Section Head (Student Account Management)

FTE: 1.0 FTE (working 37 hours per week). Part time may be accepted.

Duration of Contract: Fixed Term until 28^th September 2028

Salary: UH7 £38,784 to £46,049 (pro rata) pa by annual increments on achieving designated skills and experience

Annual Leave: 30 days (pro rata) plus standard public holidays and an additional 4 days including the closure of our office between Christmas and New Year

Location: College Lane Campus

Main duties and responsibilities

The Section Head (Student Account Management) will lead and manage the Student Account Management team to ensure the effective and consistent delivery of the University’s tuition and accommodation fee collection processes. This includes overseeing credit assessment, invoicing, credit control, and debt recovery operations, while fostering a high-quality and student-centred service. The role requires actively monitoring workflow to ensure essential tasks are carried out efficiently, implementing improvements where necessary, and ensuring compliance with the University’s regulations, policies, and external legal requirements. Acting as an escalation point for complex cases, the post holder will handle sensitive or difficult situations with clarity, empathy, and appropriate professional judgement. 

The Section Head will collaborate closely with colleagues across Student Finance, Academic Registry, Central Finance, academic departments, and external agencies to optimise cash flow and minimise bad debt. They will champion best practice in data management, credit management and process improvement, contributing to departmental KPIs and strategic objectives. The Section Head will also lead on specialist projects, support key operational activities such as Registration, and deputise for the Deputy Head of Student Finance when required. Additionally, they will hold line management responsibility for team leaders and staff, including recruitment, performance management, development, and workload planning, ensuring a motivated and capable team environment. 

Skills and experience required

The successful candidate will bring experience in credit control and income management. They must demonstrate a strong track record of improving cash flow, reducing bad debt, and using data insights to inform decision-making. Experience in managing and developing staff is essential, as is the ability to lead a high-performing team and promote a culture of continuous improvement. The role requires confident communication and negotiation skills, enabling the post holder to work effectively with colleagues at all levels, external partners, and students, including those who may be dissatisfied or distressed. 

A high level of digital literacy is required, particularly advanced skills in Microsoft Excel and the ability to work across multiple enterprise systems. The post holder will need to interpret and present financial information clearly, handle complex debt decisions, and apply sound professional judgement in resolving non-standard cases. They must be adaptable, able to manage competing priorities under pressure, and proactive in identifying and implementing improvements in processes and service delivery. Knowledge of regulations related to credit control, debt collection, anti-money laundering, and data protection is essential. 

Qualifications required

A degree or equivalent in finance, accounting or a related discipline or equivalent professional experience is essential. The role requires either a professional qualification in accounting or finance, or substantial relevant experience in financial management, credit control, or a similar field. Membership of BUFDG (or willingness to obtain an equivalent membership) is essential.

Contact Details/Informal Enquiries: Aaron Daly, Deputy Head of Student Finance, a.daly2@herts.ac.uk

Closing Date: 3 December 2025

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