Senior Finance Assistant (Maternity Cover)

The purpose of this role is to safeguard the financial integrity of the university’s fee income by ensuring accurate billing, robust credit control, and compliance with regulatory standards. Working across the commercial trade debt, student debt, and fee billing teams, the postholder will oversee the integrity of financial data, the setup of annual fee schedules, the timely completion of tuition fee billing, and the effective recovery of student and college fee debt.

The role also ensures adherence to anti-fraud and anti-money laundering (AML) requirements through due diligence checks, reconciliation of control accounts, and accurate processing of overpayments and refunds, while supporting the administration of external loan schemes. By combining analytical rigor with strong communication and stakeholder engagement, the postholder will promote best practice, mitigate financial risk, and enhance the overall effectiveness of the student finance and credit control functions.

About you:

To be successful in this role, we are looking for candidates to have the following skills and experience:

Essential criteria

• Educational Qualifications: Candidates should possess a minimum of a degree qualification or an equivalent financial certification, such as those offered by the Chartered Institute of Credit Management (CICM), Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT), Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), or demonstrate equivalent experience in the financial field.
• Understanding of Anti-Fraud Compliance and Legislation: Ability to demonstrate a thorough knowledge of anti-fraud compliance regulations, such as those related to Money Laundering and the Proceeds of Crime Act, is essential. This also includes a deep understanding of Data Protection Legislation and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), which governs the handling of personal data and ensures compliance with legal standards.
• Advanced IT and Numeracy Skills: High numeracy skills and proficiency in IT are required, particularly in using Microsoft Office software. Candidates must demonstrate advanced skills in MS Excel, including the ability to manipulate data effectively using pivot tables and VLOOKUP formulas, essential for accurate data analysis and reporting.
• Accountancy Knowledge: A solid working knowledge of accountancy functions and procedures is crucial. This includes understanding financial controls, bookkeeping, and reconciliation processes to ensure accurate and compliant financial management.
• Professionalism and Attention to Detail: The role requires a highly professional approach to work, with exceptional attention to detail and accuracy. Strong self-management and organizational skills are necessary to handle tasks efficiently and meet deadlines.
• Independent Work and Communication: Ability to work with minimal supervision is vital. Candidates must be adept at communicating clearly and effectively with customers and stakeholders, utilizing a solution-focused approach to address and resolve issues.
• Experience with Compliance and AML Checks: Prior experience in performing compliance and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) checks on inbound payments or new customers is required. This experience ensures familiarity with regulatory requirements and the ability to identify and mitigate potential risks.
• Experience with Compliance and AML Checks: Prior experience in performing compliance and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) checks on inbound payments or new customers is required. This experience ensures familiarity with regulatory requirements and the ability to identify and mitigate potential risks.

Desirable criteria

• Knowledge of administrative and accounting functions and processes within a Higher Education environment
• Knowledge of SITS/SAM Student Records and Unit 4 ERP (formerly called Agresso or Business World)

Closing Date: 02-Jul-2026

Contact Person: Antony Harrild

Contact Details: Antony.Harrild@kcl.ac.uk

Advert information