Student Finance Manager

Student Finance Manager

Location: Manchester

Reporting to: Head of Finance

Contract Type: Full-Time, Permanent

Job Purpose

The student Finance Manager is responsible for leading and developing the Student Finance function across all campuses, ensuring compliance with student funding regulations, effective management of student finance operations, and delivery of institutional funding objectives. The role provides oversight of complex student finance matters, performance management, reporting, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Management

• Lead, manage, and develop the Student Finance team across all campuses.

• Set objectives, monitor performance, and conduct regular performance reviews.

• Deliver training and coaching to ensure staff maintain up-to-date knowledge of funding regulations and processes.

• Allocate workloads and resources to ensure service standards are maintained.

Compliance & Governance

• Ensure compliance with Student Finance England (SFE), Student Loans Company (SLC), and institutional requirements.

• Lead internal and external audit activities relating to student funding.

• Develop and maintain procedures, guidance documents, and quality assurance processes.

• Identify, manage, and mitigate funding and compliance risks.

Operational Oversight

• Oversee funding application and verification activity across all campuses.

• Monitor team caseloads, funding outcomes, and service performance.

• Take ownership of the most complex, high-risk, or escalated student finance cases.

• Act as the final escalation point for student finance issues.

Reporting & Analysis

• Produce management reports on funding applications, conversion rates, funding outcomes, and compliance metrics.

• Analyse trends, risks, and operational performance.

• Make recommendations to senior management to improve funding performance and service delivery.

• Monitor KPIs and implement improvement plans where required.

Process Improvement

• Lead initiatives to improve student finance processes and student experience.

• Review operational performance and implement efficiencies.

• Work with relevant stakeholders to improve cross-departmental processes.

Accountability

The Student Finance Manager is accountable for:

• Student finance compliance.

• Team performance and productivity.

• Funding-related audits and regulatory requirements.

• Resolution of escalated and complex cases.

• Accuracy of management information and performance reporting.

• Continuous improvement of student finance services.

Key Skills & Experience

• Experience working within student finance, student services, higher education administration, or a similar management environment.

• Strong understanding of Student Finance England (SFE) processes, funding regulations, and compliance requirements.

• Experience leading teams, managing performance, and supporting staff development.

• Excellent communication, stakeholder management, and relationship-building skills.

• Strong analytical, organisational, and problem-solving skills.

• Ability to manage competing priorities, drive service improvements, and meet deadlines