Description
We are seeking a highly organised and detail-oriented Finance Assistant to join the Finance team at Sandwell College.
This is an excellent opportunity for an individual with strong administrative and financial skills to support the day-to-day operations of a busy Finance department within a further education environment. Working closely with the Payroll, Fixed Asset and Systems Manager and wider Finance team, you will play a key role in supporting financial processes across the College, ensuring accuracy, confidentiality and excellent customer service.
The successful candidate will contribute to a range of finance functions including payroll administration, supporting capital expenditure and projects, month end processes, budget monitoring and general financial administration. You will also work collaboratively with colleagues across the College, helping to support effective financial operations that contribute to an outstanding student experience.
Key Responsibilities
•Assist in the preparation and processing of payroll, ensuring accuracy and timely delivery, including processing hourly paid payroll and completing IR35 checks.
•Assisting in maintaining payroll records, including starters, leavers, and contractual changes.
•Support the reconciliation of payroll data and help resolve discrepancies.
•Support the administration of capital expenditure and capital projects, maintaining detailed records of capital funding and expenditure and reporting variances against budget.
•Support the Director of Finance in preparing and submitting capital grant returns accurately and within deadlines.
•Assist in improving and streamlining financial processes and reporting, especially within the finance system. Support in training colleagues on using the finance system and dealing with system queries.
•Assist with month end and year end processes as and when required by the Director of Finance. Support other areas of the finance department as and when required.
•Complete monthly ONS returns.
•Undertake general office duties including post, filing and answering the phone.
•Assist in the enrolment procedures and other administrative procedures as required.
•Ensure a high level of confidentiality at all times.
Skills, Knowledge and Expertise
* Educated to GCSE standard or equivalent
* Working towards a recognised accounting qualification desirable
* Experience of accounting functions and accounts preparation desirable
* Experience using computerised accounting systems desirable
* Strong Microsoft Excel skills
* High levels of accuracy and attention to detail
Benefits
✅ Top-Tier Salaries – We offer sector-leading pay with some of the most competitive salaries around
🏖 Unbeatable Time Off – Enjoy 35-50 days of annual leave, plus 8 bank holidays AND extra time off at Christmas – because work-life balance is essential
🚀 Fast-Track Your Career – Take advantage of dedicated development days, career pathways, and talent schemes designed to help you grow and succeed
🚴 Cycle to Work Scheme – A healthier, greener, and more cost-effective way to commute
💆♀️ Exclusive Discounts on Onsite Services – Save on Bliss Hair & Beauty Salon, dog grooming, car health checks, and more
🏋 Fitness Perks – Enjoy our college gym facilities or discounted rates at local gyms to keep you feeling your best
💰 Generous Pension Contributions – We invest in your future with 23.68% employer contribution for teaching roles and 21.5% for non-teaching roles
🛍 Retail & Travel Discounts – Unlock exclusive savings on high street brands, local transport, cross-country travel. UNIDAYS, Student Beans and Blue Light Discount
📜 Free Will Writing – We’ve got your back with professional support for your future planning
💉 Free Flu Vaccine – Stay healthy and protected at no cost to you
🧘 Wellbeing Support – Access confidential counselling services and wellness platforms to support your mental and emotional health
🏆 We Celebrate You! – We recognise and appreciate your hard work with awards, recognition events, and celebration days throughout the year.
Sandwell Family of Colleges is a group of educational institutions located in the West Midlands region of England, offering a diverse range of courses and programs to cater to various interests and career aspirations. The family comprises of Sandwell College, Cadbury Sixth Form College, Central St Michael, Professional Academy, Central St Michaels Science, Engineering and Manufacturing Centre. With state-of-the-art facilities, experienced teaching staff, and a commitment to student success, the Sandwell Family of Colleges provides a supportive and inclusive learning environment, enabling individuals to pursue their educational and career goals effectively.
Sandwell Family of Colleges is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults. We have robust policies and procedures in place to ensure a safe and secure learning environment for all our students and staff. At Sandwell Family of Colleges, we believe that creating a safe, nurturing and inclusive environment is essential for enabling our students to thrive academically and personally. We are unwavering in our commitment to safeguarding and will continue to uphold the highest standards to protect the most vulnerable members of our community.
Please note that as part of our onboarding process, you will be required to either undergo an Enhanced DBS check or provide your existing Enhanced DBS certificate if you are registered with the Update Service.
We expect all applicants to be fully transparent about any information that may be disclosed as part of this check so that we can discuss it at the earliest opportunity. For more information on what may show on your Enhanced DBS check please visit:
We reserve the right to close this job vacancy before the advertised application deadline.