Finance and Purchasing Officer

Claires Court; Maidenhead; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading independent school in Maidenhead seeks a Finance and Procurement Officer to enhance purchasing processes and support financial operations. The ideal candidate has at least two years of relevant experience and is proficient with financial software. Applicants will thrive in a positive, inclusive environment that values professional development and collaborative teamwork. The role is full-time, on-site, and offers a competitive salary with excellent benefits.

Benefits

Positive working environment

Ongoing training and professional development opportunities

Impact within a respected school

Supportive finance team

Qualifications

• Minimum of two years experience in a finance or purchasing role, ideally in a similar school.
• Able to work accurately with financial data and documentation.
• Proficient in using purchase order software, including databases and spreadsheets.
• Familiarity with Google Workspace or other web-based tools is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Lead and improve purchasing processes across the school network.
• Source reliable suppliers, coordinate credit accounts, and ensure timely delivery.
• Review and approve purchase requests, and manage returns and supplier credit notes.
• Check and reconcile supplier invoices; manage the purchase ledger.
• Monitor budgets, identify shortfalls, and prepare quarterly financial analysis.

Skills

Finance Experience

Strong Literacy & Numeracy

Systems & Technology

Digital Literacy

Professional Development

Job description

Overview

Full Time | Permanent | 40 hours per week (Monday Friday)

Location: Maidenhead, SL6 6AW

Competitive Salary | Excellent Benefits | All-Year-Round Role

At Claires Court, a leading independent school in Maidenhead, your expertise in finance, procurement, and purchasing will directly contribute to our mission of delivering exceptional education.

As a thriving all-through school for boys and girls aged 2 to 18, from Nursery to Sixth Form, Claires Court is guided by our values of respect, loyalty, integrity, and responsibility. Our staff are passionate professionals who play an essential part in creating an inspiring and nurturing environment where every pupil can flourish academically, personally, and socially.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and improve purchasing processes across the school network, introducing automation and best practices.
• Source reliable, cost-effective suppliers, coordinate credit accounts, and ensure timely delivery of orders.
• Review and approve purchase requests, raise and track purchase orders, and manage returns and supplier credit notes.
• Check, code, and reconcile supplier invoices; manage the purchase ledger and related queries.
• Maintain accurate purchase records, authorised signatory lists, and internal databases/catalogues.
• Oversee rechargeable purchases, the purchasing credit card, and monthly reconciliations.
• Monitor budgets, identify shortfalls, and prepare quarterly financial analysis to track savings and efficiencies.
• Ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements, including VAT and financial policies.

Skills & Experience

• Finance Experience: Minimum of two years experience in a finance or purchasing role, ideally in a similar school, educational, or multi-site environment.
• Strong Literacy & Numeracy: Able to work accurately with financial data and documentation.
• Systems & Technology: Proficient in using computer systems and purchase order software, including databases and spreadsheets. Intermediate Excel skills are highly desirable.
• Digital Literacy: Familiarity with Google Workspace or other web-based tools is desirable.
• Professional Development: Willingness to participate in internal and external training to support continuous professional growth and skills development.

Why Join Claires Court?

• A positive and inclusive working environment
• Ongoing training and professional development opportunities
• The chance to make a genuine impact within a respected independent school
• A collaborative and supportive finance team dedicated to excellence

How To Apply

If you’re ready to bring your skills and enthusiasm to Claires Court and play a key role in supporting our continued success, we’d love to hear from you.

Click Apply Now to begin your application and receive details on completing your form and providing supporting documents.

Closing Date: Thursday 6 November 2025

Please apply early, as applications will be reviewed upon receipt.

No recruitment agencies please.

Other Skills: Financial administration, Accounts payable / receivable, Financial reporting, Cost control and analysis, Accounting systems, Month-end and year-end processes, Budget monitoring.