Cheltenham College is seeking an experienced, organised and customer-focused Fees Finance Officer to lead the day-to-day operation of the College's fees function.
This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced finance professional with a background in billing, accounts receivable or credit control to join our Finance Department. You will be responsible for ensuring the accurate billing and collection of school fees, maintaining the integrity of the fees ledger and delivering an efficient, professional service to parents and colleagues.
Working closely with the Director of Finance, Bursar and departments across the College, you will oversee fees billing, Direct Debit collections, credit control and process improvements, while helping to ensure the College's financial operations run smoothly and efficiently.
We're looking for someone who combines excellent financial accuracy with outstanding customer service, enjoys improving processes and is confident building positive relationships with parents, colleagues and external stakeholders
Salary: £32,000- £35,000 per annum, depending on skills and experience.
Hours Full-time, 37.5 hours per week. Due to the nature of the role, remote working is not possibleDue to the nature of the role, remote working is not possible
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and coordinate the College's annual fees billing programme, ensuring all billing deadlines are achieved accurately.
- Produce and manage the annual work plan for the Fees Team, overseeing workloads and key operational priorities.
- Maintain accurate fees records, pupil billing accounts and financial data, ensuring the integrity of the fees ledger.
- Manage termly and monthly Direct Debit collections, reconciliations and failed payment processes in accordance with BACS regulations.
- Oversee credit control activities, monitoring outstanding fees, managing payment plans and supporting debt recovery processes.
- Build positive relationships with parents by responding promptly and professionally to fees-related enquiries via telephone and email.
- Produce clear and accurate financial reports and reconciliations for the Director of Finance and Bursar.
- Work collaboratively with Admissions and other College departments to ensure accurate pupil data and efficient billing processes.
- Identify opportunities to improve systems, automate processes and increase operational efficiency.
- Line manage the Fees Finance Assistant/Officer, supporting the delivery of departmental priorities and maintaining high standards of service.
Person Specification
The successful candidate will be an experienced finance professional who combines excellent organisational skills with strong customer service and communication abilities.
Essential
- Experience managing a finance, billing or accounts receivable function with minimal supervision.
- Proven experience of credit control and debtor management.
- Strong planning, organisation and prioritisation skills.
- Excellent attention to detail with the ability to work accurately under pressure and to demanding deadlines.
- Experience maintaining financial records and managing invoicing or billing data.
- Excellent customer service skills and a confident, professional telephone manner.
- Strong communication and relationship-building skills with the ability to work effectively with parents, colleagues and external stakeholders.
- Excellent IT skills, including Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.
- A proactive, solutions-focused approach with a commitment to improving systems and processes.
- The ability to work independently while contributing positively within a collaborative team.
Desirable
- Experience within school finance or fees administration.
- Familiarity with school finance or management systems such as iSAMs, PASS, iFinance, Evolve or equivalent.
- Experience administering Direct Debit collections.
- An AAT qualification or equivalent finance qualification.
Please review the job description for a full list of duties.
Why Join Cheltenham College?
Cheltenham College offers the opportunity to work within one of the UK's leading independent schools, where every member of staff contributes to delivering an exceptional experience for our pupils and families.
You will join a friendly and professional Finance Department where you will play a key role in ensuring the smooth operation of the College's fees function. This is an opportunity to take ownership of an important area of the Finance Department while helping to shape and improve processes within a collaborative and supportive environment.
Our benefits include:
- Competitive pension scheme.
- Complimentary membership of the College gym and swimming pool.
- Lunch provided during term time.
- Staff discounts with local retailers, hospitality and wellbeing providers.
- Ongoing professional development and training opportunities.
All applicants must have the legal right to work in the UK prior to employment, as we are currently unable to sponsor visa applications.
Cheltenham College reserves the right to close this vacancy early should a suitable candidate be appointed. To avoid disappointment, early applications are encouraged.
Closing date: 17th August 2026
How to Apply
Please click on the application link to apply for this role. The application should be submitted with a covering letter, either in the supporting statement section, or uploaded separately at the time of applying.
Cheltenham College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people in its recruitment and selection of job applicants and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be required to undergo an enhanced DBS check.
We are committed to equality of opportunity for all staff and applications from suitably qualified individuals are encouraged regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnerships. We encourage all candidates to ensure that College is aware of your particular requirements should you be invited to interview.
