Do you have experience of working in a high-volume Accounts Payable function?
Do you have experience of dealing directly with suppliers and handling supplier queries?
If the answer is Yes, this may be the role for you.
South Thames Colleges Group is looking for a Finance Officer to join a busy Accounts Payable and Expenses function. You will be part of a team of five, reporting to the Financial Controller.
The main part of the role will be the processing of purchase invoices, bursary payments and expense claims. You will also need to ensure that the Purchase Ledger database is kept up to date and that accurate address and bank details are maintained. You will learn to operate the weekly payment run and make sure remittance advices are dispatched promptly and all queries are followed up. There will opportunities to work across the entire Group, supporting budget holders and making sure invoices are correctly coded and authorised and purchase orders are used where appropriate.
We are looking for someone who has experience of working in a high-volume Accounts Payable function operating with detailed financial procedures and regulations. We operate a paperless office so you will need to have good IT skills and have worked in a paperless environment already. You will enjoy the challenge of managing tight deadlines and handling multiple tasks simultaneously whilst ensuring compliance with procedures and keeping our budget holders and suppliers happy!
An AAT or equivalent financial qualification would be advantageous, as is an understanding of VAT and its application to invoices and expense transactions. If you have previously worked in an education or government environment or have familiarity with Access Evo, that will also be beneficial.
This role is based at Merton College in Morden, Surrey but there is an option for hybrid working (Merton College and Home) after successful completion of probationary period.
Closing date for the return of completed applications is 24th January 2026.
The benefits package includes generous annual leave of 27 days plus up to 8 additional days over Christmas/New Year as well as an additional 5 days Wellbeing leave to enhance employees’ physical and mental health. There is an excellent pension scheme that receives a significant financial contribution from the employer (Teachers Pensions or Local Government Pension Scheme), subsidised sports facilities and professional development and training plus a salary sacrifice cycle to work scheme.
As part of our due diligence checks on prospective employees, successful candidates will be subject to an enhanced DBS check, satisfactory references, an online search and proof of eligibility to work in the UK.
As outlined in the Public Sector Equality Duty of the Equality Act 2010, we are committed to equality of opportunity for all staff and applications from individuals are encouraged regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnerships.
South Thames Colleges Group is made up of Carshalton College, Kingston College, Merton College and South Thames College and is one of London’s largest providers of post-16 education and training. We are an ongoing and significant contributor to our local communities and put students’ success at the heart of everything we do.
We are looking for hard-working and collaborative people who can join our team and help challenge our students to achieve and progress