Finance and Purchasing Officer

AD TALENT RECRUITMENT; Thatcham; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

An independent school in Maidenhead is seeking a Finance and Purchasing Officer to manage financial processes, improve procurement, and ensure compliance with financial policies. Candidates should have at least two years of relevant experience and proficiency in purchase order systems and Excel. This full-time role offers competitive compensation and benefits in a supportive environment.

Benefits

Positive working environment

Opportunities for professional development

Collaborative finance team

Qualifications

• Minimum of two years’ experience in a finance or purchasing role.
• Demonstrated ability to work accurately with financial data.
• Proficiency in purchase order software and spreadsheets.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop purchasing processes across the school network.
• Source reliable and cost-effective suppliers.
• Review and approve purchase requests and manage returns.

Skills

Finance Experience

Strong Literacy & Numeracy

Systems & Technology

Digital Literacy

Professional Development

Tools

Purchase order software

Excel

Google Workspace

Job description

Overview

Finance and Purchasing Officer — Full Time | Permanent | 40 hours per week (Monday – Friday). Location: Maidenhead, SL6 6AW. Competitive Salary | Excellent Benefits | All-Year-Round Role

An established independent school in Maidenhead is seeking a dedicated Finance and Purchasing Officer to join its professional support team. The successful candidate will contribute directly to the school’s ongoing success through effective financial management, procurement, and purchasing processes.

As a thriving all-through school for boys and girls aged 3 to 18, from Nursery to Sixth Form, the organisation is guided by strong values of respect, loyalty, integrity, and responsibility. Staff work collaboratively to create an inspiring and nurturing environment where every pupil can achieve their full potential.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop purchasing processes across the school network, introducing automation and best practice.
• Source reliable and cost-effective suppliers, coordinate credit accounts, and ensure timely delivery of goods and services.
• 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 resolve related queries.
• Maintain accurate purchase records, authorised signatory lists, and internal databases or catalogues.
• Oversee rechargeable purchases, the purchasing credit card, and monthly reconciliations.
• Monitor budgets, identify shortfalls, and prepare quarterly financial analyses to track savings and efficiencies.
• Ensure compliance with all regulatory and financial requirements, including VAT and internal financial policies.

Qualifications

• Finance Experience: Minimum of two years’ experience in a finance or purchasing role, ideally within a school, educational, or multi-site environment.
• Strong Literacy & Numeracy: Demonstrated ability to work accurately with financial data and documentation.
• Systems & Technology: Proficiency in 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 advantageous.
• Professional Development: Commitment to ongoing training and continuous professional growth.

Benefits

• A positive and inclusive working environment
• Opportunities for professional development and career progression
• The chance to make a meaningful contribution within a respected independent school
• A collaborative and supportive finance team dedicated to excellence

How to Apply

Interested candidates are invited to apply online by submitting a completed application form and supporting documentation.

Closing Date: Thursday, 6 November 2025

Early applications are encouraged, as they will be reviewed upon receipt.

Please note: Recruitment agencies are not being engaged for this vacancy.

Keywords: Financial administration, accounts payable/receivable, financial reporting, cost control