Finance Assistant

Polymat; Greater London; On-site; GBP 23,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Access to apprenticeship training

Contributory pension scheme

Cycle2Work Scheme

Secure on-site parking

Excellent catering facilities

Season ticket loans

Employee assistance programme

Free daily coffee for staff

Job summary

PolyMAT is seeking a Finance Assistant to join its Central Finance Team, reporting to the Finance Manager. The role focuses on providing financial support to the Trust, handling school finance tasks and the purchase ledger in a fast-paced environment.

The successful candidate will have a good finance background, be able to multitask, and work to strict deadlines. Training for IRIS Finance will be provided as part of the apprenticeship scheme and career progression opportunities are offered.

Qualifications

• Experience with school finance and purchase ledger.
• Ability to multi-task and meet deadlines.
• IRIS Finance training will be provided.

Responsibilities

• Provide financial support to the Central Finance Team for the Trust.
• Assist with purchase ledger processing and supplier payments.
• Support budgeting and financial reporting as required.
• Maintain accurate and timely financial records.

Skills

Finance background

Attention to detail

Multitasking

Communication

Tools

IRIS Finance

Job description

PolyMAT is a small and ambitious MAT with a unique family feel that is seeking a Finance Assistant. Our vision is ‘Success for Everyone’ and the successful candidate will help deliver this for our schools. We currently have three schools in our Trust: Woolwich Polytechnic School for Boys, a long-successful boys’ school, Woolwich Polytechnic School for Girls that opened in 2019, and Bannockburn Primary School, a large successful primary that joined the Trust on 1st November 2023. We also have our flourishing Sixth Form provision which is co-educational.

As a school community and Trust, we place significant value on our professional working relationships with others. Therefore, we are looking for individuals who will be committed to forming strong relationships with other colleagues and stakeholders so that we can be united in achieving our shared vision and goals.

Our Trust and our schools pride themselves on a culture of high standards delivered through our values of Care and Unity. We provide a rewarding environment where students and staff feel valued and supported.

PolyMAT is looking to appoint a Finance Assistant to join its Central Finance Team to work alongside the current finance assistant and to be responsible to the Finance Manager for providing financial support to meet the needs of the Trust. This is a busy role that requires the successful candidate to be able to multitask whilst maintaining strong attention to detail.

The successful candidate will be hardworking, flexible and have a good finance background. Experience with school finance and purchase ledger are essential and knowledge of IRIS Finance system (although this is not essential as training will be provided). You should have the confidence to work in a fast-paced busy environment where you will need to multi-task and meet strict deadlines.

The Trust is committed to the professional development of its staff. Support will be provided for the successful candidate to undertake relevant qualifications through the apprenticeship scheme, where appropriate, to enhance their skills and support their career progression within the role.

As a member of the PolyMAT staff we can offer you:

• Opportunities for career progression
• Access to apprenticeship training
• Excellent professional development
• A contributory pension scheme
• Opportunities to collaborate with outstanding and dynamic teaching professionals
• Access to various discounts for a small monthly fee
• An employee assistance programme
• Season ticket loans
• Excellent catering facilities
• Cycle2Work Scheme
• Secure on-site parking
• Free daily coffee for staff

PolyMAT is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All offer of employment is subject upon the Academy Trust receiving an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service Certificate (DBS), which the Academy considers to be satisfactory. If you are successful in your application, you will be required to complete a DBS Application Form. Any information disclosed will be handled in accordance with the Code of Practice published by the Disclosure and Barring Service. The post you are applying for is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and it is therefore an offence to apply for the role if you are barred from engaging in regulated activity relevant to children.

In accordance with KCSIE 2026 shortlisted candidates will be subject to an online profile and social media check.

PolyMAT is committed to promoting equality, challenging discrimination and providing opportunities for people with disabilities. We are an inclusive Trust who strives to provide an environment where everyone feels welcome and valued. We aspire to ensure that every member of our community, regardless of circumstances or background, have the opportunity to be the best version of themselves through our vision of ‘Success for Everyone’.

For any potential applicants, we would like to encourage you to inform us of any additional support or adjustments you may need throughout the recruitment process. We have an open approach to support for candidates with disabilities and recognise that reasonable adjustments may be required based on each individuals needs.

Sharing your needs with us ahead of interview, allows us to fully support and ensure you are not disadvantaged during the process. We welcome candidates contacting us at any point should you feel uncomfortable declaring a disability, to reassure you that we are here to support. So, please contact [e-mail] if this is the case.

The closing date for applications is Sunday 22 November.

Interviews will be scheduled to take place shortly after.

Suitable candidates will be interviewed promptly upon receipt of application. The closing date will be brought forward in the event that the post is filled.