Head of Student Financial Services

Gbs Uk; Oxshott; On-site; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A higher education institution in the United Kingdom is seeking a Head of Fees and Income to lead tuition fee management and income collection. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in student finance, excellent leadership skills, and experience in compliance with UK regulations. This role offers a supportive environment and various benefits including annual leave, flexible perks, and a performance bonus.

Benefits

25 days annual leave plus 8 public holidays

Workplace pension scheme

Tuition reimbursement for career development courses

Flexible benefits package

Discretionary annual performance bonus

Qualifications

• Proven experience in student finance within higher education.
• Strong knowledge of UK tuition fee structures and funding models.
• Experience in managing debt recovery processes.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of tuition fee policies and payment plans.
• Oversee student billing, income collection, and debt recovery.
• Collaborate across departments to enhance student experience.

Skills

Student finance experience

Financial acumen

Leadership skills

Communication skills

Data analysis proficiency

Education

Professional finance qualifications (e.g., ACCA, CIMA)

Job description

Are you a strategic thinker with a passion for financial excellence and student experience? We're looking for a dynamic Head of Fees and Income to lead the charge in managing tuition fees, billing, and income collection across our institution. In this pivotal role, you'll drive financial sustainability, ensure regulatory compliance, and deliver a seamless experience for students and staff alike. You'll work closely with senior leadership, academic departments, and external partners to optimise income streams and support our long-term goals.

What You'll Be Doing

• Leading the strategic development of tuition fee policies and payment plans
• Overseeing student billing, income collection, and debt recovery processes
• Ensuring compliance with UK regulations (CMA, SLC, OfS, etc.)
• Collaborating across departments to enhance the student journey
• Managing a high-performing team with a focus on service excellence
• Providing insights and reports to senior leadership and governing bodies

Qualifications & Experience

• Proven experience in student finance within higher education or a similar environment
• Strong knowledge of UK tuition fee structures and funding models
• Excellent financial acumen and experience with financial systems and reporting tools. Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Exceptional communication skills and stakeholder engagement abilities.
• Demonstrable ability to develop and implement fee policies and procedures aligned with strategic goals.
• Experience in managing debt recovery processes and improving income collection efficiency.
• Proficiency in data analysis and income forecasting to support financial planning.
• Knowledge of compliance requirements related to CMA, SLC, OfS, and student finance. Ability to work collaboratively across departments and influence senior stakeholders.

Desirable Experience & Qualifications

• Experience in private higher education
• Professional finance qualifications (e.g., ACCA, CIMA)

Your Impact

• Drive accurate income forecasting and reporting
• Improve billing efficiency and debt recovery outcomes
• Enhance student satisfaction through clear, responsive fee management
• Support institutional financial health and strategic planning

What We Offer

• 25 days annual leave, plus 8 public holidays
• 1-day extra leave per year of service, up to a maximum of 5 days
• Workplace pension scheme
• Tuition reimbursement for career development courses
• Flexible Benefits: Cycle to Work, Workplace Nursery, Techscheme and much more
• Discounts platform, wellbeing centre and much more
• Reward and recognition programme
• £500 award employee referral scheme
• Discretionary annual performance bonus