The Opportunity
Based in our friendly Finance team, you’ll play a key role in supporting the Management Accountant, Assistant Management Accountant, and Head of Finance. Together, you’ll help deliver accurate, timely financial information that supports the College’s operations and strategic decisions. Your work will contribute to vital areas such as budgeting, forecasting, capital spend monitoring, and management account preparation. You’ll take ownership of preparing and posting monthly journals, including those for payroll and grant funding, as well as handling accruals, prepayments, depreciation, and provisions to keep our financial reporting accurate and up to date. You’ll prepare management account schedules that feed directly into reports for the College Leadership Team and Board, helping to inform key decisions across the organisation. A big part of your role will be ensuring all transactions are accurately coded within the Balance Sheet. You’ll complete monthly reconciliations and swiftly investigate and resolve any discrepancies to keep everything running smoothly. You’ll also support the management of the fixed asset register, including processing new additions, disposals, and depreciation. You’ll work closely with budget holders across the College, acting as their go-to contact for financial support. This involves providing clear, timely financial information, helping them manage their budgets, and explaining variances or resolving queries. By doing so, you’ll make sure everyone has the insight they need to make confident, informed financial decisions. This is a great opportunity to gain exposure to a wide range of finance activities, from management accounting and budgeting to balance sheet reconciliation and capital monitoring — giving you a strong foundation for future progression.
About You
You will be detail-oriented, proactive, and confident working with financial data. You should have a strong foundation in accounting principles and be comfortable preparing journals, reconciliations, and financial reports. Accuracy and timeliness are essential, as your work will directly support key financial decisions at the College. You’ll need to be highly organised and capable of managing multiple tasks to meet monthly deadlines. A good understanding of Balance Sheet coding and financial statement structures will also be important. Experience with accounting software and strong Excel skills will also be highly beneficial. In addition to technical skills, you should be a good communicator who can explain financial information clearly to non-finance colleagues. You will be working closely with budget holders, so the ability to build positive working relationships and provide helpful, solution-focused support is key. Ideally, you’ll be studying towards a recognised accounting qualification (such as AAT), or have equivalent experience in a similar role. A willingness to learn and develop within the finance team will help you succeed in this position.
Required
* Four GCSEs at grades A–C (including English and Maths) or equivalent (e.g. NVQ Level 2).
* AAT Level 2 (or equivalent) completed and working towards Level 3.
* Minimum of one year’s finance office experience.
Reasons to join us
* We offer substantial annual leave entitlement (up to 47 days per year including bank and public holidays).
* Holiday purchase scheme to buy additional annual leave days.
* Local Government Pension Scheme – with a generous 19.2% employer contribution.
* We invest in our people through funded CPD opportunities, regular staff development training and paid volunteering days.
* Career advancement opportunities with tailored support for staff to progress.
* Free Barnsley College courses to support your professional and personal development (subject to approval).
* 24/7 access to same day appointments with a GP.
* Exclusive discounts and cashback for retail, dining and leisure as part of YouatWork.
* Access to health cash plans as members of the Westfield Health Scheme or Health Shield.
* Discounted college gym membership with onsite facilities.
* Supporting employee mental health through access to free counselling services and the Foundations App.
* Discount schemes for greener travel including Northern Rail, Trainline and Cycle to Work.
* Free Microsoft Office 365 for personal use on up to five machines.
* Access to discounted hair and beauty therapies at our onsite salon.
* On site subsidised Starbucks and food outlets offering a variety of dining options.
* Free breakfast provided daily for all staff members.
* Our shared purpose – We believe in transforming the lives of both our learners and staff.
The Barnsley College Advantage
* Being supported to achieve your personal and professional goals.
* A range of flexible working opportunities.
* Autonomy, Empowerment and Accountability.
* Short- and Long-Term development commitments.
* Access to experiencing work in a range of areas.
* Working in a Value and Behaviour led organisation.
* Reward and Recognition.
* Having your voice heard at every level.
* Comprehensive Wellbeing Support.
Closing date for applications is Sunday, 26th October 2025. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early depending on the level of interest.
Barnsley College is committed to creating a dynamic and diverse workforce and welcomes applications from all candidates regardless of their gender, disability, age, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or faith. Disabled applicants who meet the minimum essential criteria will be guaranteed an interview. The College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be required to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure from DBS.
Please be aware that it is a Criminal offence to apply for this post if you are barred from engaging in regulated activity in connection to children.
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