Finance Officer
Start Date: 5th January 2025 (may be brought forward to before Christmas if the candidate is available)
Term: Minimum 12 months, potentially 13–14 months pending confirmation of extended leave
Salary: £37,509 – £38,637 per annum
Location: Lewisham
Contract: Full-time
Agency: Recruiting on behalf of a leading education trust
Are you an organised, detail-driven finance professional looking to contribute to a high-performing school environment? Our client, a respected education trust, is seeking an experienced Finance Officer to support the delivery of accurate, efficient and compliant financial operations across the school.
The Role
As the Finance Officer, you will play a key role in ensuring the smooth running of day-to-day financial operations. Working closely with the Trust Finance Manager and Finance Operations Manager, you will support the processing, monitoring, analysis and reporting of both local and central financial transactions.
Key Responsibilities
Process purchase orders, invoices, journals and routine data entries in line with trust financial procedures.
Manage cash and banking tasks, including BACS payments, receipts, and monthly bank reconciliations.
Support weekly payment runs and monitor purchase order commitments.
Administer financial processes for school trips, including parent contributions via ParentMail or BACS.
Lead debt recovery and credit control, working with families to resolve outstanding issues.
Maintain lettings/hirings records, issue sales invoices and chase overdue payments; liaise with Premises and Lettings teams for additional charges.
Provide budget holders with accurate advice, updates and financial guidance.
Respond to finance queries from staff and suppliers, escalating to the Finance Operations Manager when required.
Reconcile payments and commitments, track progress and review projected versus actual spending.
Assist with monthly budget monitoring and year-end processes including accruals, prepayments and closing commitments.
Query incorrect invoices with suppliers and request proof of delivery as needed.
Support payroll, pensions and staff expenses administration.
Maintain accurate financial records in line with data protection regulations.
Assist the Trust Finance Manager with audits and other financial or administrative duties.
Provide training to staff on finance processes and support during school events or emergencies (e.g., evacuation procedures).
Person Specification
Qualifications
AAT Level 3 or equivalent finance qualification (desirable).
Minimum of 5 GCSEs including English and Maths.
Experience & Knowledge
Experience in financial processing, budget support and financial reporting.
Strong understanding of purchase ordering and invoice systems.
Proficient in Microsoft Office and spreadsheet tools.
Ability to build effective working relationships with staff, suppliers and stakeholders.
Understanding of safeguarding within an education environment.
Skills
Strong numeracy and analytical skills with logical, accurate processing.
Clear and confident communicator (written and verbal).
Ability to interpret and present financial information.
Good problem-solving ability and flexible approach to workloads.
Excellent organisational skills and ability to prioritise.
Ability to maintain confidentiality at all times.
Personal Qualities
Positive, resilient and proactive team player.
Committed to safeguarding and the welfare of students.
Willingness to undertake further training and development.
Flexible to meet the needs of a busy finance team.
Why Apply?
Opportunity to support a high-performing school within a respected trust.
Join a supportive finance team with training and development opportunities.
Varied, rewarding role with strong professional growth potential.
To apply, please submit your CV via this website.
Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interview