Finance Officer

The Swan School; Oxford; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

The Swan School is seeking a proactive Finance Officer to join our administrative team. You will be at the heart of our school community, ensuring daily financial operations run smoothly and efficiently, and you will work closely with the Assistant Finance Manager while guiding the Finance Assistant.

We value initiative, accuracy, and collaboration as our staff support students and colleagues across the school.

Qualifications

• Proven experience working within a finance or accounting role, ideally in education or public sector.
• Proficiency with financial software, computerised purchasing systems, and Microsoft Excel.
• Strong numerical skills and high attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Day-to-Day Financial Operations: manage financial systems, cashless payments, banking, petty cash, and monthly reconciliations.
• Ledgers & Staff Supervision: oversee purchase and sales ledgers, process expense claims, and provide line management to the Finance Assistant.

Skills

Financial software

Excel

Numerical skills

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Discretion

Tools

Purchasing systems

Accounting software

Spreadsheet software

Job description

Are you an organised financial professional with an eye for detail and a passion for supporting education? We are looking for a proactive Finance Officer to join our close-knit administrative team.

In this role, you will be at the heart of our school community, ensuring our daily financial operations run smoothly and efficiently. Working closely with our Assistant Finance Manager, you will manage day-to-day accounting processes, support budget management, and guide our Finance Assistant.

If you thrive in a supportive environment where your initiative and accuracy directly contribute to the success of our students and staff, we would love to hear from you.

Key Responsibilities

• Day-to-Day Financial Operations: Manage financial systems, cashless payments, banking, petty cash, and monthly reconciliations (including bank, credit card, and school trips).
• Ledgers & Staff Supervision: Oversee purchase and sales ledgers, process expense claims, and provide supportive line management to the Finance Assistant.
• Budgeting & Reporting: Assist with budget planning and forecasting, produce financial reports, and share monthly updates with budget holders.
• Audit & Systems: Maintain clear records for audit readiness and contribute to improving finance policies and procedures.

What We Are Looking For

• Team & School Support: Communicate financial guidance clearly to colleagues and offer general administrative assistance to the wider school team.
• Experience: Proven experience working within a finance or accounting role, ideally within an educational or public sector environment.
• Technical Skills: Proficiency with financial software, computerised purchasing systems, and Microsoft Excel.
• Core Competencies: Outstanding attention to detail, strong numerical skills, and the ability to work independently to monthly deadlines.
• People Skills: Clear communication skills, high discretion with confidential data, and a friendly, supportive approach to teamwork and line management.
• Ethos: A commitment to upholding high standards, safeguarding principles, and the overall vision and values of the River Learning Trust.

Why Join Us?

Our school is a warm, welcoming, and inclusive environment where every staff member plays a valued part in supporting our learning community. As part of the River Learning Trust, you will benefit from a collaborative culture, opportunities for professional training and development, and a supportive team that looks out for one another.