At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage student finance queries and oversee credit control processes.
- Company: Join a supportive university finance team in Birmingham.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, flexible hours, and a chance to make a difference.
- Why this job: Empower students while honing your finance skills in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in finance or customer service; strong communication skills required.
- Other info: Temporary role for at least 2 months with potential for growth.
Are you passionate about supporting students while ensuring strong financial management? Do you have a keen eye for detail and a confident, empathetic approach to customer service? We’re looking for a Student Finance Officer (Credit Control) to join our Finance Team at Birmingham.
About the Role
As a Student Finance Officer, you'll play a key role in managing the university's credit control processes — ensuring the timely collection of tuition, accommodation, and other student fees. You'll be the go-to person for students and stakeholders with finance-related queries, offering clear advice, setting up payment plans, and maintaining accurate financial records.
This is a student-facing role, so strong communication, problem-solving, and negotiation skills are essential. You’ll also need a methodical approach to managing data and an ability to work collaboratively across departments.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage the collection of student and commercial debt in line with university policies.
- Support students with payment difficulties — with empathy and clarity.
- Set up and manage payment plans.
- Maintain and reconcile student ledger accounts.
- Be the main finance contact for student enquiries, including international students.
- Administer the Support Fund.
- Produce accurate financial reports.
- Assist during Open Days and University events.
- Handle confidential and sensitive data in line with university policy.
What We’re Looking For
- Experience in credit control, finance, or a related customer service role.
- Excellent communication and negotiation skills.
- A proactive and flexible approach to problem-solving.
- Strong IT and data handling skills (Excel, finance systems etc.).
- Ability to work under pressure and manage competing priorities.
- An understanding of the student experience is desirable.
Student Finance Officer employer: Pertemps Birmingham Commercial
Contact Detail:
Pertemps Birmingham Commercial Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Student Finance Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific financial processes and policies of universities. Understanding how credit control works in an academic setting will help you demonstrate your knowledge during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight any previous experience in customer service, especially in finance-related roles. Be ready to share examples of how you've successfully handled difficult situations or queries from customers.
✨Tip Number 3
Brush up on your negotiation skills. Prepare to discuss scenarios where you've had to negotiate payment plans or resolve disputes, as this is a key part of the Student Finance Officer role.
✨Tip Number 4
Network with current or former finance officers at universities. They can provide insights into the role and may even offer tips on what the hiring team values most in candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Student Finance Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the key responsibilities and required skills for the Student Finance Officer position. Tailor your application to highlight how your experience aligns with these requirements.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise any previous experience in credit control, finance, or customer service roles. Use specific examples to demonstrate your communication, problem-solving, and negotiation skills.
Showcase Your Skills: Make sure to mention your IT and data handling skills, particularly with Excel and finance systems. Provide examples of how you've used these skills in past roles to manage data effectively.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a personalised cover letter that reflects your passion for supporting students and your understanding of their financial needs. Address how you can contribute to the university's finance team and improve the student experience.
How to prepare for a job interview at Pertemps Birmingham Commercial
✨Show Your Passion for Student Support
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for helping students manage their finances. Share any relevant experiences where you've supported individuals in similar situations, highlighting your empathetic approach.
✨Demonstrate Strong Communication Skills
Prepare to showcase your communication abilities by discussing how you would explain complex financial concepts to students. Use examples from past roles where you successfully resolved queries or negotiated solutions.
✨Highlight Your Problem-Solving Skills
Be ready to discuss specific instances where you've tackled challenges in a finance or customer service role. Emphasise your proactive approach and flexibility in finding solutions, especially under pressure.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Financial Systems
Brush up on your knowledge of finance systems and data handling, particularly Excel. Be prepared to discuss your experience with these tools and how they can help you maintain accurate financial records.