Finance Officer

ADDINGTON SCHOOL; Woodley; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 28,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Local Government Pension Scheme

Life Assurance

Free onsite parking

Wellbeing support

Family friendly policies

Employee discounts

CPD opportunities

Job summary

Addington School in Woodley, Reading seeks a Finance Officer to provide financial support to the school’s budget and resources. You will manage accounts payable, liaise with budget holders, and produce reports to support informed financial decisions.

The role is permanent, 37 hours per week, term-time plus 2 weeks; salary range £26,403–£28,142 with SEN allowance. Strong IT skills and experience with accounting systems are desirable.

Qualifications

• NVQ Level 3 or equivalent by experience.
• Experience using Access Finance and Arbor preferred.
• Strong IT skills and discretion.
• Ability to work as part of a team and communicate clearly.
• Experience with accounts payable and budget processing.

Responsibilities

• Manage the Accounts Payable process
• Liaise with budget holders to place and process orders and invoices
• Produce reports for budget holders
• Maintain and reconcile petty cash records
• Support the Finance Manager with budget preparation and forecasting
• Process free school meals and eligibility checks
• Prepare and process local authority funding invoices and credit notes in accordance with agreed procedures
• Work in line with established financial procedures and secure administration of the school’s finances

Skills

Accounts payable

Budget reporting

Financial administration

Communication skills

Team player

Education

NVQ Level 3 or equivalent

Tools

Access Finance

Arbor

Job description

Post: Finance Officer

Required: As soon as possible

Contract: Permanent, 37 hours per week, term time (192 days) only plus 2 weeks

Hours during school holiday periods to be agreed in line with operational needs.

Salary Range: £26,403 – 28,142 plus £1,539 SEN Allowance per annum (actual £23,292 - £24,826 plus £1,357 SEN Allowance per annum)

Addington school is part of the Ascendancy Partnership Trust, a multi-academy trust with deep community roots across the Berkshire area composed of a family of SEN schools all specialising in learning difficulties. Our main school site is located in Woodley, Reading and we also have a smaller Early Years Centre located in Farley Hill.

We can offer:

• Local Government Pension Scheme and Life Assurance Scheme
• Blue Light Card
• Free onsite parking
• Wellbeing support
• Family friendly policies
• Access to employee discount and lifestyle rewards scheme tailored for public sector workers providing exclusive deals and savings on retail shopping, holidays, motoring and leisure activities
• Opportunity to work with a team of professionals across the Trust
• Continuous professional development and learning opportunities

We are seeking a Finance Officer who will provide financial support to the school to facilitate the efficient and effective use of the school’s budget and school resources.

You will:

• Manage the Accounts Payable process
• Liaise with budget holders to place and process orders and invoices
• Produce reports for budget holders
• Maintain and reconcile petty cash records
• Support the Finance Manager with budget preparation and forecasting
• Process free schools meals and eligibility checks
• Prepare and process local authority funding invoices and credit notes in accordance with agreed procedures
• Work in line with established financial procedures and play an integral part of the efficient and secure administration of the school’s finances on a day to day basis

You will hold a financial qualification (NVQ Level 3) or equivalent by experience and will ideally have previous experience of using Access Finance and Arbor. With a good understanding of accounting processes and procedures, you will have the ability to work as part of a team, will have strong IT skills and will develop and maintain good relationships with colleagues and external organisations. The ideal applicant will be able to deliver an exceptional service and communicate well using clear and defined processes whilst remaining flexible and using discretion.

For further details, please visit our website https://www.addington.wokingham.sch.uk/ where you can download a full job description or contact Amanda Cherry, HR Manager on 0118 966 9073 if you wish to discuss further.

Please note that we are unable to accept CVs. For further information and to download an application please vising our website. Closing date 6th September 2026.

We welcome applications from all sections of the community.

Addington 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 employees of Addington School are required to undergo safeguarding checks which will include reference checks and enhanced DBS check. Applicants must be eligible to work in the UK.

ASCENDANCY PARTNERSHIP TRUST - STRONGER AND BETTER TOGETHER