Finance Assistant

• Job Type: Full-time
• Contract length: 3 months
• Location: Southend
• Salary: £14-£16 per hour

We are seeking a dedicated Finance Assistant to join our school’s finance team. The ideal candidate will have a strong financial or accounting background and be adept at using finance software. This role is pivotal in ensuring the school’s financial operations run smoothly and efficiently.

• Assist in processing orders, purchase invoices, sales invoices, and credit notes, ensuring correct coding.
• Ensure the school achieves value for money in annual orders and service contracts.
• Authorise payments in line with the School’s Financial Regulations.
• Distribute payments to creditors and manage remittance advices for cheque and BACS payments.
• Handle creditor queries and manage statements.
• Collect and record cash and cheque income from various departments and pupils.
• Administer Wise Pay transactions and manage gift aid claims to maximise benefits for the school.
• Record all financial transactions accurately on the school’s accounting system.
• Serve as the main point of contact for music tuition and exams, managing related administration and financial transactions.
• Manage locker key transactions and VAT reclaims on eligible expenditures.

• Oversee the collection and banking of funds related to educational visits, issuing receipts, and processing refunds.
• Make timely payments for educational activities and liaise with relevant parties for trip cancellations and refunds.
• Organise and collate parental consent forms, ensuring staff have the necessary reports for activities.

• Manage petty cash transactions, maintain accurate records, and perform regular reconciliations.

• Perform general finance office administration, including filing and maintaining office records.

• Financial or accounting background with experience in general finance tasks.
• Qualified in finance or relevant experience in a similar role.
• Experience with finance software.
• Strong communication skills and ability to interact effectively as the front-line contact.
• Trustworthy with a high level of integrity.
• Team player with a collaborative approach.
• Willingness to undergo a DBS check if not already in possession of one.

• Competitive salary package.
• Opportunity to work in a supportive and dynamic educational environment.
• Professional development opportunities.
• Pension scheme.

To apply for the Finance Assistant position, please submit your CV and cover letter detailing your relevant experience and why you are interested in joining our team.