Finance Assistant

Outwood; Wakefield; Hybrid; GBP 28,000 - 29,000; Full time

Job summary

Outwood Grange Academies Trust in Wakefield is seeking a proactive Regional Finance Assistant to join the Finance team. Based at Outwood Grange Academy, you will support transactional accounting, maintain sub-ledgers and assist with balance sheet reconciliations while strengthening financial controls.

You should have strong Excel skills and experience with computerized financial systems, plus GCSEs including English and Maths; an AAT/ACCA qualification is an advantage.

Qualifications

• 5 GCSEs (A*-C / 9-4) including English and Maths.
• AAT/ACCA qualification or active study towards one is advantageous.
• Highly proficient in Excel and computerized financial systems.
• Analytical, detail-oriented with strong workload prioritisation.

Responsibilities

• Process daily accounting entries and maintain sub-ledgers.
• Complete monthly balance sheet reconciliations.
• Oversee purchasing to ensure best value from suppliers.
• Manage cash banking and travel/transport bookings for trips.
• Serve as first contact for finance queries from Heads of Faculty and others.

Skills

Analytical skills

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Discretion

Prioritising workload

Education

GCSEs including English & Maths

AAT or ACCA qualification (advantage)

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Accounting software

Job description

Role: RegionalFinance Assistant

Academy: Wakefield Region (Initially based at Outwood Grange Academy, with future flexibility to support other local academies in the region)

Start Date: ASAP

Actual Salary: £28,153 - £29,071

Working Pattern: 37 Hours Per Week, Monday to Friday, Whole Year.

Are you a detail-orientated finance professional looking to build a rewarding career within a high-performing Multi-Academy Trust?

At Outwood Grange Academies Trust, we place Students First in everything we do. We are seeking a proactive Regional Finance Assistant to join our dedicated team. Initially based at Outwood Grange Academy in Wakefield, this dynamic role offers the opportunity to provide crucial financial support locally, with future flexibility to work across our Wakefield region academies as their finance functions evolve.

The Role

Working closely with our Finance Managers, you will deliver efficient transactional accounting and clerical support across the Trust. Key duties include processing daily accounting entries, maintaining sub-ledgers, and completing monthly balance sheet reconciliations. You will oversee purchasing to ensure best value from suppliers, manage physical cash banking, and coordinate travel and transport bookings for school trips. Additionally, you will serve as a primary contact for finance queries from Heads of Faculty, parents, and external contractors.

About You

You will possess 5 GCSEs (A*–C / 9–4) including English and Maths, with an AAT or ACCA qualification (or active study towards one) considered a strong advantage. Highly proficient in Microsoft Excel and computerized financial systems, you bring exceptional analytical skills, strong attention to detail, and a talent for prioritizing workloads under pressure. Excellent communication skills, absolute discretion, and a collaborative mindset are essential.

Requirements

Appointment is subject to a satisfactory enhanced DBS check and full adherence to Trust Child Safeguarding procedures.