Accounts Assistant

Hurstpierpoint College; Hurstpierpoint; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 29,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free lunched during term-time

Free on-site parking

Membership of College's contributory/p

Discounted private medical scheme

Job summary

Hurstpierpoint College is seeking a Finance Office role to support the Credit Controller and wider accounts team. You will gain grounding in daily finance tasks, learn reconciliations and payment matching while supporting bursary applications and data entry.

40 hours per week, Monday to Friday, £25,000 salary with training from day one and potential for progression through an apprenticeship (AAT Level 2 or Business Administration). A friendly, collaborative environment awaits.

Qualifications

• Comfortable with numbers and detail-oriented.
• Able to use MS Office and basic computer systems.
• Excellent communication with parents and colleagues; customer service focus.

Responsibilities

• Check invoice details and flag discrepancies.
• Record payments and allocate to invoices.
• Send reminder letters/emails for unpaid amounts.
• Support bursary applications and log records.
• Assist wider Accounts team and data entry.
• Apprenticeship pathway with study toward AAT Level 2 or Business Admin.

Skills

Numerical ability

Attention to detail

Customer service

Telephone communication

Organised

Education

GCSE Maths and English (grade 5+)

Tools

MS Office

Accounts system

Job description

Based in the Finance Office, you will work closely alongside the Credit Controller on day-to-day tasks, gaining a thorough grounding in how a busy finance team operates. As you settle into the role, you will also be given the opportunity to support other areas of the department, building a broader understanding of the accounts function as a whole. Full training will be given from day one., Working with the Credit Controller

• Checking invoice details are correct - amounts, dates, names - and flagging anything that seems incorrect
• Recording payments received and ensuring they are matched to the correct account and allocated against the correct invoice
• Helping to send reminder letters or emails for unpaid amounts
• Maintaining a clear log of what has come in and been dealt with

Bursary applications

• Receiving bursary applications submitted by parents through the external system
• Checking that all expected information has been received and nothing is missing
• Logging and recording each application accurately on the College system
• Keeping digital records organised so they can be easily located when needed
• Flagging any incomplete or unclear applications

Supporting the wider Accounts department

• Providing support to other members of the finance team as required
• Assisting with data entry and keeping records up to date on the system
• Answering straightforward queries from staff and referring anything more complex to the right person
• Helping with any other general tasks as needed, This role is also offered as an apprenticeship opportunity. If you join on this basis, you will work in the Finance Office while studying towards a recognised qualification, such as an AAT (Association of Accounting Technicians) Level 2 or a Business Administration qualification, alongside your day-to-day duties.

Ideal candidate

• Comfortable with numbers and careful with detail
• Confident using a computer, with knowledge of MS Office packages, digital files and systems
• Able to communicate effectively with a wide range of people, including parents, delivering outstanding customer service at all times
• Confident answering and making telephone calls.
• Reliable, punctual and organised
• Polite, friendly and easy to work with
• Happy to take direction and ask questions when unsure
• Have understanding of confidentiality, some of the work involves personal and sensitive information
• GCSE Maths and English at grade 5 or above (or equivalent), and any part-time or voluntary work experience, would be advantageous, though neither is essential

About Hurst

Hurst is one of Britain's leading independent schools, offering a vibrant and supportive environment for both pupils and staff. With almost 1,300 pupils across our Senior and Prep Schools, we combine academic ambition with a strong sense of community and a rich co-curricular programme. With Pennthorpe School newly joining the Hurst family, it is an exciting time to be part of the team. Hurst is a place of genuine momentum. From the classroom to the sports field, the theatre to the boarding house, life here is rich, varied and rewarding. Those who thrive here bring the same enthusiasm, commitment and energy that we encourage in our pupils.

Working Hours

• 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday

What we offer in return

• Competitive salary of £25,000
• Free lunched during term-time
• Free on-site parking
• Membership of the College's contributory pension scheme
• Discounted private medical scheme through BUPA
• A collaborative, friendly and supportive working environment
• Excellent opportunities for professional development

Safeguarding

Hurstpierpoint College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. The successful applicant will be required to undergo appropriate pre-employment checks, including references, adverse media searches and an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check