The University Finance Office is seeking to appoint a Head of Student Finance to lead the Student Finance function. Reporting to the Deputy Finance Director for Financial Control and Projects, you will be responsible for improving the overall performance and efficiency of our collections processes, enhance our fee generation methods and ensure continued financial control over c£350 million of receipts.
You will be a fully qualified accountant, ideally with strong experience in credit management and collection issues. We are seeking a strong leader with excellent management, organisational and communication skills, you will supervise and monitor a Student Collections team of 7 staff in posts ranging grades 3 to 6, a Student Finance team – eight staff in posts ranging grades 3 to 7, and dotted line reports from the PGR Funding and Student Funding teams to advise them on financial matters). We are looking for proven experience of managing process change and improvements.
The University Finance Office works with all Departments in the University to ensure that the University maintains its reputation for financial integrity and reliability. We support business planning and innovation to maximise the financial resources available to the University and create the long-term sustainable financial platform required for future growth. See Further Particulars for more information.
Finance Office staff across the University are networked as a professional community of expertise. You will be supported to continue your professional journey through access to Continuing Professional Development training opportunities, sector networks and regular Finance Office briefings. As a member of staff at Warwick you can enjoy a wide range of competitive benefits. The University also offers a wide range of learning and development opportunities, and we will work with you to support your career development.
We respect and reward achievement and recognise the importance of a flexible total reward package. Take a look at the benefits that are on offer, including an attractive pension scheme, a generous annual leave entitlement including Christmas closure, family friendly policies, and discounted Warwick Sport membership.
A £5,000 per annum market supplement (pro-rated and non-pensionable) is available for the successful applicant on the provision of proof of current membership of an approved accounting body and evidence they hold the appropriate accountancy qualifications.
Job Description
Policy development and strategy
To use expertise to develop policy and strategy in relation to Student Finance, liaising with Senior Officers or Committees of the University including the Fees Working Group.
To promote and manage ongoing change within the Student Finance function, identifying and redesigning processes throughout all transaction stages.
Analysis and reporting
Perform analysis of information and data, both internal and external, to make recommendations on Student Finance matters. Coordinate the annual non-standard tuition fee setting process with all academic departments feeding into Fees Working Group. Also regularly reporting to Financial Control and Compliance Group and Five Year plan submissions for Financial Planning Sub-Committee. To include responsibility for any statutory reporting within Student Finance activities.
Budgeting and forecasting
Maintain and monitor budgets and forecasts for scholarships and hardship expenditure (BGTS-AW), providing guidance and financial oversight to these areas on accuracy of data and costings.
Systems development
Ensure that appropriate IT systems are in the place to support Student Finance and take the lead in planning and developing projects to improve those systems and links with other University systems such as SAP, SITS and Kinetic.
Line Management
To lead and manage the Student Collections and Student Finance teams within the Finance Office , in implementing the Universities strategic objectives
To line manage the Student Finance team and to develop staff within the team and the wider Finance Office to flourish and progress their skills and careers.
Incoming dotted line reporting from Finance Manage (PGR Funding). Attend Widening Participation committee in order to stay abreast of emerging issues and developments in Student Funding
Communication and representation
Ensure clear communication to students, sponsors and internal colleagues to accurately identify the role, scope and function of the Student Finance operation.
To liaise with external bodies and represent the University at external meetings, including taking part in working parties, user groups and other forums. To build on expertise and use skills and knowledge to develop policies and make recommendations to the University on all matters relating to the UK system of Financial Support for Students in Higher Education.
Member of Fees Working Group, Widening Participation Committee and Annual Fees Special cases Sub Committee (making recommendations on decisions to withdraw students for non-payment of fees or referral to debt collection agencies/solicitors)
Person Specification
The Person Specification focuses on the essential and desirable knowledge, skills, experience and qualifications required to undertake the role effectively. This is measured by (a) Application Form, (b) Test/Exercise, (c) Interview, (d) Presentation. Enter (a), (b), (c) or (d) alongside each selection criterion in the ‘Measured by’ column
Essential Criterion | Essential Criterion Description | Measured by |
E1 | First degree or equivalent experience | (a) |
E2 | A CCAB recognised qualified accountant | (a) |
E3 | Significant post qualification experience in financial management, credit control and system and policy development in a complex organisation | (a), (c) |
E4 | Broad experience within a finance function | (a), (c) |
E5 | Experience in an externally facing role | (a), (c) |
E6 | Excellent staff management skills required for a complex team, with the ability to motivate and develop performance of a team of staff at all levels | (a), (c) |
E7 | Ability to analyse complex data/issues and offer relevant solutions | (a), (c), possibly (d) |
E8 | Ability to lead and plan strategic developments and to implement change across a wide variety of activities and projects simultaneously | (a), (c) |
E9 | An appreciation and willingness to assist with student facing issues (such as student debt, hardship, widening participation, student experience) | (a), (c) |
E10 | Good understanding of how to achieve results as a senior manager, including a highly-developed strategic and political awareness with sensitivity to stakeholder perceptions and issues around the acceptability of policy initiatives | (a), (c) |
E11 | Good interpersonal skills with the ability to form working relationships with a wide variety of people and the ability to command the respect of those groups | (a), (c) |
E12 | Good IT skills, highly numerate, with the ability to synthesise and interpret large datasets | (a), (c) |
E13 | Strong report writing skills including the ability to analyse and present complex issues | (a), (c) |
E14 | An ability to manage a varied and heavy workload | (a), (c) |
Desirable Criterion | Desirable Criterion Description | Measured by |
D1 | Prior experience of working in the Higher Education Sector | (a), (c) |
D2 | SAP experience | (a), (c) |
D3 | SITS operational and reporting experience | (a), (c) |
D4 | Comprehensive knowledge of financial governance, legal requirements of credit control, student support regulations, social security benefits system, UKCISA fee regulations, OfS and UKRI requirements, hardship fund admin. & audit experience | (a), (c) |
The University of Warwick has appointed SearchHigher as their recruitment partner for this campaign, please apply below by sending your Application Form (download below), CV & Cover Letter in Word Document format to c.boote@searchhigher.com or call 07823 524581 for a confidential conversation.