Job profile

Looking for a rewarding part-time role that fits around your other commitments?

At UCEN Manchester, we recognise that not everyone is looking for a full-time, all-year-round position. Whether you're balancing family responsibilities, caring commitments or simply looking for a better work-life balance, this could be the opportunity for you.

We're looking for an approachable, organised and compassionate Student Finance Officer to join our Future U Student Support Team.

Working 21 hours per week, across 36 weeks of the year (term-time only), this is a genuinely part-time opportunity, supporting students during the academic year when they need us most.

About the role

Based within our Future U Student Support Team, part of the Directorate for Student Experience and Engagement, you'll play an important role in helping students overcome financial barriers and succeed in their studies.

You'll lead on the administration of student financial support, including hardship funds, emergency loans and other discretionary financial assistance.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Providing friendly, accessible information, advice and guidance to students experiencing financial difficulties.
• Reviewing and assessing applications for financial support and processing payments.
• Helping students understand the financial assistance available and supporting them through the application process.
• Working closely with colleagues in wellbeing, disability, academic support and curriculum teams to ensure students receive joined-up support.
• Identifying when students may benefit from additional support and connecting them with the right teams.

Who we're looking for

You don't necessarily need to have worked in higher education before. We're interested in people who enjoy helping others, have strong organisational skills and can handle sensitive financial information with care and discretion.

You'll be someone who:

• Enjoys working directly with people and making a positive difference.
• Has excellent attention to detail and confidence managing administrative processes.
• Can communicate financial information clearly and sensitively.
• Is comfortable working independently and as part of a supportive team.
• Understands the importance of confidentiality, fairness and treating people with dignity.
• A role that works around your life
• This position is specifically designed as a part-time, term-time role, rather than a full-time, year-round commitment.
• As UCEN Manchester operates a face-to-face student support model, the role is campus-based, enabling you to build relationships with students and colleagues and provide accessible, personal support when it matters most.
• You'll be joining a collaborative team that believes financial circumstances should never be a barrier to students achieving their ambitions.

Site Information

Our City Centre campus is a flagship site in the heart of Manchester, offering cutting-edge facilities and a buzzing, creative atmosphere. Home to our Centre of Excellence for Creative and Digital Industries, it provides an inspiring setting for both staff and learners, with specialist studios, workshops, and collaborative spaces. With its central location and strong industry links, the campus is a hub for innovation, talent development, and real-world learning.

Who are UCEN?

At UCEN Manchester, we are proud to be recognised as a leading further education provider, rated ‘Good’ by Ofsted and renowned for our commitment to excellence and innovation. As an employer of choice, we offer state-of-the-art facilities across our campuses, providing a modern, inspiring environment for both staff and students. Our inclusive and forward-thinking culture supports personal and professional development, with a strong focus on wellbeing and work-life balance. When you join UCEN Manchester, you become part of a passionate team dedicated to transforming lives and shaping the future of education in Greater Manchester.

Benefits

• 35 days paid annual leave plus 5 bank holidays (pro-rated for weeks worked per year).
• 3 well-being days per year (pro-rata).
• Significant pension contribution.
• Retail discounts.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Cycle to work scheme.

Role Responsibilities

Please see the attached role profile for an overview of general role responsibilities.

Skills, Qualifications and Experience

To be successful in this role, you will need:

• Hold a minimum of Level 2 qualification in English and Mathematics.
• Previous administrative experience gained within a Higher Education or customer service environment.
• Experience of working effectively and proactively within a team environment offering mutual support and cover for others when needed.
• Ability to offer clear and concise advice and guidance to internal and external customers both verbally (in person or on telephone) and in writing.
• Experience of working within a multi-disciplinary team and aligning your day-to-day work to the goals of the Future U Student Support Team as determined by Head of Student Advice, Support and Wellbeing.
• Up-to-date knowledge of Higher Education student funding provision and experience of providing front line advice and guidance to students in a Higher Education environment.
• Ability to create and maintain good working relationships with students, academic and administrative staff and external agencies.
• Able to demonstrate proficiency with the Microsoft suite of programmes (Word, Excel, Outlook) and able to learn new administrative systems as appropriate.
• Numeracy skills to be able to manage financial queries in relation to fees and funding, check student financial information, update systems and input financial data/information accurately.
• Using UCEN Manchester databases, able to check finance information, input student data/information accurately and analyse data for various reporting purposes, both internally and externally.
• Ability to pay close attention to detail.
• Ability to work proactively and flexibly as part of the Student Support Team, contributing to ongoing service development and improvement with a clear focus on customer satisfaction.
• Able to prioritise a busy workload and cope with conflicting demands with a ‘can do’ approach to work and colleagues.
• Understand the need for delivering excellent customer service and maintain a student centred approach at all times.
• Ability to source, assimilate and accurately interpret appropriate guidance materials and to update/amend standard documents as appropriate.
• Able to learn new systems quickly and identify opportunities for improvement.

Safeguarding

The LTE Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All applicants will be required to undergo an appropriate DBS check via the Criminal Records Bureau and may be subject to additional online checks as part of our pre-screening process. Some roles are exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and would require an Enhanced DBS check.

Equal Opportunities Statement

At UCEN  Manchester, we’re committed to providing an environment free from discrimination, bullying, harassment, or victimisation, where all members of our community are treated with respect and dignity. UCEN Manchester is committed to working in an inclusive way with all the communities where we are geographically located and to developing a workforce and student community that reflects Greater Manchester’s and the UK’s rich diversity and vibrancy.

The closing date for this job advert is 13/11/2026. However, sometimes the job advert may close early if we receive a good response!