Finance Assistant

Learning Academies Trust; Plymouth; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 26,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Supportive environment

Training and development

Education sector exposure

Job summary

Learning Academies Trust is seeking a proactive Finance Assistant to join the busy Central Finance Team in Plymouth. You will handle transactional processing, supplier payments, and staff expenses, while supporting month-end processes and school financial administration.

Ideal candidates have AAT Level 2 or equivalent finance experience, GCSE Maths/English, and strong Excel skills. AAT Level 3 is advantageous. A collaborative team environment and safeguarding commitments are emphasized.

Qualifications

• Has finance experience and strong numeracy skills.
• GCSE Maths and English, plus AAT Level 2, or equivalent.
• Experience working in a finance function and in casual handling of requests will be advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Processing purchase orders, invoices and supplier payments.
• Setting up new suppliers and maintaining accurate records.
• Reconciling supplier statements and resolving queries.
• Monitoring and managing the finance inbox.
• Processing staff expenses and credit card transactions.
• Supporting month-end and year-end financial processes.
• Assisting with audit preparation and financial compliance activities.
• Supporting schools with financial administration and queries.
• Processing sales invoice requests and educational trip costings.
• Building positive working relationships across the Trust.

Skills

Finance experience

Numeracy

Organisational skills

Communication skills

Finance systems

Education

AAT Level 2 qualification

GCSE Maths & English

AAT Level 3 (advantageous)

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Job description

We are seeking an enthusiastic and proactive Finance Assistant to join our busy and supportive Central Finance Team. This is an exciting opportunity for someone with finance experience, strong attention to detail and a passion for delivering excellent customer service.

Reporting to the Trust Management Accountant, you will play an important role in supporting the Trust's financial operations, helping to ensure the financial health and sustainability of our schools and central services.

About the Role

As a Finance Assistant, you will provide high-quality transactional processing and financial support across the Trust. Your responsibilities will include:

• Processing purchase orders, invoices and supplier payments
• Setting up new suppliers and maintaining accurate records
• Reconciling supplier statements and resolving queries
• Monitoring and managing the finance inbox
• Processing staff expenses and credit card transactions
• Supporting month-end and year-end financial processes
• Assisting with audit preparation and financial compliance activities
• Supporting schools with financial administration and queries
• Processing sales invoice requests and educational trip costings
• Building positive working relationships with colleagues across the Trust

About You

We are looking for someone who:

• Has an AAT Level 2 qualification or relevant finance experience
• Has GCSE Maths and English (or equivalent)
• Has experience working within a finance function
• Is confident using finance systems and Microsoft Excel
• Has excellent numeracy, organisational and communication skills
• Can manage competing priorities and work accurately to deadlines
• Is professional, reliable and committed to teamwork
• Understands the importance of confidentiality and safeguarding

Experience within a school, academy or public sector environment and AAT Level 3 (or working towards) would be advantageous.

What We Offer

• A supportive and collaborative working environment
• Opportunities for training and professional development
• The chance to develop your knowledge of academy finance and education sector financial management
• A rewarding role supporting schools and young people across the Trust

About the Trust

The Learning Academies Trust is a family of 18 schools across Plymouth and surrounding areas, dedicated to delivering outstanding education to all our children, whatever their starting point or background. Our Trust’s mission is:

Together we will… work with our children, families, and communities to provide exceptional learning opportunities for all our children

As part of the trust, we will support you to learn and develop, providing outstanding CPD and opportunities for collaboration between schools within the trust sharing resources, expertise and knowledge.

With 18 individual primary schools, the Learning Academies Trust is the largest primary school trust in Plymouth and the first education employer in Plymouth to achieve the Livewell Southwest Wellbeing at Work Bronze Award. The Trust is committed to supporting the wellbeing of all staff and is proud to work closely with official bodies to ensure we have a holistic approach to staff wellbeing.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and we expect all staff to share this commitment. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974; pre-employment checks will be carried out; references will be sought for all shortlisted candidates and all shortlisted candidates will be requested to complete a questionnaire about any convictions or adult cautions that are unspent. Guidance will be given to those shortlisted. Appointment is subject to an Enhanced DBS.