Finance Officer (Maternity Cover – 12 to 14 Months)

Talented People; Greater London; On-site; GBP 37,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

A multi-academy trust in London is seeking a Finance Officer for maternity cover for 12-14 months. This full-time role involves key financial operations, including accounts payable, payroll, and budget monitoring within a school setting. The position requires strong financial skills, attention to detail, and effective communication with stakeholders. The ideal candidate should have at least 5 GCSEs, AAT qualifications, and experience in finance administration. Join a supportive team and enjoy a competitive salary with development opportunities.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Opportunities for skill development

Supportive team environment

Qualifications

• Experience in finance administration, accounts payable, or school finance.
• Understanding of financial processes in a school or educational environment.

Responsibilities

• Process financial transactions, journals, and reconciliations.
• Manage cash, banking, receipts, and BACS payments.
• Prepare reconciliations for bank and control accounts.
• Support month-end and year-end financial processes.

Skills

Excellent numeracy

Attention to detail

Strong organisational skills

Effective communication skills

Proficient in Excel and Microsoft Office

Education

AAT Level 2 / 3 or equivalent

Minimum 5 GCSEs including English and Maths

Job description

Finance Officer (Maternity Cover – 12 to 14 Months)

Location: London SE4

Salary: £37,509 – £38,637 per annum

Hours: Full-time, 35 hours per week, 52 weeks per year

Start Date: 5 January 2025 (earlier start possible)

Contract: Fixed-Term (Maternity Cover : 12–14 months)

A Multi-Academy Trust in London SE4 is seeking an experienced Finance Officer to join its central finance team on a maternity cover contract. This is a key role within a school environment, supporting both central and local finance operations, including accounts payable, payroll, budget monitoring, and financial reporting.

This role offers the opportunity to work across a variety of school and MAT finance activities, supporting staff, suppliers, parents, and budget holders to ensure smooth financial processes.

Key Responsibilities

• Process financial transactions, journals, and reconciliations in the finance system.
• Raise purchase orders and process invoices in line with Trust financial procedures.
• Manage cash, banking, receipts, and BACS payments.
• Support weekly payment runs and monitor purchase order commitments.
• Administer school trip finances and income collection via ParentMail / BACS.
• Lead on credit control, debtor recovery, and chasing outstanding payments.
• Maintain lettings / hire records, raise invoices, and follow up on overdue payments.
• Provide advice and updates to budget holders on their budgets and commitments.
• Investigate and resolve supplier and staff account queries.
• Assist with payroll, pensions, and staff expenses administration.
• Support month-end and year-end financial processes, including accruals and prepayments.
• Prepare reconciliations for bank and control accounts.
• Maintain accurate, confidential records and assist with audits.
• Support school events, emergency procedures, and finance training as required.

Person Specification

Qualifications & Experience

• AAT Level 2 / 3 or equivalent (desirable).
• Minimum 5 GCSEs including English and Maths.
• Experience in finance administration, accounts payable, or school finance.
• Proficient in Excel and Microsoft Office; familiar with finance systems.
• Understanding of financial processes in a school or educational environment.

Skills & Attributes

• Excellent numeracy, accuracy, and attention to detail.
• Strong organisational and prioritisation skills.
• Effective communication skills with staff, parents, and suppliers.
• Ability to analyse, interpret, and present financial data.
• Professional, reliable, and able to handle confidential information.
• Flexible, proactive, and solution-focused.
• Commitment to safeguarding and professional development.

Safeguarding & DBS

This role is based in a school and involves working with sensitive information.

An Enhanced DBS check is required, and safeguarding responsibilities must be adhered to at all times.

Why Join Us?

Join a professional and supportive central finance team.

Work on a varied and interesting range of finance tasks across school and MAT operations.

Competitive salary with opportunities for skill development