The School
Newton Prep combines the energy of a central London location with the kind of space most city schools can only imagine. Our pupils benefit from outstanding facilities and a learning environment that is both nurturing and academically ambitious. Here, children are encouraged to aim high, think deeply and explore widely.
Summary of the Role
We are seeking to appoint a motivated, dynamic (preferably experienced) self-starter to work closely with our Finance Manager and Bursar in the School Finance Office.
As the Purchase Clerk you will be responsible for the placing of all orders and the processing of all supplier invoices and employee expenses, within the agreed timelines.
The Purchase Clerk is appointed by, and responsible to, the Bursar via the Finance Manager.
This is a permanent, full-time, term time only (+ 6 weeks) position with a start date of as soon as possible.
Main Duties & Responsibilities
Under the direction of the Finance Manager, the Purchase Clerk is responsible for:
* Processing purchase orders (POs) and placing orders with suppliers
* Chasing up orders where necessary
* Matching POs to purchase invoices and goods received notes
* Timely inputting and processing of purchase invoices
* Resolving supplier queries and investigate any anomalies
* Monthly reconciliation of supplier statements
* Monthly reconciliation of school credit cards (x2)
* Setting up and maintaining supplier records in the Purchase Ledger
* Processing business expense claims
* Ensuring ledgers are up-to-date to facilitate prompt payment
* Take every care of confidential information in your possession to ensure no unauthorised disclosure of information relating to the affairs of the School, its employees, or its pupils
General Duties
* To liaise in particular with the Payroll and Accounts Assistant, Finance Manager, and other administrative staff so that their functions are understood, and appropriate support or cover can be given when needed
* To liaise with the Head Office at Putney regarding finance related matters
* Keeping the Finance Office and personal working space tidy and clear
* To work in a manner which is safe and healthy for both yourself and others with whom you come into contact
* To comply with safety instructions and regulations
* To promptly report all safety hazards and unsafe working practices
* To be familiar with the school’s Health & Safety Policy and comply with it at all times
* To take on the role and responsibility of receptionist as directed (all admin staff take on this role from time to time)
* To undertake other comparable duties as might be reasonably requested by the Head / Bursar or other authorised person from time to time
* Carrying out ad hoc administrative duties when required
* Be responsible for promoting and safeguarding the welfare of children and young persons and adhere to and ensure compliance with the School’s Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy at all times
* To attend courses to develop professional skills
* To read and be familiar with the staff handbook and follow the procedures therein
* To be familiar with and to follow guidelines as set out in the school staff policy documents
* To work in a co-operative, diplomatic and flexible manner
* To foster and maintain good working relationships, acting as a courteous, friendly and businesslike member of the school team
Person Specification
The Purchase Clerk should have:
Knowledge & Experience
* Be educated to A level standard (or equivalent)
* Have a proven track record of data entry
* Be a highly competent user of Microsoft Office: Excel and Word
* Be capable of processing data in a timely manner with very high levels of accuracy
* Have a good working knowledge of accounts and purchase order systems
* Good literacy and numeracy skills (GCSE qualification in Mathematics and English, grade C or above or equivalent)
It would be desirable for the Purchase Clerk to:
• Have some accounts experience
• Have previously worked in a school or educational establishment
• Have experience of using PASS or iSAMS
• Have an understanding of accounting practices, setting and controlling budgets, and taxation legislation
General Skills
* Be a quick learner and have a willingness to continue learning via formal training and self-teaching
* Excellent communication / interpersonal skills both in writing and on the telephone
* Good organisational skills; be able to work flexibly, prioritise own workload, and work under pressure
* Loyal to the school and supportive of its aims and objectives
* Willing to abide by the School’s Terms & Conditions of Employment
* A strong cultural fit with the School’s ethos and values with regards to enthusiasm, commitment, and ability to take part in the full life of the School during and outside of school hours
* An ability to work as an effective member of the Finance Department and wider school community
Summary of Terms & Conditions
The following information provides guidance, without prejudice, on the expected main terms and conditions of employment. A formal contract detailing the terms and conditions applicable to this position will be drawn up on receipt of your acceptance of your provisional offer of employment. Any offer of employment will be subject to satisfactory recruitment checks (including qualifications, references, ID, right to work, online searches and medical checks) that are satisfactory to the School as well as satisfactory checks from the DBS.
Salary
Salary range between £27k and £30k (£30k to £33k FTE), depending on skills and experience. Salaries are paid by BACS transfer on the last working day of each month in twelve-month equal payments.
Period of employment
Full-Time, Permanent, Term Time Only (plus 6 weeks during the school holidays – to be spread across the year / to be discussed at interview)
Working hours
37.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday, with an hour’s unpaid lunch break, term time only. 35 hours per week during the school holidays, with an hour’s unpaid lunch break. The postholder will be required to work such hours as are reasonably necessary for the better performance of their duties.
Probation
This post is subject to a probation period of six months. The School may, at its discretion, extend the probationary period for a further period.
Notice
Following the successful completion of your probationary period your notice period will be two months during the first four years’ service. Thereafter, an additional week’s notice is required for each complete year of service up to a maximum of 12 weeks’ notice after 12 years of service.
Pension
The school operates a Group Personal Pension Scheme. The school will automatically enrol you in its Standard Life Pension Scheme (the Scheme). If you do not wish to be a member of the Scheme you may choose to opt out. Forms are available from the Scheme’s website. The school will automatically re-enrol all staff who are not members of the Scheme on a three-yearly basis. Should you wish to continue to opt-out you will need to repeat the opt-out process. The school will contribute an amount equal to 10% of your net salary into its Group Personal Pension Scheme subject to your contributing a minimum of 4.8% of net salary into the Scheme.
Fee remission
A discount of up to 50% is given on school fees for children attending Newton Prep (subject to satisfying the School’s admission criteria). Please note this is not a contractual entitlement and the school reserves the right to vary the rate of remission or to withdraw it altogether.
Other benefits
Staff gym, free on-site parking, cycle-to-work scheme, free ‘travel to work loan scheme’, free school lunch, tea and coffee during term time, 24-hour counselling and legal advice service, free annual flu vaccination, training and development opportunities.
Application
Newton Prep is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Applicants will be required to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).
The School will carry out online searches on shortlisted candidates as part of the process of assessing suitability.
The post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the School is therefore permitted to ask job applicants to declare all convictions and cautions on a self-declaration form in advance of attending an interview (including those which are "spent" unless they are "protected" under the DBS filtering rules) in order to assess their suitability to work with children.
Please ensure that you include the names of two referees and details of employment since leaving school. As the position involves working with children the successful applicant must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post (including checks with past employers) and will be subject to an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check.
The closing date for applications is 9.00 am Friday 19th September 2025
Application is by form only. Application packs, including the Application Form, may be downloaded here or from our website newtonprepschool.co.uk. Candidates should complete the School’s Application Form electronically and email it to the HR Assistant at: hrassistant@newtonprep.co.uk.
Alternatively forward it via post to the HR Assistant, Newton Prep, 149 Battersea Park Road, London, SW8 4BX. If you have any queries about the application process, please contact the HR Department on 0207 720 4091 Ext 1255.
Formal interviews will be held week commencing Monday 22nd September 2025. However, the School reserves the right to interview and appoint ahead of the advertised closing date, should an appropriate candidate be found. Therefore, it is advisable to submit applications as early as possible.
* We are an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.