts of information
- Review, analyze and flag student accounts for potential fraudulent activity
- Approve/deny documentation submitted by students for review
- Organize identified fraudulent student information and report to Office of Inspector General
Financial Aid Contact Center Agent
LIBERTY UNIVERSITY
LYNCHBURG, VA
02.2012 - 06.2016
- Educate current and prospective students in financial aid requirements and processes
- Notify students of federal, state, and institutional aid based on eligibility requirements
- Assist students in problem solving and troubleshooting issues with financial aid accounts
- Consistently train and stay updated with changing financial aid information
- Provide professional and polite customer service to students
Education
Bachelor of Science - Interdisciplinary Studies
LIBERTY UNIVERSITY
LYNCHBURG, VA05-2022
Skills
- VA Benefits Administration & Compliance
- Military Funding Programs & Federal Tuition Assistance
- Financial Aid Process Optimization
- Student Support & Counseling
- Policy Interpretation & Issue Resolution
- Process Improvement & Efficiency
- Reporting
Certification
SCO Certification
Professional Judgement Certification
Timeline
Senior Financial Aid Advisor – Military Expert
HERZING UNIVERSITY
01.2023 - Current
Senior Financial Aid Advisor
HERZING UNIVERSITY
12.2021 - 01.2023
Financial Aid Advisor
HERZING UNIVERSITY
03.2019 - 12.2021
Financial Aid Contact Consultant
REGENT UNIVERSITY
08.2017 - 06.2018
Financial Aid Compliance Analyst
LIBERTY UNIVERSITY
07.2016 - 07.2017
Financial Aid Contact Center Agent
LIBERTY UNIVERSITY
02.2012 - 06.2016
Bachelor of Science - Interdisciplinary Studies
LIBERTY UNIVERSITY