Finance Officer (Maternity Cover – 12 to 14 Months)
Location: London SE4
Salary: £37,509 – £38,637 per annum
Hours: Full-time, 35 hours per week, 52 weeks per year
Start Date: 5 January 2025 (earlier start possible)
Contract: Fixed-Term (Maternity Cover: 12–14 months)
A Multi-Academy Trust in London SE4 is seeking an experienced Finance Officer to join its central finance team on a maternity cover contract. This is a key role within a school environment, supporting both central and local finance operations, including accounts payable, payroll, budget monitoring, and financial reporting.
This role offers the opportunity to work across a variety of school and MAT finance activities, supporting staff, suppliers, parents, and budget holders to ensure smooth financial processes.
Key Responsibilities
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Process financial transactions, journals, and reconciliations in the finance system.
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Raise purchase orders and process invoices in line with Trust financial procedures.
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Manage cash, banking, receipts, and BACS payments.
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Support weekly payment runs and monitor purchase order commitments.
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Administer school trip finances and income collection via ParentMail/BACS.
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Lead on credit control, debtor recovery, and chasing outstanding payments.
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Maintain lettings/hire records, raise invoices, and follow up on overdue payments.
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Provide advice and updates to budget holders on their budgets and commitments.
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Investigate and resolve supplier and staff account queries.
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Assist with payroll, pensions, and staff expenses administration.
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Support month-end and year-end financial processes, including accruals and prepayments.
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Prepare reconciliations for bank and control accounts.
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Maintain accurate, confidential records and assist with audits.
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Support school events, emergency procedures, and finance training as required.
Person Specification
Qualifications & Experience
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AAT Level 2/3 or equivalent (desirable).
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Minimum 5 GCSEs including English and Maths.
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Experience in finance administration, accounts payable, or school finance.
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Proficient in Excel and Microsoft Office; familiar with finance systems.
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Understanding of financial processes in a school or educational environment.
Skills & Attributes
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Excellent numeracy, accuracy, and attention to detail.
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Strong organisational and prioritisation skills.
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Effective communication skills with staff, parents, and suppliers.
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Ability to analyse, interpret, and present financial data.
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Professional, reliable, and able to handle confidential information.
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Flexible, proactive, and solution-focused.
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Commitment to safeguarding and professional development.
Safeguarding & DBS
This role is based in a school and involves working with sensitive information.
An Enhanced DBS check is required, and safeguarding responsibilities must be adhered to at all times.
Why Join Us?
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Join a professional and supportive central finance team.
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Work on a varied and interesting range of finance tasks across school and MAT operations.
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Competitive salary with opportunities for skill development