Finance Assistant

Acorn Care and Education; England; On-site; GBP 27,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational institution in Akeley is seeking an Admissions Manager to oversee financial operations and support the school community. The successful candidate will ensure accuracy in financial processes while building relationships with staff and parents. The role requires strong organizational, communication, and IT skills, with a commitment to safeguarding children's welfare. The position is full-time, fully on-site, offering a salary range of £27,000 - £30,000 annually, depending on experience.

Qualifications

• Strong administrative skills and proactive approach to financial operations.
• Experience in an administrative role and processing time-sensitive data.
• Ability to build positive relationships with colleagues and external partners.

Responsibilities

• Ensure all financial accounting deadlines are met to a high standard.
• Process purchase requests and manage billing for parents.
• Provide financial data and reports to managers and finance teams.

Skills

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Attention to detail

IT skills (Microsoft Word, Excel)

Tools

Focal Point

Parent Pay

Weduc

Job description

Admissions Manager

Location: Akeley Wood School, Akeley, Buckingham

Salary: £27,000 - £30,000 per annum dependent on experience

Hours: Monday to Friday, 40 hours per week (8am - 5pm)

Contract: Permanent, 52 weeks per year

Working Pattern: This role is fully on-site and is not a hybrid position.

Join Our School Community as a Finance Assistant

We are looking for a highly organised and personable Finance Assistant to support the smooth running of day‑to‑day financial operations within our school. Reporting to the Operations Manager, you will play a key role in ensuring our financial processes are accurate, efficient, and compliant.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone with strong administrative skills, great attention to detail, and a proactive approach to supporting a busy school environment.

What You’ll Be Doing

Financial Operations

• Ensuring all financial accounting deadlines are met to a high standard, including month‑end and payroll-related tasks.
• Processing purchase requests via our online procurement platform, ensuring correct approvals and budget alignment.
• Managing Parent Pay offers, bookings, and payment follow‑ups to support a smooth parent experience.
• Providing financial data and reports to the Pod Finance Manager, Operations Manager, and Central Finance Teams.
• Processing refunds in line with school guidance.
• Goods receipting invoices promptly to support timely supplier payments.
• Supporting day‑to‑day fee management alongside the Operations Manager and central Billing & Credit Management teams.

Team & School Support

• Providing finance support across the school or cluster as required.
• Working collaboratively with the Head Teacher, Operations Manager, and wider school colleagues.

What We’re Looking For

Essential Skills & Experience

• A friendly, approachable person who can build positive relationships with colleagues, parents, and external partners.
• Strong organisational and administrative skills with the ability to manage competing priorities.
• Excellent communication skills with tact, diplomacy, and professionalism.
• Ability to stay calm under pressure and work to tight deadlines.
• High levels of accuracy, attention to detail, and confidentiality.
• Confident IT skills, including Microsoft Word, Excel, and database input.
• Previous experience in an administrative role.
• Experience processing time‑sensitive data.

Desirable

• Experience using finance systems such as Focal Point, Parent Pay, or Weduc.
• Previous experience working in a finance environment.

Safeguarding Commitment

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All staff are expected to follow safeguarding policies and engage in relevant training. Any safeguarding concerns must be reported in line with school procedures. This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check.

Why Join Us?

At Outcomes First Group, you will make a real difference every day, positively impacting the lives of pupils and vulnerable young people. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children and young people.

All applicants will be subject to social media checks and successful candidates to an enhanced DBS. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.

Outcomes First Group is committed to a fair, thorough, and efficient recruitment process in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education. While we aim to keep applicants informed throughout, we do not accept liability for any loss of earnings or other costs incurred as a result of delays or compliance processes.