Finance, HR AdministratorEDV/2026/SHSOA/09171

Ormiston Academies Trust; Ipswich; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 26,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working arrangements

Generous pension and life cover

Benefits platform discounts

Cycle to work scheme

Counselling and well-being programmes

Job summary

Ormiston Academies Trust is seeking a friendly, organised Finance/HR/General Administrative Assistant for our busy Ipswich school office. You will process income, orders and invoices on SAGE, manage meal vouchers, handle trip payments, and assist HR with recruitment and onboarding.

You will also contribute to general admin tasks, answer calls, update Arbor records, and support parents during events. A First Aid at Work qualification (or willingness to complete one) is essential.

Qualifications

• Experience in finance or HR administration, ideally in a school setting.
• Accurate data entry and record-keeping, with confidentiality and GDPR awareness.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and able to learn new systems quickly.

Responsibilities

• Process income, orders and invoices on SAGE and keep finance records in order.
• Manage Free School Meal vouchers and payments for trips, visits and agency staff.
• Assist HR Lead with recruitment, onboarding, absence recording and return-to-work interviews.
• Support general admin tasks: reception cover, answering calls, Arbor updates, and events support.

Skills

Finance / HR administration

Microsoft Office

GDPR awareness

First Aid

Tools

SAGE

Arbor

Every HR

Job description

About This Role

Work where it matters most, achieve what matters more Be part of a team where passion meets purpose, as we work together where the challenge is greatest to change the lives and build the futures of children and young people. We are looking for a friendly, organised and adaptable Finance / HR / General Administrative Assistant to join our busy school office. This is a varied role where no two days are quite the same. You'll support our school finances by processing income, orders and invoices on SAGE, managing Free School Meal vouchers, handling payments for trips, visits and agency staff, and keeping our finance records in good order. Alongside this, you'll help our HR Lead with recruitment and onboarding, personnel files, absence recording and return-to-work interviews. You'll also be part of a close-knit office team, so you'll help with general admin too – welcoming visitors, answering calls, keeping parents updated through Arbor, and lending a hand at parents' evenings, trips and whole-school events.

We'd love to hear from you if you have experience in finance or HR administration, ideally in a school or similar setting. Experience with SAGE, Arbor or Every HR would be a real bonus, but if you're keen to learn new systems, we'll support you. You'll be accurate, well organised and confident using Microsoft Office, and you'll treat confidential information with care and a sound understanding of GDPR. Just as importantly, you'll be happy to get stuck in with general office work when needed, whether that's covering reception, helping with lunch duty or invigilating exams. You'll be a warm, approachable communicator who builds good relationships with staff, students and parents, works well on your own and as part of a team, and takes a positive, can-do approach to problem-solving. A First Aid at Work qualification, or a willingness to complete one, is essential.

About The Academy

Stoke High School – Ormiston Academy is a popular, inclusive secondary school with a strong community feel. We are a mixed, fully comprehensive school, serving the local area. We are committed to providing a first-class education to our students and ensuring that all students are challenged, stimulated and equipped for the complex demands of the future. Our core values of ‘respect, inspire, achieve’ are key to our success in developing an ever-improving school. We value staff and students and have created a positive, forward-thinking environment in which everyone can thrive. Our ambition is to be the best school in Ipswich, and we invite you to join us on our journey to excellence.

Why work for Ormiston?

Our vision is to create a school system where every child thrives, regardless of background. Our people are at the heart of our approach – they are our greatest asset. We exist to provide the best learning opportunities every day, in every school for every child. It is the people and teams in our Trust who make this a reality and ensure we have the greatest impact. If you join us at Ormiston, whatever your role, you can be sure your work will have purpose and meaning.

Ormiston, where every member of staff enjoys…

• The opportunity to build on the legacy of those who came before – being part of one of the longest-standing trusts, created with the sole purpose of enabling children and young people to thrive
• Working for a trust nationally recognised for its impact on disadvantaged children – a rewarding, stimulating career where staff are challenged to be the best they can be, for the pupils we are proud to serve
• Being part of a team and community where you belong – receiving bespoke and holistic support from a well-resourced and ambitious network of experts and professionals that work at the heart of communities
• A supportive environment to grow your career – an extensive professional development programme, alongside flexible working arrangements and generous benefits

Benefits

As a staff member at an Ormiston Academies Trust (OAT) academy, you can expect a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your professional development, personal well-being, and work-life balance. While specific benefits may vary slightly between individual academies, the core offerings across the Trust include:

• A collaborative space where people feel respected, empowered, and truly valued
• A nationwide school network offering shared resources and opportunities
• Flexible working arrangements
• Automatic pay progression
• Generous pension and life cover
• Discounts on retail, travel and leisure through ourbenefitsplatform
• Access to discounts including the Blue Light Card
• Cycle to work scheme
• Access to health and well-being programmes, including counselling service.