As a basis for the establishment of meaningful training programs for community college financial aid administrators, presidents, financial aid administrators, and student aid recipients at 45 California community colleges were surveyed in regard to the attributes and competencies deemed essential for this position. The survey instrument contained 121 professional competencies on a five-point scale; respondents scored the degree of importance of each competency to the job. Scores were compared for variance among three college sizes and the three respondent groups. Professional competence in management, human relations, and coordination of several varying programs were placed high in importance by all respondents. Students found counseling techniques more important than did presidents or administrators. Knowledge of finance laws and the ability to represent students with alumni groups and at board meetings were also rated high by students. Of those surveyed, financial aide administrators felt solicitation and acknowledgement of gifts, arbitration of student personnel problems, and other problem solving was more essential. The presidents tended to rate these public relations tasks lower than other respondents. (MJK)