Finance Officer - Purchase Ledger

Bath College; West of England; On-site; GBP 27,000 - 31,000; Full time

Job summary

A UK educational institution is seeking a Purchase Ledger Manager to oversee financial operations. The role involves managing purchase orders and maintaining supplier records. Candidates should have relevant educational qualifications and proficiency in Excel. Offers include a generous holiday allowance and various staff benefits. Located in Radstock, England, this is an exciting opportunity in the finance department.

Benefits

30 days paid holiday

Private Healthcare Scheme

Cycle to Work Scheme

Qualifications

• Educated to at least NVQ level 3 or equivalent.
• 5 GCSEs or equivalent including Maths and English at grade C or above.
• Good working knowledge of Excel formulas.

Responsibilities

• Monitor, review and check purchase orders on the college financial system.
• Manage Purchase Ledger inbox and process invoices accurately.
• Prepare weekly payment runs to suppliers.

Skills

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Office

Purchase ledger systems

Interpersonal Communication

Education

NVQ level 3 or equivalent

5 GCSEs including Maths and English at grade C or above

Job description

Application Deadline: 14 November 2025

Department: FIN - Finance

Employment Type: Permanent - Full Time

Location: Radstock, England

Reporting To: Florah Mugwanya

Compensation: £27,316 - £30,654 / year

Description

Permanent contract, 37 hours per week, 52 weeks per year. Under the direction of the Head of Finance, manage and run the Purchase Ledger (PL) within the college and ensure its smooth and efficient operation.

Bath College is an inclusive education and training community, providing learning for people with a wide range of abilities from a far-reaching area, from entry level to Level 5 programmes. We are committed to meeting the needs of all our students. This is a very exciting time to join the College.

If you feel you can make a positive contribution, please complete the application form, making sure you detail how your qualifications, skills and experience meet the requirements of the role.

The job posting can close as soon as sufficient applications have been received.

Key Responsibilities

• Monitor, review and check purchase orders placed on the college financial system
• Manage the Purchase Ledger inbox, process the invoices as they are received by the college and upload with accuracy into the Lightyear system
• Prepare the weekly payment runs to suppliers, with the appropriate approval from SMT and due consideration for cash availability
• Create the input file for the BACS upload to Barclays, and obtain approval from HoF for the payment to be released
• Create and submit the payment remittances for the suppliers, ensuring accuracy and making adjustments where necessary
• Set‑up new suppliers where appropriate, via the application process and check external sources for Companies House, VAT registration and bank details for payment
• Ensure supplier records are maintained and stored accurately

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

• Educated to at least NVQ level 3 or equivalent
• 5 GCSEs or equivalent including Maths and English at grade C or above
• Microsoft Excel: Demonstrate a good working knowledge of Excel formulas, enabling manipulation and dissemination of information
• Microsoft Office: Demonstrate a good working knowledge of producing letters and emails
• Excellent knowledge of purchase ledger systems, processes and accounting

Staff Benefits

• Generous paid holiday entitlement of 30 days, exclusive of college closure days and public holidays. Pro rata for part‑time roles
• One Selfie Day per year
• Contributory salary pension scheme (Local Government)
• Continuing Professional Development for all staff
• Laptop Salary Sacrifice Scheme
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Private Healthcare Scheme
• £500 Refer a friend and earn a reward
• Subsidised cafes – at both campuses
• Employee Assistance Programme – staff have access to a free and strictly confidential short‑term counselling and support service (up to six meetings after an initial assessment session with a qualified counsellor)
• The College offers an eye‑sight test for anyone who meets the criteria as described within the Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations
• Progressive family‑friendly policies (exceeding statutory requirements) that support a healthy work/life balance; all staff are entitled to request flexible working
• Discounted treatments at the Academy, Bath Campus
• Free parking at the Somer Valley Campus in Radstock