Finance Officer

anzuk Education; City Of London; On-site; GBP 37,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading education trust in the City of London is seeking an experienced Finance Officer to support efficient financial operations across its schools. The role requires strong numeracy, analytical skills, and the ability to manage financial processing, budgeting, and reporting tasks. Applicants should have a recognised finance qualification and significant experience in financial functions, along with excellent communication abilities. This full-time position offers a salary range between £37,509 and £38,637 per annum and a chance to contribute to a high-performing educational environment.

Benefits

Supportive finance team

Training and development opportunities

Professional growth potential

Qualifications

• Experience in financial processing, budget support and financial reporting.
• Strong understanding of purchase ordering and invoice systems.
• Ability to build effective working relationships with staff, suppliers, and stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Process purchase orders, invoices, journals and routine data entries.
• Manage cash and banking tasks including BACS payments and monthly bank reconciliations.
• Lead debt recovery and credit control, working with families.

Skills

Strong numeracy and analytical skills

Clear and confident communicator

Ability to interpret and present financial information

Good problem-solving ability

Excellent organisational skills

Education

AAT Level 3 or equivalent finance qualification

Minimum of 5 GCSEs including English and Maths

Tools

Microsoft Office

Spreadsheet tools

Job description

Finance Officer

Start Date: 5th January 2025 (may be brought forward to before Christmas if the candidate is available)

Term: Minimum 12 months, potentially months pending confirmation of extended leave

Salary: £37,509 £38,637 per annum

Location: Lewisham

Contract: Full-time

Agency: Recruiting on behalf of a leading education trust

Are you an organised, detail-driven finance professional looking to contribute to a high-performing school environment? Our client, a respected education trust, is seeking an experienced Finance Officer to support the delivery of accurate, efficient and compliant financial operations across the school.

The Role

As the Finance Officer, you will play a key role in ensuring the smooth running of day-to-day financial operations. Working closely with the Trust Finance Manager and Finance Operations Manager, you will support the processing, monitoring, analysis and reporting of both local and central financial transactions.

Key Responsibilities

• Process purchase orders, invoices, journals and routine data entries in line with trust financial procedures.
• Manage cash and banking tasks, including BACS payments, receipts, and monthly bank reconciliations.
• Support weekly payment runs and monitor purchase order commitments.
• Administer financial processes for school trips, including parent contributions via ParentMail or BACS.
• Lead debt recovery and credit control, working with families to resolve outstanding issues.
• Maintain lettings/hirings records, issue sales invoices and chase overdue payments; liaise with Premises and Lettings teams for additional charges.
• Provide budget holders with accurate advice, updates and financial guidance.
• Respond to finance queries from staff and suppliers, escalating to the Finance Operations Manager when required.
• Reconcile payments and commitments, track progress and review projected versus actual spending.
• Assist with monthly budget monitoring and year-end processes including accruals, prepayments and closing commitments.
• Query incorrect invoices with suppliers and request proof of delivery as needed.
• Support payroll, pensions and staff expenses administration.
• Maintain accurate financial records in line with data protection regulations.
• Assist the Trust Finance Manager with audits and other financial or administrative duties.
• Provide training to staff on finance processes and support during school events or emergencies (e.g., evacuation procedures).

Person Specification

Qualifications

• AAT Level 3 or equivalent finance qualification (desirable).
• Minimum of 5 GCSEs including English and Maths.

Experience & Knowledge

• Experience in financial processing, budget support and financial reporting.
• Strong understanding of purchase ordering and invoice systems.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and spreadsheet tools.
• Ability to build effective working relationships with staff, suppliers and stakeholders.
• Understanding of safeguarding within an education environment.

Skills

• Strong numeracy and analytical skills with logical, accurate processing.
• Clear and confident communicator (written and verbal).
• Ability to interpret and present financial information.
• Good problem-solving ability and flexible approach to workloads.
• Excellent organisational skills and ability to prioritise.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality at all times.

Personal Qualities

• Positive, resilient and proactive team player.
• Committed to safeguarding and the welfare of students.
• Willingness to undertake further training and development.
• Flexible to meet the needs of a busy finance team.

Why Apply?

• Opportunity to support a high-performing school within a respected trust.
• Join a supportive finance team with training and development opportunities.
• Varied, rewarding role with strong professional growth potential.
• To apply, please submit your CV via this website.
• Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interview.