Finance Officer

Smiley & Co, Ltd.; Wymondham; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 31,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading education trust is seeking a Finance Officer to support its expanding finance department in Wymondham. The role involves processing invoices, managing finance queries, and supporting budget holders across multiple schools. Ideal candidates will have GCSEs in Maths and English, along with experience in a finance environment and familiarity with IT systems like Sage Intacct.

Qualifications

• Experience in a busy finance environment is necessary.
• Previous experience with purchase/sales ledger is preferred.
• Flexible and resilient team player capable of managing responsibilities.

Responsibilities

• Act as the primary point of contact for all finance queries.
• Process invoices and school orders ensuring compliance.
• Reconcile bank accounts and assist budget holders.

Skills

Communication

Organizational Skills

Flexibility

Team Player

IT Systems Familiarity

Education

Maths and English GCSEs at grade 4-9

AAT qualification or current study

Tools

Sage Intacct

Job description

Join to apply for the Finance Officer role at Smiley & Co, Ltd.

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Location: Wymondham

Salary: £25,584 - £30,060 per annum FTE

Hours: 37 hours per week, 5 days a week (alternative hours and patterns would be considered)

The Education Trust is an expanding multi-academy trust with both primary and secondary schools within it. The Trust currently has 22 schools (13 primary and 9 secondary).

The Role

The finance operation supporting these schools is based in Wymondham, with roles based in the Trust's secondary schools. This position offers an opportunity to work in the growing finance department with responsibilities including processing invoices, handling supplier, customer, and parent queries, producing payment runs, and reconciling statements for various schools and the wider trust.

Key Responsibilities

• Act as the primary point of contact for all finance queries for relevant school(s);
• Process school orders ensuring compliance with the Trust's Financial Rules and Procedures;
• Process invoices received ensuring correct authorization of expenditure;
• Produce payment files and reconcile with outstanding invoices;
• Reconcile supplier statements to accounting records, including leading on one or more Trust-wide supplier accounts as account champion;
• Reconcile school bank accounts, credit cards, and petty cash;
• Raise relevant school sales invoices;
• Manage the school's online payment system (e.g., ParentPay or Wisepay);
• Chase outstanding invoices with customers and escalate to the Trust's credit control team where appropriate;
• Assist budget holders in managing school-related funds (e.g., trips, lettings, buses, productions);
• Record fund recharges (e.g., Pupil Premium Grant) once authorized by relevant budget holders;
• Provide support and ad-hoc training to non-finance staff within the school on financial matters and Sage usage;
• Ensure budget holders review budget statements regularly; and
• Assist internal and external auditors with information requests regarding school financial records.

Skills and Qualifications

• Be flexible, enthusiastic, and a resilient team player capable of managing responsibilities effectively;
• Excellent communication skills, both written and in person, maintaining confidentiality;
• Organized with the ability to plan and complete tasks in a busy environment;
• Familiarity with or willingness to learn various IT systems, including Sage Intacct;
• Experience working in a busy finance environment;
• Previous experience with purchase/sales ledger;
• Maths and English GCSEs at grade 4-9;
• AAT qualification or current study (desirable).

To Apply

If you believe you are suitable and wish to work for this reputable Education Trust, please click apply to be redirected to their website to complete your application.

Additional Details

• Seniority level: Entry level
• Employment type: Full-time
• Job function: Finance