Finance Assistant

Outwood Grange Academies Trust; Wakefield; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 29,000; Full time

Job summary

Outwood Grange Academies Trust is seeking a Regional Finance Assistant for the Wakefield region. Initially based at Outwood Grange Academy with future flexibility to support other local academies within the Wakefield region.

The role involves transactional accounting, reconciliations, and purchasing duties, with a focus on accuracy and timely financial processing. AAT/ACCA or study towards is advantageous; DBS check required.

Qualifications

• 5 GCSEs (A*–C / 9–4) including English and Maths.
• AAT or ACCA qualification is advantageous if pursuing.
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel and computerized financial systems.
• Excellent analytical skills with attention to detail; strong communication and discretion.

Responsibilities

• Process daily accounting entries and maintain sub-ledgers.
• Perform monthly balance sheet reconciliations.
• Oversee purchasing to ensure value for money.
• Manage cash banking and banking reconciliations.
• Coordinate travel and transport bookings for school trips.
• Respond to finance queries from Heads of Faculty, parents and external contractors.

Skills

Excel

Analytical skills

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Discretion

Collaboration

Education

GCSEs (English & Maths)

AAT/ACCA qualification

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Financial systems

Job description

Role: Regional Finance 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 RoleWorking 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 YouYou 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.

Responsibilities

The Finance Assistant provides financial administrative support by undertaking transactional accounting and clerical duties. Key responsibilities involve carrying out all financial procedures accurately and timely.

Duties include making accounting entries manually and via financial systems, monthly balance sheet reconciliation, and managing physical cash collection and banking. The role co-ordinates the purchase of goods and supplies, ensuring the school obtains best value for money. The Finance Assistant also deals with queries regarding suppliers and budget account holders, and organises staff business travel and transport for school visits.

Qualifications

Candidates must be ICT literate, skilled at using Microsoft Excel, and comfortable using other Microsoft applications. Essential skills include excellent analytical skills with great attention to detail. Requires the ability to work accurately and efficiently under pressure, and to deal with orders, invoices, and payment reconciliations. An Accountancy qualification or studying towards one (AAT, ACCA, etc.) is desirable.