Specialist Finance Advisor

Birmingham City University; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 38,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A large and diverse educational institution in Birmingham is seeking a Specialist Finance Adviser. In this full-time role, you will provide high-quality, student-centered financial advice and support, working closely with the Money and Childcare Advice team. Ideal candidates will have experience in student finance legislation and excellent communication skills. The position offers a competitive salary with opportunities for progression.

Qualifications

• Experienced advisor with knowledge of student finance legislation.
• Ability to apply complex procedures and regulations.
• Good understanding of confidentiality and data protection.

Responsibilities

• Provide financial advice and ensure it's accurate and appropriate.
• Support communication with students, staff, and stakeholders.
• Contribute to innovative and effective student-focussed services.

Skills

Excellent communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Presentation skills

Knowledge of legislation and regulations

IT skills including Microsoft Office

Education

Degree level education or equivalent

Job description

Description

The full-time starting salary is normally 38050 per annum with progression available in post to 44131 per annum.

Grade : F

Contract : Full-Time Permanent

Birmingham City University is a large and diverse place to study right in the heart of the city. An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Specialist Finance Adviser to join the Money and Childcare Advice team at BCU. You will be part of a highly motivated and compassionate team delivering high quality effective and student centred advice guidance and support to our diverse student body.

Reporting to the Head of Money and Childcare Advice the role will work with colleagues from Student Services, Faculty Student Centres, the directorate and wider University to provide a student centred compassionate and trauma informed service. As well as providing specialist advice and case work intervention on student finances and financial issues the role will also support colleagues across the University to facilitate student wellbeing and opportunity.

You will be responsible for your own case load you will provide financial advice to students and ensure that advice is accurate appropriate and in line with University policy contribute to the development review and implementation of University processes relevant to student finance childcare and review draft versions of handbooks and guidance notes related to the work of the team.

You will assist the Head of Money and Childcare Advice in the management and administration of student cases and provide regular briefings about the progress of these cases to the Head of Money and Childcare Advice and other senior staff take responsibility for the management and administration of complex student cases and escalate matters of concern to the Head of Money and Childcare Advice where required and communicate and liaise effectively with staff in the team the wider Student and Academic Services team and other colleagues across the University.

Your responsibilities will include :

• Support the development of appropriate and effective ways of communicating with students staff and other stakeholders including the preparation and production of guidance information and materials using a variety of media.
• Provide expert advice and guidance for staff about the University processes administered and advice delivered by the team.
• Contribute to the development of innovative and effective ways of providing student‑focussed services relating to childcare provision and financial advice.
• Maintain a detailed working knowledge and understanding of policies issues and legislation relating to student finance and associated issues.
• Contribute to the delivery of training sessions and written advice for staff about services provided by the team.

You will be an experienced advisor with a good knowledge of legislation regulation and best practice in the field of student finance and associated issues and have the ability to understand communicate and apply complex procedures and regulations. You will have a good understanding of confidentiality and data protection and good IT skills including knowledge of Microsoft Office databases and student record systems. You will be able to work on your own initiative manage your own time and workload and have excellent communication interpersonal and presentation skills.

It is desired but not essential that you will be educated to Degree level or equivalent have experience of assessing need and providing support within a further or Higher Education setting and have experience of developing and implementing awareness raising activities.

Informal queries in relation to this opportunity are very welcome and should be directed to Jackie Bryant Head of Money and Childcare Advice.

Birmingham City University is deeply committed to equality diversity and inclusivity at all levels in the organisation and to addressing underrepresentation in our workforce to ensure we are truly representative of the community we serve. We welcome applications from applicants from all backgrounds and communities for this role and particularly welcome applications from Black Asian and Minority Ethnic applicants.

Job Description

The appointed candidate will normally be employed through our subsidiary company BCU Support Services Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Birmingham City University. Appointees with prior LGPS membership who wish to enter the LGPS scheme will be able to do so and will be employed by Birmingham City University directly.