Student Finance Officer

Job Title: Student Finance Officer

Company: Victoria College of Arts and Design

Location: On-site at Arthur House, Chorlton street, Manchester, M1 3FH

Salary: £26,450- £27,000 PA

Hours: Full Time: 9am – 5pm, Monday-Friday Occasional weekend and evening work required.

Department: Registry Services

Reporting to: Student Finance Lead

About us

Victoria College of Arts and Design (VCAD) provides higher education teaching and learning in the arts, design, creative industries and business fields. Our goal is to guide and support our students on their journey to becoming successful individuals and citizens. We strive to offer the best services and resources available to ensure that our students are well-prepared for graduate-level employment within the creative industries or any other aspect of the world of work. From enrolment to graduation, we are dedicated to nurturing our students' growth, fostering their creative and critical skills and equipping them with the confidence and abilities needed to excel in a professional environment. Whether through the dedication of our lecturers and support staff, our outstanding facilities, or our network of industry connections, Victoria College of Arts and Design is committed to helping and mentoring our students so that they achieve their personal goals and build themselves sustainable and fulfilling careers.

Position Overview:

VCAD is seeking a Student Finance Officer to join our Manchester Campus. The successful candidate will provide high-quality student finance support to our students throughout their academic journey. The role requires an individual with excellent communication and organisational skills and the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment. The role holder is responsible for providing students with guidance and support regarding their financial aid, with a primary focus on Student Finance England applications.

Responsibilities:

The key responsibilities of the position of Student Finance Officer include:

• Support in the delivery of all student finance related activities.
• Provide comprehensive guidance to students on their financial aid options, particularly with Student Finance England applications.
• Provide professional advice and information to current and prospective students.
• Process eligibility declarations after student interviews and maintain accurate records.
• Stay updated with student finance regulations.
• Support the development and enhancement of Student Finance systems and processes.
• Advise on tuition fees, payments, registration, funds, and bursaries
• Collaborate with departments like Registry, Admissions and Student Support for efficient financial processing and timely confirmation of student attendance.
• Signpost and refer students to appropriate services within and outside the University.
• Serve as the main point of contact between the university and its partner institutions regarding student finance, ensuring effective communication and coordination.
• Participate in student inductions, preparing materials to simplify the finance process and explaining financial aid options.
• Handle student finance enquiries on campus, by phone and via email.
• Ensure accurate and timely processing of all communications and documentation related to student finance.
• Provide support for any other associated duties as requested by the Student Finance Lead or Head of Student Experience and Outcomes.

Requirements:

Essential / Desirable: (E) (D)

(where required, training and professional development will be provided to the successful applicant by VCAD, to facilitate their ability to deliver the responsibilities of this role to an excellent standard)

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, or equivalent professional experience. (D)
• Experience in student or academic administration within higher education. (D)
• Excellent customer service and communication skills, with the ability to build strong relationships. (E)
• Strong organisational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage competing demands. (E)
• Experience working under pressure and managing priorities. (E)
• Experience providing advice to students and applicants. (E)
• Excellent interpersonal skills and effective communication abilities. (E)
• High degree of accuracy and attention to detail. (E)
• Flexibility to work occasional evenings and weekends. (E)
• Strong IT skills, including proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, especially Excel, and familiarity with student management systems. (E)
• Commitment to upholding the values and policies of VCAD and partner universities. (E)

Benefits:

• Annual leave (7.2 weeks)
• Workplace pension scheme.
• Company Sick Pay.
• Statutory maternity and paternity pay.
• Employee Assistance Programme (HA Wisdom Wellbeing)
• Virtual GP access (Livi)
• 'Speak Up Service' - confidential support service to report any workplace concerns
• Specialist physical and mental wellbeing support services with 24/7 confidential counselling support (Wisdom)
• Specialist menopause support, including online CBT (Wisdom)
• Financial, legal and medical advice services provided (Wisdom)
• Life & Leadership coaching (Wisdom)
• Financial coaching (MUNNY)
• Discounts and perks, offering savings on shopping, activities and more (Bright Exchange)
• Career development and training opportunities.
• Training and self-development opportunities.

If you are passionate about supporting students in their academic journey and have the skills and experience required for this role, we encourage you to apply.

Join our team at Victoria College of Arts and Design and help make a positive impact on the lives of our students.