Finance Officer – Elite Secondary School - Watford

Marchant Recruitment; Waterford; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent secondary school in Watford is seeking a Finance Officer to join its central finance team on a full-time basis, starting ASAP.

You will support day-to-day financial management, assist with management accounts, budgets and forecasts, and ensure compliance with financial policies and public funds.

The ideal candidate is organised with strong numerical skills, able to work with senior leaders and budget holders to maintain accurate records.

Qualifications

• Experience in school or public sector finance preferred.
• Strong numerical and analytical skills.
• Ability to work with senior leaders and budget holders.

Responsibilities

• Assist with monthly management accounts, financial reports and budget monitoring.
• Monitor income and expenditure, investigate variances with budget holders.
• Support annual budgets, multi-year forecasts and cash flow projections.
• Oversee day-to-day financial administration: POs, invoices, supplier payments, reconciliations.
• Assist with payroll reconciliations, year-end procedures and audits.
• Ensure compliance with financial policies and regulations, promoting value for money.

Skills

Organised

Analytical

Budget monitoring

Financial reporting

Communication

Education

Relevant finance qualification

Job description

Location: Watford
Contract: Full-Time
Start Date: ASAP

Are you an organised and proactive finance professional looking for your next opportunity within the education sector? A vibrant and highly regarded secondary school in Watford is seeking a dedicated Finance Officer to join its central finance team on a full-time basis, starting immediately.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced finance professional to play a key role in supporting the school's financial operations, ensuring effective budget management, accurate financial reporting and strong financial controls.

About the Role

As Finance Officer, you will support the day-to-day financial management of the school, working closely with senior leaders, Headteachers and budget holders to maintain accurate financial records, monitor expenditure and support effective financial planning.

You will contribute to the preparation of management accounts, annual budgets and financial forecasts, while ensuring compliance with relevant financial policies, procedures and regulatory requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist with preparing monthly management accounts, financial reports and budget monitoring information for senior leaders and Governors.
• Monitor income and expenditure, investigate budget variances and liaise with budget holders to resolve discrepancies.
• Support the preparation of annual budgets, multi-year financial forecasts and cash flow projections.
• Oversee day-to-day financial administration, including purchase orders, invoices, supplier payments, reconciliations and maintaining accurate financial records.
• Assist with payroll reconciliations, year-end procedures, external audits and statutory financial returns.
• Ensure compliance with financial policies, internal controls and applicable academy finance regulations, promoting value for money and the responsible use of public funds.

The Ideal Candidate

The successful candidate will be organised, analytical and detail-oriented, with the ability to manage competing priorities and meet financial deadlines. They will possess strong communication skills, a proactive approach to problem-solving and the ability to work collaboratively with colleagues across the school.

Previous experience in a finance role, ideally within a school, academy or multi-academy trust, would be advantageous.