Finance Officer

WILTSHIRE COUNCIL; Calne; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

Priestley Primary School in Wiltshire is seeking a Finance Officer to join our team from October 2026. The role supports the Headteacher with budget preparation, monitoring and reporting, while overseeing day-to-day financial systems and staff administration.

The successful candidate will have solid finance knowledge, be highly organised and capable of managing multiple tasks in a busy school setting, with a strong commitment to confidentiality and safeguarding.

Qualifications

• Has experience of working in a school and as part of a team.
• Excellent literacy and numeracy skills (GCSE or equivalent in Maths and English).
• Good knowledge of finance and personnel management.

Responsibilities

• Assist Headteacher with preparation, management and monitoring of the school budget.
• Prepare regular financial reports for Headteacher and governors.
• Manage day-to-day financial systems within the school.
• Handle school personnel administration and staff paperwork.
• Administer Health & Safety with SLT and support safeguarding procedures.
• Oversee GDPR-related data protection responsibilities.

Skills

Multi-tasking

Communication

Calm under pressure

Finance knowledge

Personnel administration

Confidentiality & safeguarding

SIMS

Literacy & numeracy

Education

GCSE Maths & English

Tools

SIMS

Job description

We are looking for a Finance Officer to join our team from October 2026. Whilst this is a role that is crucial to the smooth running of the school, it can also be varied, busy, rewarding and (most of the time) fun.

• Supporting the Headteacher in the preparation, management and monitoring of the school budget.
• Preparing regular financial reports for the Headteacher and governors.
• Effectively managing and maintaining day-to-day financial systems within the school.
• Responsibility for school personnel administration.
• Responsibility for the completion of all new starter/leaver paperwork and other documentation relating to staff employment.
• Administration of Health & Safety (with the SLT) and management of medical needs.
• Overseeing data protection procedures by taking on the role of GDPR officer, A supportive and inclusive working environment which is committed to staff wellbeing
• Friendly and dedicated staff team committed to achieving the best.
• Dedication to professional and leadership development: benefitting your career progression
• A leadership team committed to the wellbeing of all.
• Supportive parents and governors.
• An exciting place to work with a passionate and professional staff team which is committed to our mission of enhancing children's futures. Has experience of working in a school and as part of a team.
• Has experience of school-based systems such as SIMS, or a willingness to learn.
• Has excellent multi-tasking skills, alongside the ability to manage challenging situations calmly, positively and professionally in a busy environment.
• Is friendly and able to communicate effectively, warmly and professionally at all times.
• Has a good knowledge of finance and personnel.
• Is able to manage the school budget and provide reports for governing body meetings.
• Understands the importance of confidentiality and safeguarding procedures.
• Has excellent literacy and numeracy skills (GCSE or equivalent in Maths and English). Priestley Primary School is named after Joseph Priestley - philosopher and teacher - who discovered oxygen and believed that education was the key to shaping the futures of both people and the world. Following this belief, we are committed to academic standards to ensure children have better life chances, whilst understanding that it is vitally important not to lose sight of the child as an individual. We aim to help families develop communicative, competent, confident young people who are more than ready for the next challenge in their educational journey, so we foster social learning and develop children's interests by providing opportunities and experiences.

All about the role

The hours of work are negotiable, term time plus 2 weeks (41 working weeks).

Closing date (and time): 10th September 2026 12:00pm Interview date: Week Commencing 14th September 2026 Commencement date: 5th October 2026 This school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All applicants will be subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service check before appointment is confirmed. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. Applicants must disclose all spent and unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands and warnings that are not 'protected' under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (as amended in 2013 & 2020). An enhanced DBS check will be required for the successful applicant.