Finance and Purchasing Officer

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

Job summary

A leading independent school in Maidenhead is seeking a Finance and Purchasing Officer to lead purchasing processes and financial management. You will be responsible for sourcing suppliers, managing budgets, and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements. The ideal candidate has at least two years of experience in finance or purchasing, with strong skills in financial documentation and software. This role offers a positive working environment with opportunities for professional development.

Benefits

Positive and inclusive working environment

Ongoing training and professional development opportunities

Collaborative and supportive finance team

Qualifications

• Minimum two years' experience in a finance or purchasing role.
• Ability to work accurately with financial data and documentation.
• Intermediate Excel skills are highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Lead and improve purchasing processes across the school network.
• Source reliable, cost-effective suppliers and ensure timely delivery.
• Check, code, and reconcile supplier invoices.

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

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 - 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.

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