At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Student Finance team to support students with financial aid and bursaries.
- Company: Newham College London, a key player in local education and community development.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, inclusive of London weighting, and opportunities for career progression.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives by ensuring access to financial support.
- Qualifications: Experience in student finance and strong customer service skills required.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
About Us:
Newham College London, now merged with NewVIc Sixth Form College, is the largest post-16 education provider in Newham. With campuses in East Ham, Stratford, Plaistow, and the London City Institute of Technology (LCIoT) in Canning Town, we serve over 11,000 students across a range of pathways – including 16–18 study, adult education, apprenticeships, and higher education. With over 800 staff, four main campuses, and an annual turnover of £60 million, Newham College is one of the borough’s largest employers and plays a key role in driving local economic and community development.
The Role:
The Student Finance Manager is a key role within the Student Finance team, responsible for the effective administration, promotion, and delivery of student financial support. The role provides leadership and oversight of the College’s student bursary scheme and student finance provision, including Advanced Learner Loans, Advanced Learner Plans, Higher Education student finance, and the Lifelong Learning Entitlement (LLE). The post-holder will ensure that financial support is accessible, equitable, and fully compliant with funding body regulations, supporting student retention, progression, and success.
Key responsibilities:
- Lead and manage the team to deliver an efficient, accurate, and student-focused service.
- Oversee the administration of student finance, including bursaries, loans, grants, scholarships, fee assessments, and hardship support.
- Ensure full compliance with DfE, SLC, and other funding body regulations and requirements.
- Act as the subject matter expert on student finance policies, procedures, and regulations.
- Develop, implement, and review student finance policies, processes, and internal controls.
- Monitor student finance and bursary budgets, forecast expenditure, and produce management reports and KPIs.
- Work collaboratively with admissions, curriculum, MIS, finance, and student services teams to ensure a seamless student journey.
- Support external audits, funding audits, and student finance data returns, ensuring accuracy and timeliness.
- Promote access to financial support in line with widening participation and student success priorities.
Our Ideal candidate should have the following qualifications, skills and experience:
- Significant experience administering student financial support within an FE, HE, or similarly regulated environment.
- Level 2 English and maths qualification.
- Degree or professional qualification in finance, business, or public administration.
- In-depth knowledge of 19+ Advanced Learner Loans, HE student finance, and current or future developments such as the Lifelong Learning Entitlement.
- Experience managing discretionary bursary or hardship funds, including assessment and budget monitoring.
- Strong understanding of student funding regulations and compliance requirements.
- Excellent customer service skills, with the ability to communicate clearly and empathetically with students from diverse backgrounds.
- Strong organisational, analytical, and problem-solving skills with high attention to detail and accuracy.
Safeguarding of Children and Vulnerable Adults:
In line with Keeping Children Safe in Education, all employment offers are subject to employment checks. These include (some of which are dependent on the role and the individual): Enhanced DBS including Children’s Barred List check, DfE teaching/management Barred List check, online searches, overseas criminal record check, evidence of identity and Right to Work in the UK, satisfactory references, confirmation of medical fitness, evidence of relevant qualifications and a check of previous employment history. The College is committed to safeguarding and promotes the welfare of all learners and expects its staff to share this commitment. You will be required to become familiar with the College's policies, and comply with the requirements to safeguard and protect the welfare of children and young people and vulnerable adults. All staff are asked to complete mandatory training in relation to KCSIE and other key areas, and to read the relevant policies.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion:
The College has a strong commitment to working towards the implementation of equality of opportunity in both service delivery and employment. The College’s mission and strategic objectives directly support this aim. All employees are required to actively support the development, dissemination and implementation of this aim and related policies and programmes.
Recruitment Process:
The email account you use to apply will be used for all recruitment communication. Please ensure that you use an email account that you regularly monitor. All application forms must be fully completed, including a full record of education and employment history. Incomplete applications will not be considered for shortlisting. The salary for this position is inclusive of London weighting. Please note that we advertise our salaries on a range to indicate the trajectory of progression that can be made. Appointments are usually made at the start of the salary range. We regret that we are unable to respond to every application. Therefore, if you do not hear from us within four weeks of the closing date, please assume your application has not been successful. We reserve the right to close the vacancy early, should we receive sufficient applications.
Closing Date: 03/05/2026
Interview Date: TBC
Student Finance Manager employer: Newham College London
Newham College London is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that prioritises student success and community engagement. With a commitment to professional development, employees benefit from numerous growth opportunities while working in a supportive environment that values diversity and inclusion. Located in the heart of Newham, staff enjoy the advantages of being part of a large educational institution dedicated to making a meaningful impact on the lives of over 11,000 students.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Student Finance Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at Newham College on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching common questions for finance roles in education. We recommend practising your answers with a friend or in front of the mirror to boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for student finance! During interviews, share specific examples of how you've helped students in the past. This will highlight your commitment to their success.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team!
We think you need these skills to ace Student Finance Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Thorough with Your Application:Make sure to fill out every section of the application form completely. We want to see your full education and employment history, so don’t leave anything out!
Show Off Your Skills:Highlight your experience in student finance and any relevant qualifications. We’re looking for someone who knows their stuff, so make sure to showcase your expertise!
Keep It Professional:While we love a friendly tone, remember to keep your language professional. This is a key role, and we want to see that you can communicate effectively in a formal setting.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure it gets to us safely and is considered for the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Newham College London
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on student finance policies and regulations, especially those related to Advanced Learner Loans and the Lifelong Learning Entitlement. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you're not just familiar with the role but also genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Student Finance Manager, you'll be leading a team. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams in the past, focusing on your ability to deliver efficient and student-focused services. Think about specific challenges you faced and how you overcame them.
✨Emphasise Collaboration
This role requires working closely with various departments. Be ready to discuss how you've collaborated with other teams in previous roles. Highlight any successful projects where teamwork was key, and how you ensured a seamless experience for students.
✨Prepare Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the college's approach to student finance and how they support student success. This shows your enthusiasm for the role and helps you gauge if the college is the right fit for you.