Finance Officer (Maternity Cover) - Reading School

Reading Borough Council; Reading; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

Reading Borough Council is seeking a Finance Officer to cover maternity leave, focusing on Purchase Ledger management. The ideal candidate will have experience in finance, particularly within a school environment, and possess strong organizational and communication skills. This role involves processing orders, managing payments, and supporting the Finance Team in a vibrant educational setting.

Qualifications

• Strong track record in Purchase Ledger work.
• Experience in a school environment is an advantage.
• Highly organized with strong attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Manage the Finance email inbox and process purchase orders.
• Handle supplier invoices and BACS payments.
• Reconcile supplier statements and manage the purchase ledger.

Skills

Purchase Ledger

Organization

Attention to Detail

Communication Skills

Team Collaboration

Tools

Sage 200

Job description

Starting in late June

Hours of work: 30 hours per week, 52-week contract

We have an exciting opportunity to cover the maternity leave of the Finance Officer, with responsibility for Purchase Ledger and ordering. Our ideal candidate will have Purchase Ledger experience, preferably in a school environment.

What You'll Do

1. Manage the Finance email inbox, ensuring every email is dealt with in a timely manner.
2. Process purchase orders and place with suppliers.
3. Process supplier invoices, credit notes, and staff expenses, matching to purchase orders and obtaining payment approval from budget holders.
4. Handle fortnightly BACS payments and ad hoc payments as required.
5. Allocate payments to supplier accounts.
6. Reconcile supplier statements.
7. Make credit card payments for ad-hoc purchases.
8. Actively manage the purchase ledger, resolving queries and clearing debit balances.
9. Provide audit information as required.
10. Perform other tasks to support the Finance Team and wider school community.

What We're Looking For

• A strong track record in Purchase Ledger work.
• Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience working collaboratively within a team environment.
• Experience in a school environment and/or with Sage 200 for Education is an advantage but not required.

At Reading School, we are committed to social mobility, character development, and academic excellence. In 2023, the school was rated the Sunday Times South East State School of the Year. We are located close to central Reading, a diverse town rich in arts, culture, and heritage.

Application Details

Deadline for applications: Sunday, 18th May 2025.

To apply, please complete an application via our recruitment portal at our website. Please do not submit stand-alone CVs. Ensure your personal statement clearly details how your skills and experience meet the job requirements.

Applications will be reviewed upon receipt; early application is encouraged as we reserve the right to close the process early.

References may be contacted before interview as part of our safeguarding process. Candidates should inform referees they may be contacted on short notice.

Reading School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. The successful candidate must undergo an Enhanced DBS check. Full safeguarding policies are available on our website.

We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applicants regardless of sex, race, religion, belief, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, maternity, age, disability, marriage or civil partnership.

Proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme