Finance Officer

St Mary's Church of England High School; Bury Green; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

St Mary’s Church of England High School is seeking a finance officer to manage day-to-day transactional finance activities, including purchase ledger, accounts payable, supplier payments, income processing and reconciliations. You will coordinate VAT returns and payroll administration with our external payroll provider, working closely with the Chief Financial Officer.

The role requires an organised, reliable finance professional with keen attention to detail and a practical understanding of

Qualifications

• Experience with school or academy finance preferred.
• Proficient in accounting principles including double-entry bookkeeping.
• Attention to detail with strong organisational skills.
• Experience with VAT returns and payroll coordination desirable.

Responsibilities

• Handle day-to-day transactional finance activities including purchase ledger, accounts payable, supplier payments, income processing and reconciliations.
• Prepare VAT returns and coordinate payroll administration with external payroll provider.
• Maintain accurate financial records and support CFO and Senior Finance Officer.
• Take ownership of tasks, managing priorities within a supportive team.
• Experience in school/academy finance and Access Finance is desirable.

Job description

The successful candidate will be responsible for day-to-day transactional finance activities, including purchase ledger, accounts payable, supplier payments, income processing and financial reconciliations. The role will also include preparing VAT returns and coordinating payroll administration with our external payroll provider.

Working closely with the Chief Financial Officer and Senior Finance Officer, you will maintain accurate financial records and help ensure the smooth running of the Finance Office.

We are looking for an organised and reliable finance professional with excellent attention to detail and a practical understanding of accounting principles, including double-entry bookkeeping and bank reconciliations. You will be confident taking ownership of your work, using your initiative and managing competing priorities within a supportive team.

Experience of working in a school or academy trust, using Access Finance software, preparing VAT returns or administering payroll would be desirable.

Applications are welcomed from candidates seeking reduced hours who have suitable experience. Working days and hours can be discussed, with attendance required during the last week of August as part of the additional working weeks.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.

All appointments are subject to satisfactory pre-employment checks, including references, enhanced DBS, online searches and other checks required by Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE 2026).