Finance Assistant

Rayleigh Schools Trust; Rayleigh; On-site; GBP 14,000 - 15,000; Part time

Job summary

Rayleigh Schools Trust is seeking a part-time Finance Assistant to join the finance team to support accounts payable, sales ledger, and banking activities with accurate processing and timely reporting.

The role also covers Early Years funding, month-end procedures, and general financial administration, emphasizing accuracy, stakeholder communication, and adherence to financial controls.

Qualifications

• GCSE English and Maths at Grade 4/C or above (or equivalent).
• AAT Level 2 or Level 3 qualification (Desirable).
• Minimum 2 years of finance-related experience.
• Experience of purchase ledger, sales ledger, or bank reconciliations.
• Experience maintaining accurate records.
• Experience using Microsoft Excel and other Microsoft Office applications.
• Experience dealing with a range of stakeholders in a professional environment.
• Experience in education setting or Academy Trust (Desirable).
• Experience using finance systems such as PS Financials, ScoPay (Desirable).

Responsibilities

• Assist in purchasing of goods and services for the Trust.
• Process purchase invoices and match to purchase orders and delivery notes.
• Resolve invoice queries with suppliers and budget holders.
• Prepare supplier payment runs and maintain supplier accounts.
• Reconcile supplier statements and investigate discrepancies.
• Raise sales invoices and allocate income.
• Monitor outstanding debts and assist with debt recovery.
• Maintain accurate debtor records.
• Operate ScoPay and process bank transactions.
• Assist with bank reconciliations and record cash receipts.
• Support month-end accounting processes and reporting.
• Provide admin support to the wider finance team.
• Respond to enquiries from schools, suppliers and stakeholders.

Skills

Strong numerical skills

Attention to detail

Organisation and time management

Communication skills

Microsoft Excel

Stakeholder management

Education

GCSE English and Maths at Grade 4/C or above

AAT Level 2 or Level 3 (Desirable)

Tools

PS Financials

ScoPay

Microsoft Office

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Key Responsibilities

Accounts Payable

• Assist in the purchasing of goods and services for the Trust.
• Process purchase invoices accurately and promptly, ensuring invoices match to purchase orders and delivery notes.
• Resolve invoice queries with suppliers and budget holders.
• Prepare supplier payment runs and maintain supplier accounts.
• Reconcile supplier statements and investigate discrepancies.

Sales Ledger & Income

• Raise sales invoices as required.
• Record and allocate income accurately.
• Monitor outstanding debts and assist with debt recovery procedures.
• Maintain accurate debtor records.

Banking & Cash Management

• Support and Operate the Trust's cashless system, ScoPay.
• Process bank transactions and maintain financial records.
• Assist with bank reconciliations.
• Record cash, cheque, and electronic receipts.
• Ensure funds are banked in accordance with Trust procedures.

Early Years Financial Provision

• Process and support Parents/Carers, Early Years and Wraparound funding claims.
• Maintain funding eligibility and attendance records.
• Reconcile Nursery and Wraparound income received.
• Support invoicing, income collection, and financial reporting.

Financial Administration

• Support the month-end accounting process.
• Maintain accurate financial records and filing systems.
• Assist in the preparation of financial reports and management information.
• Process journals and account adjustments as instructed.
• Support budget monitoring activities.

General Duties

• Provide administrative support to the wider finance team.
• Respond professionally to enquiries from schools, suppliers, and stakeholders.
• Support finance projects and process improvement initiatives.
• Undertake training and development as required.
• Carry out other reasonable ad hoc duties commensurate with the role.
• Assist with internal and external audit requests.
• Adhere to Trust financial regulations and internal controls.

Person Specification and Experience

• GCSE English and Mathematics at Grade 4/C or above (or equivalent).
• AAT Level 2 or Level 3 qualification (Desirable).
• Minimum 2 years of finance-related experience.
• Experience of purchase ledger, sales ledger, or bank reconciliations.
• Experience of maintaining accurate records.
• Experience using Microsoft Excel and other Microsoft Office applications.
• Experience dealing with a range of stakeholders in a professional environment.
• Experience working in an education setting or Academy Trust (Desirable)
• Experience using finance systems such as PS Financials, ScoPay (Desirable)
• Strong numerical and analytical skills.
• High level of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Strong organisational and time management skills.
• Ability to prioritise workloads and meet deadlines.
• Strong professional communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong IT skills, including Excel.

Working Pattern

20 hours per week, Monday to Friday, 40 weeks per year.

Salary

£13,583 - £14,442 per annum and subject to length of continued service with the sector.

(£28,608 - £30,023 per annum FTE)

Closing date

29th October 2026, with interviews to be held on 4th November 2026.

If you require further information please contact Kelly Gelder at [e-mail].

Safeguarding Statement

Rayleigh Schools Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. The post holder will be expected to share this commitment, follow Trust safeguarding procedures and maintain confidentiality when handling sensitive information. Appointment is subject to satisfactory references and an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check.