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- Tasks: Lead the student fees team and manage income streams in a dynamic higher education environment.
- Company: A respected organisation in the higher education sector with a focus on student experience.
- Benefits: 50% hybrid working, significant influence, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Shape processes and make a real impact on student financial experiences.
- Qualifications: Experience in managing high-value income and leading teams in complex environments.
- Other info: Collaborate with senior leaders and contribute to strategic initiatives.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 ÂŁ per year.
A leading organisation within the higher education sector is seeking an experienced and collaborative leader to take ownership of its student fees and income management function. This is a pivotal role within a large and complex environment, offering the opportunity to shape processes, lead a high‑performing team, and influence strategic decision‑making at senior level. With annual student and sponsor fee income exceeding £500m, this position plays a critical part in safeguarding financial performance, ensuring regulatory compliance, and delivering an excellent experience for students and stakeholders.
Your new role: As the senior lead for student fees, you will oversee the full lifecycle of fee charging, collection and debt management. You will act as the organisation's subject matter expert, providing guidance to leaders, governance groups and academic departments.
Key responsibilities include:
- Leading the Fees team, ensuring effective resource planning, performance management, and ongoing training and development
- Maintaining oversight of all processes and systems relating to student fees, ensuring accuracy, efficiency and a positive student/sponsor experience
- Monitoring financial exposure and debt performance, identifying risks and implementing appropriate actions
- Providing specialist advice on tuition fee regulations, policy changes and compliance requirements
- Supporting the design and development of fee‑related policy, including impact analysis and implementation planning
- Producing and interpreting management information to inform senior stakeholders and drive decision‑making
- Overseeing the integrity of systems such as Banner and SAP to ensure accurate and timely charging
- Managing the allocation of incoming payments and ensuring robust financial controls
- Regulating and monitoring debt collection activity, including oversight of third‑party agencies and solicitors
- Acting as the escalation point for complex student cases, ensuring fair and compliant resolution
- Ensuring PCI‑DSS compliance within the Fees team
- Leading the production of clear tuition fee and payment guidance for applicants and students
- Contributing to wider Student Finance and service‑level projects, deputising for the Head of Student Finance when required
What you'll need to succeed: You will bring a blend of financial expertise, leadership capability and the ability to navigate a complex regulatory environment. Essential experience includes:
- Proven experience managing high‑value income streams and debt within a regulated or complex organisation
- Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret detailed financial and qualitative information
- Demonstrable experience leading and motivating teams, with a focus on service delivery and stakeholder engagement
- The resilience and drive to lead change, improve processes and deliver results
- Ability to interpret and respond to regulatory developments, identifying risk and proposing pragmatic solutions
- Experience building collaborative partnerships and influencing across organisational structures
- A track record of translating strategy into operational delivery
- Confidence handling escalated or contentious cases, including those involving legal processes
What you'll get in return: You'll join a respected organisation within the higher education sector, taking on a role with significant influence, visibility and impact. You will work alongside senior leaders, contribute to strategic initiatives, and lead a team committed to delivering an excellent student experience. 50% Hybrid working agreement.
What you need to do now: If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now. If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career.
Student Fees Manager employer: Hays Accountancy and Finance
Contact Detail:
Hays Accountancy and Finance Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Student Fees Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the higher education sector and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a role that’s perfect for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation thoroughly. Understand their values, recent developments, and challenges they face in student fees management. This will help you tailor your responses and show you’re genuinely interested.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your leadership stories! Be ready to share examples of how you've successfully led teams or managed complex projects. Highlight your ability to influence decision-making and drive results, as these are key in this role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Student Fees Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the job description. Highlight your financial expertise and leadership capabilities, as these are key for the Student Fees Manager role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Use your cover letter to tell us why you're the perfect fit for this position. Share specific examples of how you've managed high-value income streams and led teams in complex environments.
Showcase Your Analytical Skills: Since strong analytical skills are essential, include instances where you've interpreted financial data or navigated regulatory changes. This will demonstrate your ability to handle the responsibilities of the role.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hays Accountancy and Finance
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Student Fees Manager, you'll be dealing with significant financial figures. Brush up on your understanding of student fees, income management, and debt performance metrics. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully managed high-value income streams in the past.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
This role requires strong leadership capabilities. Prepare examples of how you've led teams effectively, focusing on performance management and training. Highlight any experiences where you motivated your team to achieve service delivery goals.
✨Understand Regulatory Compliance
Familiarise yourself with tuition fee regulations and compliance requirements. Be prepared to discuss how you've navigated complex regulatory environments in previous roles and how you can ensure compliance within the Fees team.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions about handling escalated or contentious cases. Think of specific examples where you've resolved complex issues, especially those involving legal processes. This will demonstrate your resilience and problem-solving skills.
