Location: Fordwater School, Summersdale Road, Chichester, West Sussex, PO19 6PP
Hours: 8:30am – 3.30pm – Monday to Friday - Term time only with 5 Inset Days + 1 week additional school holidays.
Salary: WSCC Grade 6, spinal point 9 - £27,254 - Please be advised that this salary represents a 52 week contract and the actual salary would be pro rata.
Contract Term: Permanent
Interviews: Friday 17th July
Start Date: 1st September 2026
Fordwater School is a compassionate and inclusive special school environment, committed to supporting pupils, families and staff. We are seeking a highly organised and motivated Finance Assistant to join our dedicated administration team.
About the Role
The Finance Assistant will play a key role in supporting the smooth and efficient running of the school’s financial and administrative systems. This includes processing invoices and purchase orders, maintaining accurate financial records, and assisting with wider office duties.
This is an excellent opportunity for someone who is detail oriented, proactive and committed to working within a supportive educational setting.
Key Responsibilities
* Process purchase orders and invoices in line with school procedures
* Maintain accurate financial records and assist with account reconciliation
* Support budget monitoring and financial reporting
* Respond to finance queries from staff and suppliers
* Assist with school income administration (e.g. trips and lettings)
* Research and support applications for additional grants and funding opportunities
* Provide general administrative and office support, including reception duties when required
* Maintain filing systems and support data entry in line with GDPR
* Assist with organising meetings, events, and school documentation
* Minute taking
What We Are Looking For
* Strong administrative and organisational skills
* Excellent attention to detail and accuracy
* Good communication and interpersonal skills
* Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team
* A professional, flexible and proactive approach
* Experience in finance or administration (desirable)
Why Join Us?
* Work within a caring and inclusive school community
* Be part of a supportive and collaborative team
* Opportunities for training and professional development
* Contribute to making a positive difference to pupils’ lives
Benefits
* generous holiday entitlement of between 25 and 31 days, depending on job title and length of service
* maternity, paternity, dependency and adoption leave
* training and development opportunities, including coaching and mentoring
* a range of discounts giving our staff access to hundreds of offers; groceries, travel, cinema tickets, days out, leisure activities, high street retailers and the opportunity to save over £1,000 a year through our West Sussex Choices benefits platform (see our Staff discounts page if you are a business looking to offer a discount)
* discounted membership at selected local sports and fitness centres
* a range of commuting and business travel discount and initiatives
* health and wellbeing benefits including access to our Employee Assistance Programme, Mental Health First Aiders and Voluntary Health Cash Plans
* salary finance schemes
* working for a veteran-friendly employer.
Fordwater is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our children and we expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful applicant will require a satisfactory enhanced DBS check and two references, including one from their most recent employer.
We adhere to equal opportunity employment and welcome diversity and inclusiveness in our staff recruitment processes.
J-18808-Ljbffr