The Federal Family Education Loan Program (FFELP), established by the Higher Education Act (HEA) of 1965, enabled private lenders to offer student loans that were guaranteed by the government. While the FFEL program officially ended in 2010, ASA continues to manage a significant FFELP portfolio, ensuring its financial sustainability and borrower satisfaction.

As part of a dynamic and impactful team, the Senior Financial Analyst will report directly to the Senior Director of Finance. This individual will play a critical role in driving ASA’s financial planning and analysis (FP&A), borrower services, and operational compliance, ensuring that our organization continues to meet its financial and strategic goals while safeguarding the interests of our borrowers.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS (e.g., in order to be considered to perform this position, the person must be able to perform essential duties and responsibilities listed below):

Financial Planning & Analysis:

• Lead the modeling and analysis of FFEL revenue projections, ensuring accuracy and timely updates in the FP&A system.
• Assist with the development of financial budgets and forecasts for operating and programmatic expenses by business area.
• Partner with teams across ASA to understand operational and programmatic initiatives, providing insights to inform future forecasts.
• Maintain financial budgets and forecasts for operating and programmatic expenses by business area.
• Act as a shared resource to communicate key financial data and analysis to stakeholders.
• Assist with compiling Board materials, as needed.
• Build and maintain financial models that support strategic decision-making at the Senior Leadership level.
• Compare and analyze actuals versus budget monthly; prepare variance analysis, identify trends, and collaborate with business partners to adjust forecasts as needed.
• Assist with multi-year expense budgeting and forecasting efforts.
• Tracks and reports on contracted, committed, actual, and capitalized expenditures.
• Reviews contractual financial terms to ensure accurate accounting and recordkeeping.
• Assists with sources and uses forecasting for corporate liquidity
• Subject matter expert for ASA’s financial planning tool, Adaptive insights; continually assesses functionality and makes recommendations for systemic improvements which drive efficiencies
• Support the ongoing maintenance of the financial planning and analysis system, Adaptive Planning.
• Support the Accounting team during monthly, quarterly, and year-end close processes
• Evaluate existing policies and procedures and make recommendations which help drive adoption, efficiency, and effectiveness throughout the organization.
• Backup support to other functional areas within Finance, as needed

Guarantor FFEL Operations:

• Serve as the primary liaison to ASA’s guarantor services provider, ECMC, to ensure high-quality service for ASA’s borrower population, in line with the Guaranty Services Agreement.
• Actively engage in regular update and discussion forums between ASA and ECMC.
• Monitor the ECMC QuickBase Compliant Management Portal to ensure effective management of borrower complaints and disputes.
• Advocate for ASA borrowers by researching and resolving disputes, ensuring fair treatment and positive outcomes.
• Review and approve borrower settlement offers in accordance with established guidelines; escalate matters beyond personal approval authority to senior management.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to improve ASA’s FFELP operations, identifying potential risks and process improvements.
• Assist with the compilation, analysis, and submission of required financial reports to the Department of Education.
• Ensure claims are processed and paid accurately and efficiently.

Experience:

• 5-10 years of progressive experience in financial analysis and budgeting/forecasting/financial operations, with a strong preference for candidates with Federal Family Education Loan Program (FFELP) experience.
• Experience in a multi-channel service delivery environment.
• Experience with various accounting/finance functions (i.e. Accounts Payable, payroll, General Ledger, Purchasing, etc.)
• Experience managing complex projects.
• Proven track record of managing third-party outsourced partnerships.
• Expertise in dispute resolution and negotiation, with a history of successfully managing complex borrower-related issues.
• Demonstrated ability to prepare customized business and customer communications in both written and verbal formats.
• Strong knowledge and demonstrated experience with the Microsoft Office Suite and other financial technologies.

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, or related field

Skills:

• Solution-based problem solving
• Strong business acumen and ability to work cross-functionally
• Ability to conceptualize and build complex financial models
• Ability to work independently with minimal oversight, or as part of a broader team
• Exceptional communication skills, with the ability to tailor messages for various audiences, especially as it pertains to articulating accounting/financial information to non-technical colleagues
• Strong business writing skills, particularly in managing detailed borrower interactions across multiple communication channels.
• Ability to streamline functions and passion to learn and grow
• Proven leadership abilities and experience in managing complex tasks independently.
• Advanced financial analysis and reporting capabilities.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.
• Experience in case management, handling complex borrower issues and working towards timely resolutions.
• Attention to detail, with the ability to stay organized in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
• Proven relationship-building skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with both internal and external stakeholders.
• Strong research capabilities to gather insights and develop well-informed recommendations.
• A professional and positive work ethic, contributing to a collaborative team environment.
• An entrepreneurial mindset, with the ability to take the initiative and solve problems proactively.
• A solid understanding of student loan regulations and industry best practices is strongly desired.