Overview:
Sampford Arundel Primary is a small, friendly village school at the heart of its community, rated Good by Ofsted. We pride ourselves on our welcoming, family atmosphere and the strong relationships between staff, children and parents.
The Finance Officer & Administrator is a key role in helping our school run smoothly — supporting staff and pupils while being the first point of contact for parents and visitors. This is a varied position combining financial management and office administration. One moment you may be preparing budget reports, the next updating pupil records or welcoming visitors. Training and support will be provided, including from the School Business Manager at our federated partner school.
Hours, Contract and Salary:
* 22 hours per week (8.30am – 12.30pm, Monday–Friday, plus 2 flexible hours).
* Term time only (38 weeks per year), paid over 12 months.
* Additional hours may be required at peak times (paid with holiday pay). INSET days by agreement with the Headteacher.
* Salary: Grade 14 (£25,185 – £25,989 FTE pro rata). Progression to Grade 13 (£25,989 – £28,142 FTE pro rata) once fully competent with SIMS/FMS (reviewed after one year).
Key Responsibilities:
Finance & Budget
* Manage orders, invoices and payments through SIMS and FMS.
* Handle ParentPay, petty cash and school income.
* Prepare accurate monthly and termly finance reports for the Headteacher and Governors.
* Support annual budget planning and monitor expenditure against budget headings.
* Carry out monthly reconciliations and audits.
* Administer supply cover records and associated costs.
HR & Personnel
* Maintain staff records, including absence, overtime and contracts.
* Process payroll forms and liaise with the local authority for accurate payment.
* Support recruitment paperwork and induction admin for new staff.
Pupil Administration
* Maintain admissions, attendance and assessment records on SIMS.
* Update pupil medical records and liaise with school nursing teams.
* Support the production of pupil reports and statutory returns.
Office & Compliance
* Act as first point of contact for parents, visitors and external partners.
* Manage emails, correspondence, post and phone enquiries.
* Support statutory returns such as the school census and other DfE/Local Authority reporting.
* Ensure compliance with data protection and maintain secure records.
* Provide admin support for trips, events and inspections.
School Community Support
* Organise day-to-day services such as milk and fruit deliveries.
* Assist with the organisation of school events, functions and trips.
* Contribute to the positive, welcoming environment of the school office.
(Optional in future): Paid Clerk to the Governors role (Additional paid 130 hours per year).
Requirements
* Strong IT skills (Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook).
* Good numeracy and accuracy when handling figures.
* Previous finance & office administration experience.
* Experience with SIMS/FMS desirable but not essential – full training provided.
* Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
* Ability to manage confidential information with discretion.
We Are Looking for Someone Who Is…
* Friendly, approachable and enthusiastic.
* Well organised and flexible.
* Able to work independently and prioritise effectively.
* Able to multi-task
* Calm under pressure with a positive, "can-do" attitude.
* A supportive team player
Interviews will be held on Thursday 23rd October 2025.
Job Types: Part-time, Permanent
Pay: £25,185.00-£28,142.00 per year
Expected hours: 22 per week
Benefits:
* Additional leave
* Company pension
* Free parking
* On-site parking
* Store discount
Work Location: In person