Student Finance Officer

Job Purpose

The Student Finance Officer is responsible for delivering a high-quality student finance support service to prospective and enrolled Higher Education students. The postholder will provide expert guidance on Student Finance England (SFE) and Student Loan Company (SLC) applications, funding, support students throughout the funding process, verify funding documentation, confirm attendance, and process changes in circumstances.

The role is student-facing and requires excellent customer service, strong organisational skills and a thorough understanding of Student Finance England and Student Loan Company (SLC) policies and procedures.

Key Responsibilities

Student Finance England Support

• Provide advice and guidance to prospective and current students regarding Student Finance England funding, eligibility and application processes.
• Respond to student enquiries relating to tuition fees, Student Loans Company (SLC) evidence requirements, funding applications, maintenance loan confirmations and student finance processes.
• Support students in completing Student Finance England applications by checking forms and supporting documentation for completeness and accuracy before submission.
• Assist students in resolving issues relating to funding delays, missing evidence and application queries.

Student Funding Administration

• Review Student Finance England entitlement letters to ensure funding awards are accurate and correspond with students' enrolment status.
• Identify discrepancies and liaise with students and Student Finance England where appropriate to resolve issues.
• Process student Change of Circumstance (COC) cases promptly and accurately, ensuring appropriate records are updated.
• Verify direct debit arrangements where required and ensure appropriate actions are completed.
• Maintain accurate student financial records including managing and updating data sheets for STP students, non-approved students, and other relevant funding criteria.

Attendance Confirmation

• Confirm student attendance and registration through Student Finance England systems in accordance with published deadlines.
• Investigate and resolve discrepancies in attendance records in collaboration with Student Records, Attendance and Intervention and academic teams.

Student Support

• Deliver a responsive, professional and student-centred service through face-to-face appointments, telephone and email enquiries.
• Support enrolment and induction processes by providing guidance to students regarding their funding status, monitoring required documentation, responding to student queries, and updating relevant systems and data sheets in line with funding and eligibility requirements.
• Signpost students experiencing financial difficulties to appropriate support services where necessary.

Collaboration and Continuous Improvement

• Attend regular team meetings to review updates to Student Finance England guidance, funding regulations and operational processes.
• Work collaboratively with Admissions, Student Records, Attendance and Intervention and academic colleagues to ensure accurate student records and effective student support.
• Maintain accurate records of all student interactions and finance-related activity in accordance with GDPR and institutional procedures.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of student finance processes and student communications.

General Responsibilities

• Promote equality, diversity and inclusion in all aspects of the role.
• Maintain confidentiality and comply with GDPR and institutional data protection policies.
• Comply with safeguarding, Prevent Duty, health and safety and all NCG policies and procedures.
• Undertake any other duties appropriate to the grade of the post.