Finance Officer – Independent Secondary School – Harrogate Start Date: As soon as possible Contract: Full-time, Permanent Salary: Paid to scale School Information This Independent 11–18 day school in Harrogate, North Yorkshire, is recognised for its excellent pastoral system, strong academic outcomes, and first-class facilities. The school is financially stable, well-resourced, and places significant emphasis on operational efficiency and strong financial management. With a supportive administrative team and modern finance systems in place, the school encourages innovation, accuracy, and high levels of professional stewardship. The finance department operates as a crucial backbone of the school, supporting budgeting, payroll coordination, fee processing, procurement, and strategic planning. Staff enjoy a collaborative working environment, ongoing professional training, and strong leadership support. The school is proud of its reputation for professionalism, clarity, and excellent stakeholder communication. Role Information The school is seeking a diligent, analytical, and confident Finance Officer to join its well-established finance team. Key responsibilities include: Processing purchase invoices, coding, and maintaining accurate financial records Managing supplier payments, purchase orders, and reconciliation tasks Supporting termly fee billing, credit control, and parent account queries Assisting with payroll administration and staff expense claims Monitoring budgets and providing spending updates to department leads Preparing financial reports, statements, and audit documents Supporting annual budget processes and long-term financial planning Ensuring financial compliance with independent school regulations Contributing to procurement, contracts, and value-for-money assessments Maintaining confidentiality and professionalism at all times You will work closely with the Finance Manager and School Business Manager to maintain smooth financial operations and robust internal controls. Requirements Finance or accounting experience (school setting desirable) Strong numerical skills and attention to detail Experience with finance software (e.g., Sage, PS Financials, Xero) Good understanding of budgeting, invoicing, and reconciliation Strong communication skills when liaising with staff and parents Ability to prioritise workloads and meet deadlines High levels of professionalism, accuracy, and discretion A commitment to supporting the school’s wider mission Application To apply, please send your CV as soon as possible.