At a Glance
- Tasks: Support students with US Federal and VA funding for their studies.
- Company: Join the University of St Andrews' Finance Department, a supportive and collaborative team.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, generous pension contributions, and discounts on local services.
- Other info: Embrace a diverse and inclusive workplace that values your contribution.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while developing your finance skills.
- Qualifications: Strong customer service, communication, and organisational skills required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
The University is seeking a highly motivated and customer-focused individual to join our Finance Department as a US Funding Administrator within the Operations Section. This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in supporting students who rely on US Federal and Veterans Affairs (VA) funding to pursue their studies.
About the Role
The Finance Department provides specialist financial management expertise that supports the wider University in achieving its strategic objectives. The department comprises five key functions:
- Management Accounting
- Tax & Treasury
- Operations
- Research Support
This position sits within the Operations Section, which is responsible for the processing of income receipts, payments and credit control activities across the University. As part of the US Funding Team, you will help students navigate the administration of US Federal and VA funding, supporting them with tuition fees, accommodation costs and maintenance funding throughout their academic journey.
Key Responsibilities
In this varied and rewarding role, you will:
- Administer US Federal and VA loan processes in accordance with relevant regulations and University procedures.
- Provide accurate and timely support to students regarding funding applications and eligibility.
- Respond to enquiries from students and other stakeholders in a professional and customer-focused manner.
- Maintain accurate financial and student records.
- Support wider activities within the Operations Section as required.
- Work collaboratively with colleagues across the Finance Department and the wider University community.
About You
We are looking for an enthusiastic and conscientious team player who takes pride in delivering an excellent service. You will have:
- Excellent customer service skills and a commitment to providing a positive student experience.
- Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.
- Excellent organisational skills and attention to detail.
- Good numeracy skills and confidence working with financial information.
- Strong IT skills, including experience using Microsoft Office applications and databases.
- The ability to manage competing priorities and work effectively to deadlines.
- A proactive approach with the ability to use initiative and work with minimal supervision.
- Adaptability and a willingness to learn and develop.
Why Join Us?
This is an opportunity to become part of a supportive and collaborative team that makes a real difference to students' lives. You will work in a professional environment where your contribution is valued, gaining experience in a specialist area of higher education finance while developing your skills and knowledge.
If you are a motivated individual with strong administrative, organisational and customer service skills, we would love to hear from you. St Andrews offers more than just a place to work; it is a place to belong. We value collegiality, inclusion, and wellbeing, and we are committed to creating a workplace where staff can thrive and perform at their best.
In addition to the salary on offer for this position, there are a wide range of benefits for staff working at the University of St Andrews. The package for the Senior Finance Assistant includes:
- Financial contribution to relocation (subject to eligibility)
- Membership of the S&LAS Pension Scheme with generous employer contributions
- A hybrid working environment, including partial homeworking where appropriate and a range of family friendly policies, supporting work-life balance
- Staff discount scheme for local and national goods and services
- Free staff parking, employee Carshare and Cycle to Work Schemes and subsidised local bus travel
- Subsidised sports membership, reduced tuition fees on degree programmes for staff, access to training and development opportunities including LinkedIn Learning, access to library facilities, salary sacrifice scheme
At St Andrews, equality, diversity, and inclusion are central to who we are and form a core pillar of our University Strategy. We are committed to creating a fair, inclusive and supportive workplace, reflected in our participation in national diversity charters and awards, including Athena Swan, Carer Positive and the Race Equality Charter. We particularly welcome applications from people from Black, Asian, minority ethnic and minority religions backgrounds and from LGBTQ+ and disabled people.
Closing Date: 29 July 2026
Interview Date: w/c 10 August 2026
Senior Finance Assistant - CG2217SX employer: University of St Andrews
The University of St Andrews is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and inclusive work culture that prioritises collegiality and wellbeing. As a Post-doctoral Research Fellow, you will benefit from a generous benefits package, including financial relocation support, a hybrid working environment, and extensive professional development opportunities, all while contributing to impactful research in a stunning coastal location. With a strong commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion, St Andrews fosters a supportive atmosphere where every staff member can thrive and make meaningful contributions.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Finance Assistant - CG2217SX
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
✨Get Certified
Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.
✨Connect on Professional Platforms
Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like University of St Andrews. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Finance Assistant - CG2217SX
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to University of St Andrews.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on University of St Andrews's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at University of St Andrews
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with University of St Andrews.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at University of St Andrews will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former University of St Andrews employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.
