Financial Counsellor

01 Flinders University; Adelaide; On-site; AUD 94,000 - 101,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

17% Superannuation

Flexible working arrangements

Job summary

Flinders University Student Association (FUSA) is seeking a Financial Counsellor to deliver a confidential service addressing students’ financial hardship. You will assess needs, provide budgeting guidance, and support access to loans, grants, and welfare options.

The successful candidate will have a Diploma in Financial Counselling (or working toward it) and SAFCA membership; experience in case management and advocacy is valued.

Qualifications

• Diploma in Financial Counselling or related field toward completion; membership with SAFCA preferred.
• Ethical, impartial advice focused on student needs.
• Experience with case management and advocacy to support students.

Responsibilities

• Oversee student loans and grants program; guide and support a Student Grants and Welfare Officer.
• Provide expert advice on welfare options offered by the Student Association.
• Counsel students on budgeting, credit, bankruptcy, and reducing financial stress.
• Collaborate with university staff, student representatives and external agencies to assist students in need.
• Contribute to financial literacy initiatives and strengthen referral pathways.

Skills

Empathy

Professionalism

Communication

Teamwork

Education

Diploma of Financial Counsellor (Financial Counselling)

Diploma of Community Services (Financial Counselling)

SAFCA membership

Job description

Position Details

Continuing | Part time 0.6 – 0.8 negotiable Higher Education Officer Level 6 | $94,456 - $100,710 p.a. + 17% Super Location: Bedford Park / Kaurna Country View

About the Role

As a Financial Counsellor with Flinders University Student Association, you will play a pivotal role in building a service that responds holistically to the welfare needs of Flinders students experiencing financial hardship. Working within a dedicated team, you will deliver a high‑quality, confidential financial counselling service that equips students with the knowledge, confidence, and skills to manage their finances.

• Providing oversight of a student loans and grants program, including guidance and support to a Student Grants and Welfare Officer.
• Deliver expert advice around the range of welfare options that the Student Association provides to students.
• Offering a professional financial counselling service including assessment of student’s financial situation, advice on budgeting, credit, bankruptcy, and other options to reduce financial stress.
• Working collaboratively with University staff, elected student representatives and external agencies to reach and effectively support students most in need.
• You will also have opportunities to create meaningful change across the University community by contributing to financial literacy initiatives delivering education workshops, and strengthening referral pathways to ensure students can easily access support.
• This role has the opportunity to genuinely impact the way we support students in financial hardship.

About You

You are someone who brings empathy, professionalism, and a strong commitment to social justice to everything you do. You hold (or are working toward) a Diploma of Financial Counsellor/ Diploma of Community Services (Financial Counselling) along with associate or full membership with SA Financial Counsellors Association (SAFCA). You understand the importance of providing advice that is ethical, impartial, and centred on the needs of students. With experience in case management and advocacy, and you are confident communicating with a broad range of stakeholders—including creditors, external agencies and students and staff. You bring experience delivering financial literacy initiatives, welfare programs, or community education activities that empower clients to make informed financial decisions.

The successful candidate will also demonstrate:

• Proven ability to work effectively in a team environment, and to work with a diverse range of individuals and groups.
• Negotiation skills, sound judgement, and practical problem‑solving abilities to enable the support of students through challenging situations with clarity and care.
• The ability to approach each interaction with curiosity, respect, and a genuine desire to empower others.

To learn more about key responsibilities and capabilities, please view the Position Description.

About Flinders University Student Association (FUSA)

FUSA represents the rights and interests of Flinders University students. We are governed by an elected Student Council which directs the priorities of FUSA each year with the support of dedicated staff. We provide a welcoming and lively student experience that focuses on campus culture, giving support to students in need, and facilitating opportunities for students to be a part of the wider University community. Our services include; supporting student representation across university colleges, a wide range of events and activities for students, administration of a large clubs program, student media, financial welfare services including financial counselling, and advocacy on behalf of students regarding academic difficulties.

Life at Flinders

They say know your place. We say you've found it right here. Flinders University was founded on the belief that learning should open minds, celebrate individuality and give people the freedom to pursue their own point of view. That spirit lives on in our community of thinkers, doers and changemakers who challenge convention, and each other, to shape what comes next. Rising to a challenge is nothing new for Flinders. During our first 60 years, we’ve navigated revolutionary changes in social and cultural norms, and have responded to transformative economic, environmental and technological developments. Through it all, we’ve continued to deliver for our students and community, innovating in learning and research to prepare graduates for the changing world they help create. Reaching beyond the limits of buildings, borders, and backgrounds, ours is an inclusive culture that believes absolutely in equality and opportunity for all. We don't just accommodate differences; we embrace and celebrate them.

So, why work at Flinders?

• 17% Superannuation + salary packaging options
• Flexible working arrangements
• Awarded the AHEIA Higher Education Award for Workplace Culture Excellence due to our commitment to wellbeing through our Thriving@Flinders staff wellbeing program
• Wide range of professional development activities and services, including exclusive staff study offers
• We embrace diversity and promote equity and inclusion for all students and staff, as shown through our three SAGE Cygnet Awards.
• Vibrant campus life and amenities including on campus health care services, gym and childcare centre (Bedford Park, South Australia).
• Recognised as a Veteran Employer of Choice
• The Commitment to Reconciliation and Indigenous Employment
• Flinders University is proud to be an organisation that is committed to our Reconciliation Action Plan and Indigenous Workforce Strategy.
• Our vision is to be a preferred employer for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
• We are committed to progressing Indigenous advancement in education, research, employment, and wellbeing, and strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples for all Flinders vacancies.

Please see here for our Reconciliation Action Plan. Please see here for our Indigenous Workforce Strategy.

Prescribed Conditions for Employment

Flinders University will require a current completed Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check and Gender Based Violence Declaration which is satisfactory to the University. The contract of Employment is conditional upon the receipt of these completed compliance checks. A disclosable outcome will not automatically disqualify a candidate from consideration. Each case will be assessed on its individual merits and relevance to the inherent requirements of the role. In addition, it is a requirement of this position that the incumbent maintain a current Working With Children Check which is satisfactory to the University in accordance with the Child Safety (Prohibited Persons) Act 2016 (SA).

Applications to be submitted before 10.00pm: 25 Nov 2026

At Flinders we embrace and celebrate diversity and encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and people of all ages, ethnicities, abilities, sexual orientations, and gender identities.

Flinders. Fearless. Flinders University is a globally focused, locally engaged institution with a reputation for excellence in teaching, learning and research. Students are at the heart of Flinders – we’re focused on supporting their exceptional learning experience and equipping them with the skills to succeed in life beyond study. Our touchstone is that university life is enjoyable and enriching for all students, and our campuses are energising places for our staff.