Head of Student Finance, Academic Registry

Post Specification (Comp: 033059) Post Title: Head of Student Finance, Academic Registry Post Status: Permanent Department/Faculty: Academic Registry, Trinity College Dublin, the University of Dublin Location: Academic Registry, Watts Building Trinity College Dublin, the University of Dublin College Green, Dublin 2, Ireland Reports to: Director of Academic Registry Salary: Appointment will be made on the Administrative Officer 1 (to the bar) [€56,758 - €73,186] - at a point in line with current pay policy. Closing Date: 12:00 Noon (GMT), Wednesday, 23 rd May, 2018 The successful applicant will be expected to interview for the position shortly after the closing date and to take up post on as soon thereafter as possible. Post Summary The Head of Student Finance will be primarily responsible within the Academic Registry for all the activities of this function.  They will be a key member of the Academic Registry's senior management team and as such will be required to support the development of the Academic Registry, in addition to the successful operation of this function.  As a member of the senior management team, the Head of Student Finance will play a central role in building a cohesive team, and working with staff to achieve consolidation and collaboration in a period significant change. The rapidly changing environment of higher education presents major challenges for managers in educational institutions predominantly in the area of finance.  Therefore, the successful candidate will have a professional accounting qualification of a recognised accounting body, and have extensive experience of leading a team and managing cultural, process and systems change in a third level institution and/or public sector. The Head of Student Finance will report to the Director of Academic Registry, with a secondary reporting line to the Project Accountant in the Corporate Services Division (CSD). Standard duties and responsibilities of the post The Student Finance Function A new function in the Academic Registry, it is one of four functions and is responsible for the administrative and financial activities associated with student finance including: •          Billing and collection of student fees •          Administering student loans and payments •          Banking and reconciliation •          Student Debt Management •          Financial reporting •          Forecasting & budgeting The billing and collection of student related fees and charges is the main source of Trinity's income.   This significant income stream requires a strong level of financial control and governance to ensure controls, financial reporting and forecasting, and debt management processes are in place.  The creation of this new function is a clear recognition of the importance the University places on the student finance activity. Standard Duties & Responsibilities of the post Managing the daily operations of the Student Finance function including: Overseeing the smooth running of the collection of tuition fees, accommodation and other charges; Ensuring the debt management process and management of month end and year end accounts are being run in line with best practice; Monitoring and managing the performance of the Student Finance function based on agreed targets, deadlines and KPIs, and initiating any required corrective action when an issue that affects performance arises; Managing a team (5 FTE) on a day to day basis including the reassignment of staff in response to the changing demands of the student lifecycle; Monitoring and managing staff performance in a proactive manner; Communicating in an open and transparent manner with staff so that they are fully informed and aware of all developments and issues relating to the Academic Registry; Ensuring that all staff are properly trained and have the tools required to undertake any role to which they are assigned; Developing and building strong relationships with key stakeholders (eg, Financial Services Division); Delivering a consistently high quality of service to students, staff and other stakeholders (eg, Financial Services Division); Ensure that the presentation of data into the financial accounts and the management of transactions are in line with professional standards and regulations; The preparation of reports and analysis and interpretation of financial data; Act as liaison between Academic Registry and the internal and external auditors with regard to analytical review and general audit queries; Strengthen the financial governance, control and management processes within Academic Registry and ensure compliance with best practice and financial management principles; Review configuration of accounts / functionality in SITS (TCD's Student Administration Management System); Comply with best practice and financial management principles and ensure due diligence is paid to following best practice standards; Assist in the development of a service ethos and oversee the delivery of service by the Student Finance Team to stakeholders, and act as a first point of contact for College stakeholders in fee related activities; Working collaboratively with the Director and the other Heads of Function to ensure that the Academic Registry operates effectively; Support the Director of Academic Registry as required. Person Specification Qualifications Applicants must hold a professional accounting qualification with membership of a recognised accounting body together with having a minimum of 10 years' experience at a senior management level, preferably in a similar environment and/or public sector organisation. Knowledge & Experience: Candidates will be required to have and to demonstrate, by reference to specific examples, significant experience in and knowledge of the following: Leading, managing and motivating a successful team, actively contributing to the success of the function preferably in a third level educational setting and/or public sector; Experience of working in an environment with similar challenges, requirements and demands - experience of institutional/organisational change and change management is highly desirable; Demonstrable ability to develop executive financial reports of the highest standard for and on behalf of the Academic Registry; Excellent knowledge and understanding of financial management policies and regulations. Knowledge of the University funding environment and culture would be an distinct advantage; Working as a member of a senior management team and actively contributing to the success of an organisation; Engaging with and forming good working relationships with colleagues and other stakeholders, both within and externally, to the University and being responsive to their needs; Thinking strategically and responding innovatively to challenges arising from new business requirements and strategies. Skills & Competencies: Excellent leadership, management and team building skills; Ability to support the overall strategy of an organisation through ensuring their function is performing as required and meeting all its deadlines; Ability to engage with and form good working relationships with senior staff, customer groups and other key functions in a service organisation; Expertise in managing diverse and multiple stakeholders with an understanding of how to achieve results in complex academic and administrative environments; Strong commitment to continuous improvement and a capacity to initiate and manage the changes that these require. Capability to deliver on agreed targets and KPIs while working within resourcing and financial constraints; IT Technology - Highly developed computer skills with use of IT as a driver of efficiency; experience of databases, spreadsheet applications, financial information systems including Oracle and other Microsoft Office products; Project Management software knowledge would be an advantage. Excellent written and verbal communication skills including the ability to communicate complex information clearly, concisely and persuasively; Strong commitment to customer service; Ability to think creatively and innovatively in response to changing business and strategic imperatives. Application Information In order to assist the selection process, applicants must submit a Curriculum Vitae, together with a Cover Letter (1x A4 page) specifically addressing the following points: their extensive experience in leading and motivating a team, within higher education and/or public sector, making you suitable for this role Outline your past experience in improving the efficiency of financial operations and the activity of a team. Please note: Applicants who do not address the application requirements above in their cover letter will not be considered at the short list stage.  Applicants should note that the interview process for this appointment may include the delivery of a presentation and may include a test of practical skills.