Finance & Administration Assistant

Exciting Opportunity: Finance & Administration Assistant

Location: Central Office (occasional visits to trust schools)Salary: £24,404 - £25,183 per annum + exceptional benefits, including a top-tier pension scheme, 24+ days holiday, 8 bank holidays, and additional trust leave days.Working Hours: Full-time (37 hours per week), all year round

Are you a meticulous and proactive professional looking to advance your career in finance and administration? We're partnering with a leading multi-academy trust to find a Finance & Administration Assistant to support their dynamic central finance team. This role is ideal for individuals who thrive in a collaborative, high-impact environment and are eager to contribute to the financial and operational success of schools across the trust.

About the Role

As the Finance & Administration Assistant, you'll be a key player in supporting the Trust's financial operations and ensuring compliance with established policies. Reporting to the Business Support Manager, you'll handle a variety of tasks including grant management, financial reporting, payroll reconciliation, and purchase order processing. This is an excellent opportunity for someone looking to build a robust career in finance within the education sector.

Key Responsibilities

• Financial Oversight: Reconcile grant and contractual income, process financial transactions, and assist with budgeting and forecasting.
• Reporting: Compile detailed financial reports for schools and trustees.
• Audit Preparation: Collaborate on the preparation of evidence for audits of external grants.
• Systems Management: Ensure accurate recording, distribution, and reconciliation of income using financial control systems.
• Payroll Support: Provide reconciliation support for payroll processes across the trust.
• Administrative Duties: Oversee purchase requests, inter-school recharges, goods receipting, and invoice coding.
• Team Collaboration: Liaise with central teams, school staff, and external agencies to support financial processes.

This role requires occasional visits to schools within the trust and participation in training to stay updated on financial systems and procedures.

Who We're Looking For

Essential Skills & Experience:

• GCSEs in English and Maths (Grade A-C or equivalent).
• Strong IT proficiency, particularly in Microsoft Excel, Word, and Outlook.
• Exceptional organisational skills, with a keen eye for detail.
• Clear communication skills, both verbal and written.
• The ability to multitask, meet deadlines, and prioritise effectively.

Desirable Skills:

• AAT Level 3 qualification (or a willingness to achieve it).
• Experience in a financial or administrative role, particularly within the education, public, or charity sectors.
• Advanced Excel skills and familiarity with financial reporting processes.
• A track record of improving financial or administrative systems.

Why Join This Team?

This is more than just a job; it's an opportunity to contribute to a trust that's making a real difference in the lives of young people. In return for your dedication, you'll enjoy:

• A supportive and collaborative team environment.
• Opportunities for professional growth and training.
• A role where your work directly impacts schools and communities.

What you'll Need to Succeed

You'll be someone who values accuracy, thrives on collaboration, and is motivated to continuously learn and improve. You'll have a strong sense of integrity, be highly organised, and ready to take on a role that combines finance, administration, and relationship-building.

Next Steps

Are you ready to step into this rewarding role and make a difference in the education sector?

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