At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide friendly financial services to students and staff, processing payments and support applications.
- Company: Join a supportive college environment focused on student success.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, full-time hours, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team with excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives by helping them access financial support.
- Qualifications: Customer service skills and a passion for helping others.
The predicted salary is between 25878 - 29729 € per year.
Provide professional and efficient front line financial customer services for staff, students and visitors of the College, accurately receiving, processing and reconciling cash or card payments for fees and additional costs received by the College.
Provide a friendly and approachable service to students, their parents and carers who are applying for support under one of the College’s student financial support funds, processing student support funds applications and administering the resulting awards, communicating the outcomes to students and College departments via telephone, email and post as applicable, in accordance with College policies, procedures and guidelines and any relevant legislation.
Main Responsibilities and Duties
- Provide financial services for students, staff, visitors and all College stakeholders, handling and processing cash, cheques and credit card payments for courses and trips.
- Receive and process applications for student financial funds, including providing funding and bursary information and advice to students and parents/guardians as required.
- Accept and check financial support applications ensuring all of the necessary and essential information is provided by the student.
- Maintain financial records for audit purposes and ensure that all financial transactions are completed in accordance with College Financial policies and processes.
- Provide a welcoming and friendly customer focused service to students, parents/guardians and staff, processing petty cash, hardship payments and bus passes following the College financial procedures.
- Act as the initial point of enquiry for students and new applicants, directing them to the most appropriate college department or referring them internally to a member of the Threshold Services Team.
- Support the work of the Student Financial Support team, providing concise accurate information whilst remaining within professional boundaries and knowledge.
- Assess household income and make initial decisions on awards against set criteria, providing printed information on the support available to College students and processing applications and other paperwork as required.
- Attend open evenings, open days and careers fairs as required to promote the services available within the College Student Finance desk.
- Support the department by being a consistent customer facing presence becoming someone students recognise and trust.
- Provide telephone and face to face advice on the most appropriate fund for students to apply to, keeping accurate and detailed records of interactions with applicants and the outcomes.
- Support the department at Open Evenings by providing information on support facilities to potential students and their parents/carers.
- Participate in the planning and delivery of campaigns to raise awareness of the available funds.
- Liaise with Job Centre Plus, Social Services, Foster Parents, Connexions and other external agencies, in order to assist students as required.
- Proactively work with the College Personal Developments Tutors and other college support services to identify students who are at risk or vulnerable and can be supported financially.
- Work with departments to identify students who require support to assist them in applying for funds.
- All post holders will be required trained to act as Fire Marshals and First Aiders.
Application Requirements
- A full employment history from the time you left full-time education, with details of any gaps in employment explained.
- Information on all relevant education and qualifications.
- Please note, incomplete applications will not be considered.
Your co-operation helps us maintain the highest standards of safety and care for children and young people.
Student Finance Officer employer: MidKent College
MidKent College is an exceptional employer that prioritises a supportive and inclusive work culture, making it an ideal place for those passionate about student finance and welfare. Located at the Maidstone Campus, employees benefit from a collaborative environment that encourages professional growth through training and development opportunities, while also enjoying competitive compensation and a commitment to work-life balance. The College's dedication to providing meaningful financial support to students ensures that staff play a vital role in shaping the educational journey of many, fostering a sense of purpose and community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Student Finance Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the College inside out! Familiarise yourself with their financial support services and policies. This way, when you chat with them, you can show off your knowledge and passion for helping students.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your customer service skills! Role-play scenarios where you help students with their financial queries. Being friendly and approachable is key, so let your personality shine through in every interaction.
✨Tip Number 3
Network like a pro! Attend open evenings and career fairs to meet potential colleagues and learn more about the role. It’s a great way to make connections and show your enthusiasm for the position.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team and ready to contribute to the College's mission.
We think you need these skills to ace Student Finance Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Clear and Concise:When filling out your application, make sure to keep your answers clear and to the point. We want to see your skills and experiences shine through without any fluff!
Show Your Customer Service Skills:Since this role is all about providing top-notch customer service, highlight any relevant experience you have in dealing with students or the public. We love seeing examples of how you've made a positive impact!
Follow the Guidelines:Make sure you read the job description carefully and follow any specific instructions for the application. We appreciate attention to detail and it shows us you’re serious about the role!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the position. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at MidKent College
✨Know Your Financial Stuff
Make sure you brush up on financial policies and procedures relevant to the role. Familiarise yourself with common student financial support funds and how they work, as this will show your understanding of the position and impress the interviewers.
✨Practice Your Customer Service Skills
Since this role involves a lot of interaction with students and parents, practice your customer service approach. Think about how you would handle different scenarios, especially tricky ones, and be ready to demonstrate your friendly and approachable nature during the interview.
✨Prepare for Common Questions
Anticipate questions related to handling cash transactions, processing applications, and providing financial advice. Prepare specific examples from your past experiences that highlight your skills in these areas, as this will help you stand out.
✨Show Your Team Spirit
This role requires collaboration with various departments and external agencies. Be ready to discuss how you've worked effectively in teams before and how you can contribute to a supportive environment at the College.
