Finance Assistant

NEW COLLABORATIVE LEARNING TRUST; Wakefield; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

An educational organization based in Wakefield is seeking a Finance Assistant to support finance operations across its academies. The role involves assessing bursary applications, liaising with students and staff, and managing financial accounts. The ideal candidate will exhibit strong attention to detail and proficiency in IT, particularly in Microsoft Excel and Word. This position offers flexible working and comprehensive benefits, including pension schemes and professional development opportunities.

Benefits

Teachers' Pension Scheme

Flexible working policies

Wellbeing support

Cycle to Work Scheme

Free on-site parking

Qualifications

• Experience with computerized administration systems.
• Ability to manage time effectively.
• Patient and understanding telephone manner.

Responsibilities

• Provide support to finance operations across all academies.
• Assess bursary fund and free meal applications.
• Liaise with students and college staff regarding financial matters.
• Set up, monitor, and reconcile student trip and sale accounts.
• Prepare and check monthly payments to suppliers.

Skills

Attention to detail

IT proficiency

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Ability to handle sensitive conversations

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Word

Job description

The Role

New Collaborative Learning Trust is seeking a Finance Assistant to provide essential support to the finance operations across all of our academies.

You will become part of a dynamic shared services team that supports the operations of all of the schools and colleges within our Trust, including finance, health and safety, estates and MIS.

In this role you will work closely with the Student Bursary team, assessing bursary fund and free meal applications and liaising with students, their next of kin and college staff to ensure students receive the support they need. You will also set up, monitor and reconcile student trip and sale accounts, prepare and check monthly payments to suppliers and communicate with a wide range of stakeholders, including staff, students, suppliers, and auditors, regarding financial matters.

About you

The successful candidate will need a patient and understanding telephone manner for handling sensitive conversations, excellent accuracy and attention to detail, and a good level of IT proficiency, including a familiarity with Microsoft Excel and Word. Experience using computerised administration systems, strong organisational skills and the ability to manage your time effectively are also essential.

Working at NCLT

At New Collaborative Learning Trust (NCLT), we believe every role, whether in the classroom or supporting behind the scenes, plays a vital part in shaping young people's futures. As a values‑driven and inclusive organisation, you'll join a team where 96% of staff feel a shared sense of purpose and pride in their work. We offer a supportive, forward‑thinking environment with flexible working, strong wellbeing initiatives, and high‑quality professional development for all staff. Whether you're an educator or a member of our wider support team, you'll be empowered, recognised, and encouraged to grow your career with us.

Our Benefits

• Teachers' Pension Scheme / Local Government Pension Scheme
• Flexible working and special leave policies
• Lieu days and annual wellbeing day
• Funded CPD and professional development opportunities
• Strong track record of internal promotion
• Access to wellbeing support and occupational health services
• Cycle to Work Scheme and technology purchase scheme
• Modern, well‑equipped working environments
• Free on‑site parking

Application

Please explore our Employer of Choice page to learn more: https://nclt.ac.uk/employer-of-choice/

For further details and to apply please click the apply button.

The closing date for applications is 9am Monday 5th January 2026.

NCLT has a commitment to safeguarding students and the successful candidate will be subject to pre‑employment checks, including an Enhanced DBS. We value diversity and actively promote equality of opportunity. As a Disability Confident Leader, all disabled candidates who meet the minimum criteria for a post will be offered an interview.