Accounting & Finance,Administration,Customer Service
Arc is the cool older sibling at UNSW. We pride ourselves on our obsession with student life because we know that the best part of going to uni is all the fun stuff you do outside the classroom. Our mission is to create the best student experience and we do that through a huge range of opportunities and services available to students online and in person. Working at Arc you’ll join a welcoming team of passionate people who believe in listening to students, working together and constantly being better. Plus there are plenty of employee perks like cake, volleyball, Arc Wellness and heaps more.
Job Description
PRIMARY OBJECTIVE
To provide student-focused financial counselling and support services that empower students to effectively manage their financial challenges. The Financial Counsellor will assist students in understanding and improving their financial wellbeing through guidance on budgeting, managing debt, accessing financial aid, and navigating financial crises, with the goal of supporting student retention, academic success, and overall wellbeing.
KEY TASKS
• Promote Arc’s culture of inclusivity, respect, and continuous learning.
• Provide one-on-one, confidential financial counselling to students facing financial stress or hardship.
• Assist students with budgeting, financial planning, and debt management strategies.
• Help students understand their financial obligations, including tuition fees, living expenses, and loan repayments.
• Assess student eligibility for emergency financial assistance or hardship funds.
• Guide students through application processes for university or external financial aid programs.
• Liaise with internal support services to coordinate holistic support for students in crisis.
• Develop and deliver financial literacy workshops, webinars, and resources on topics such as budgeting, saving, managing debt, and accessing scholarships.
• Collaborate with student services, faculties, and student organisations to promote financial wellbeing initiatives.
• Advocate on behalf of students in negotiations with creditors, landlords, or service providers when appropriate.
• Refer students to external services, including community legal centres, Centrelink, and financial institutions as needed.
• Maintain accurate and confidential records of student interactions in accordance with Arc policies.
• Prepare reports on financial counselling trends, emerging issues, and service outcomes to inform university planning and support services.
• Contribute to the development and continuous improvement of financial support programs and policies.
Desired Skills and Experience
QUALIFICATIONS, KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE SELECTION CRITERIA
• Relevant tertiary qualification in Financial Counselling, Social Work, or a related discipline.
• Professional accreditation or eligibility for accreditation as a Financial Counsellor (e.g., with the Financial Counsellors Association).
• Demonstrated experience in providing financial counselling or related support services, preferably in a tertiary or community setting.
• Proven ability to work empathetically and confidentially with diverse student populations, including those from disadvantaged or culturally diverse backgrounds.
• Experience in providing tailored advice that respects students’ individual circumstances and promotes their wellbeing and autonomy.
• Strong understanding of personal finance issues affecting students, including budgeting, debt management, financial aid, and government support programs.
• Ability to assist students with financial literacy and to interpret complex financial information in accessible terms.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to engage, motivate, and educate students.
• Strong interpersonal skills and experience building collaborative relationships with internal stakeholders and external agencies.
• Experience in crisis management and providing appropriate referrals to support services.
• Well-developed organisational skills, with experience managing confidential client records and preparing reports.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team, managing a varied workload in a dynamic environment.
