Finance Officer

Finance Officer

Location: Ixworth, IP31 2HS

Salary: £25,584 - £30,060 per annum

Hours: 37 hours per week, 5 days a week (alternative hours and patterns would be considered)

The Education Trust is an expanding multi-academy trust with both primary and secondary schools within it. The Trust currently has 22 schools (13 primary and 9 secondary).

The Role

The Finance Officer is responsible for the maintenance of the school’s finance system and records in accordance with the Trust’s Financial Rules & Procedures. Ensuring that the school’s transactional finance is delivered in an efficient and effective manner to meet the school needs. Staff may look after more than one school and this is subject to change based on the evolving needs of each of the Trust’s schools.

The post holder will have access to and be responsible for confidential information and documentation. They must ensure confidential or sensitive material is handled appropriately and accurately.

The post holder shall participate in the Trust’s programme of Performance Management and Continuing Professional Development; and

The post-holder will be required to comply with the Trusts Code of Conduct for Staff and Volunteers.

Key Responsibilities

• Act as the primary point of contact for all finance queries for relevant school(s);
• Process school orders ensuring compliance with the Trust’s Financial Rules and Procedures;
• Process invoices received ensuring correct authorisation of expenditure;
• Produce payment files & reconciling to the outstanding invoices;
• Reconcile supplier statements to accounting records, including leading on one or more Trust wide supplier account as account champion;
• Reconciling school bank accounts, credit cards and any petty cash held;
• Raise relevant school sales invoices;
• Manage the schools online payment system (e.g. ParentPay or Wisepay);
• Chasing outstanding invoices with customers and escalating to the Trust’s credit control function where appropriate;
• Assisting budget holders to effectively cost and manage school related funds (e.g. trips, lettings, buses, productions);
• Recording fund recharges (e.g. Pupil Premium Grant) once authorised by appropriate budget holders;
• Provide support and ad-hoc training to non-finance staff based within the school on financial matters and the use of Sage;
• Ensure budget holders are regularly reviewing budget statements; and
• Assist the Trust’s internal and external auditors with any information requests required in regards the school’s financial records.

Skills and Qualifications

The professional competencies expected of the Finance Officer are:

• Be a flexible and enthusiastic team player that is adaptable and resilient in managing and executing their daily responsibilities;
• Have good communication skills in person and in writing to respond to staff, students and outside agencies whilst maintaining confidentiality;
• Be organised and able to manage, plan and complete daily and weekly tasks in a busy office environment; and
• Be familiar with the use of, or prepared to learn how to use, a variety of IT Systems (including Sage Intacct).

The qualifications and experience required of the Finance Officer are:

• Experience of working in a busy finance environment;
• Previous purchase/sales ledger experience;
• Maths and English GCSEs grade 4-9;
• AAT qualified or currently studying (desirable).

To Apply

If you feel you are a suitable candidate and would like to work for this reputable Education Trust, please click apply to be redirected to their website to complete your application.