Finance Officer

Sapientia Education Trust; Beccles; On-site; GBP 19,000 - 23,000; Part time

Job summary

Sapientia Education Trust seeks a Finance Officer to join the Beccles High School finance team. The post supports the whole-school finance function, handling invoices, reconciliations, and queries. Training support (e.g., AAT) may be offered to pursue professional qualifications.

The ideal candidate will be experienced in busy finance environments, with ledger experience and strong communication skills. The role is based at Beccles High School within the Trust.

Qualifications

• Experience of working in a busy finance environment.
• Previous purchase ledger and sales ledger experience.
• Maths and English GCSEs grade 4-9; willingness to study AAT.

Responsibilities

• Process invoices and supplier/customer queries for the school(s).
• Reconcile supplier statements and maintain accounts across Trust schools.
• Manage school online payment systems and assist budget holders.
• Support internal/external audits with requested information.

Education

GCSE Maths & English (4-9)

AAT qualification or studying

Tools

Sage Intacct

Job description

Finance Officer

Location: Beccles

Salary: FTE salary of £27,274 - £32,046 per annum Pro-rata salary of £19,350 - £22,735 per annum

Vacancy Type: Permanent, Part Time(26.25 per week, 5 days a week)

STARTING 1ST JANUARY 2027

Sapientia Education Trust is seeking to recruit an enthusiastic and experienced Finance Officer to join our school-based Finance Team. The Trust is an expanding multi-academy trust with 14 primary and 9 secondary schools, and the finance operation that supports these schools is based across the Trust s secondary schools, with this role based at Beccles High School.

Beccles High School is a vibrant, inclusive community where every student is known, supported and inspired. Since joining Sapientia Education Trust in September 2024, it has embraced a new era, one rooted in ambition, collaboration and student-centred learning. Students tell us that they value the way lessons are delivered and the strong relationships that exist in school between students and staff. This is only possible because of the school s small size and the belief and confidence in every student as an individual.

This post offers an opportunity to work in the growing finance team with responsibility for the whole school finance function - processing invoices, dealing with supplier, customer and parent queries, statement reconciliations for various schools and the wider trust. The ideal candidate will possess strong team working skills, the ability to communicate effectively with a variety of staff and be a resilient problem solver. Support for training (e.g. AAT) will be offered should the post holder wish to undertake professional qualifications.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

The professional competencies expected of the Finance Officer are:

• Be a flexible and enthusiastic team player that is adaptable and resilient in managing and executing their daily responsibilities;
• Have good communication skills in person and in writing to respond to staff, students and outside agencies whilst maintaining confidentiality;
• Be organised and able to manage, plan and complete daily and weekly tasks in a busy office environment;
• Be familiar with the use of, or prepared to learn how to use, a variety of IT Systems (including Sage Intacct).

The qualifications and experience required of the Finance Officer are:

• Experience of working in a busy finance environment;
• Previous purchase/sales ledger experience;
• Maths and English GCSEs grade 4-9;
• AAT qualified or currently studying (desirable).

JOB SPECIFICATION

General Responsibilities

The Finance Officer is responsible for the maintenance of the school s finance system and records in accordance with the Trust s Financial Rules & Procedures. Ensuring that the school s transactional finance is delivered in an efficient and effective manner to meet the school needs. Staff may look after more than one school and this is subject to change based on the evolving needs of each of the Trust s schools.

The post holder will have access to and be responsible for confidential information and documentation. They must ensure confidential or sensitive material is handled appropriately and accurately.

The post holder shall participate in the Trust s programme of Performance Management and Continuing Professional Development; and the post-holder will be required to comply with the Trusts Code of Conduct for Staff and Volunteers.

Specific Responsibilities

A non-exhaustive list of specific responsibilities for the role is below and you will be required

to undertake other duties and responsibilities as may reasonably be required.

• Act as the primary point of contact for all finance queries for relevant school(s)
• Process school orders ensuring compliance with the Trust s Financial Rules and Procedures
• Process invoices received ensuring correct authorisation of expenditure
• Reconcile supplier statements to accounting records, including leading on one or more Trust wide supplier account as account champion
• Reconciling school bank accounts, credit cards and any petty cash held
• Raise relevant school sales invoices
• Manage the school s online payment system (e.g. ParentPay or Wisepay)
• Chasing outstanding invoices with customers and escalating to the Trust s credit control function where appropriate
• Assisting budget holders to effectively cost and manage school related funds (e.g. trips, lettings, buses, productions)
• Recording fund recharges (e.g. Pupil Premium Grant) once authorised by appropriate budget holders
• Provide support and ad-hoc training to non-finance staff based within the school on financial matters and the use of Sage
• Ensure budget holders are regularly reviewing budget statements
• Assist the Trust s internal and external auditors with any information requests required in regards the school s financial records.