Student Finance Officer

Student Finance Officer

Location: Sunderland

Reporting to: Head of Finance

Contract Type: Full-Time, Permanent

Job Purpose

The Student Finance Officer is responsible for providing specialist support and guidance to students regarding tuition fee funding and financial support. The role focuses on funding verification, case management, student advice, and ensuring student finance records are accurate and up to date.

Key Responsibilities

Student Support & Guidance

• Provide professional guidance to students regarding tuition fee funding, eligibility, and available financial support.

• Support students in understanding funding requirements, evidence submission requirements, and application timelines.

• Respond to student finance enquiries and provide timely resolutions.

• Deliver a high standard of customer service throughout the student journey.

Funding Verification & Administration

• Review and verify student funding evidence in accordance with regulatory requirements.

• Process funding-related documentation accurately and efficiently.

• Monitor funding statuses and follow up on pending or unresolved cases.

• Maintain accurate and complete student finance records and case notes.

Case Management

• Manage a portfolio of student finance cases from application through to resolution.

• Assist students with funding-related issues, including evidence queries, eligibility concerns, and routine appeals.

• Escalate complex, exceptional, or high-risk cases to the Student Finance Manager where appropriate.

• Liaise with relevant stakeholders to resolve student queries.

Compliance & Data Quality

• Ensure all activities are undertaken in accordance with institutional procedures and funding regulations.

• Support audit requests by maintaining accurate records and documentation.

• Maintain confidentiality and comply with GDPR and data protection requirements.

Accountability

The Student Finance Officer is accountable for:

• Accuracy of funding verification and student finance records.

• Timely processing of student finance activities.

• Quality and accuracy of information provided to students.

• Effective management of assigned caseloads.

• Escalation of complex cases and risks in a timely manner.

Key Skills & Experience

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

• Good understanding of Student Finance England (SFE) processes and funding requirements.

• Experience managing caseloads and resolving student enquiries.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

• Strong attention to detail and organisational skills.

• Ability to prioritise workload and meet deadlines