Finance Officer – Secondary School – Bristol

Marchant Recruitment; West of England; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

Marchant Recruitment is seeking a Finance Officer for a prominent secondary school in Bristol. The role covers day-to-day financial administration, invoices, supplier payments, and monthly reporting within a busy finance team.

The ideal candidate will have solid experience in finance, excellent numerical skills and proficiency with Excel. You will handle confidential information and liaise with staff and suppliers in a professional manner.

Qualifications

• Strong numeracy and analytical skills.
• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy with financial data.
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel and using financial/accounting systems.
• Ability to manage multiple deadlines and maintain confidentiality.
• Professional written and verbal communication with staff and suppliers.

Responsibilities

• Support the day-to-day financial administration of the school.
• Process invoices accurately and efficiently.
• Assist with purchase orders and supplier payments.
• Monitor outstanding invoices and payments.
• Reconcile financial information where required.
• Assist with bank and account reconciliations.
• Process staff expenses and other financial claims.
• Maintain supplier records and financial documentation.
• Assist with monthly financial reporting.
• Provide financial information to relevant staff.
• Liaise with suppliers regarding invoices and payment queries.
• Respond to finance-related enquiries professionally.
• Ensure financial documentation is filed correctly.
• Maintain confidentiality when handling financial and staff information.
• Support the School Business Manager with financial administration.
• Assist with year-end financial preparation.
• Ensure transactions are processed in line with procedures.
• Identify discrepancies and raise them with the appropriate staff.
• Maintain accurate electronic and paper records.
• Assist with audits and financial checks.

Skills

Excel skills

Financial systems

Attention to detail

Deadline management

Communication skills

Tools

Accounting software

Job description

Finance Officer – Secondary School – Bristol

Start Date: As soon as possible
Contract: Full-time, Permanent
Salary: £32,000 – £40,000 per annum, dependent on experience

School Information

This is a well-established Secondary School in Bristol, supporting students across Key Stages 3, 4 and 5. The school has a strong reputation for maintaining high standards across academic achievement, student support and school operations.

The school has a busy finance and administration function and is looking to appoint a capable Finance Officer to strengthen its existing team.

The successful candidate will work within a professional environment where accuracy, confidentiality and financial responsibility are essential. You will work closely with the School Business Manager, senior leaders and administrative colleagues to ensure that financial processes are completed efficiently.

The school values its support staff and recognises the important contribution that strong financial administration makes to the wider operation of the school.

Finance Officer Role

The school is seeking a reliable and detail-focused Finance Officer to support the day-to-day financial administration of the school.

The role will involve processing financial transactions, maintaining accurate records, monitoring payments and supporting the wider finance function.

The successful candidate will need to be comfortable working with figures and financial systems while maintaining a high level of accuracy.

You will also deal with suppliers, staff and other contacts, meaning that professional communication skills are important.

The role would suit an experienced finance administrator who enjoys working in a structured environment and is capable of managing multiple deadlines.

Key Responsibilities

Support the day-to-day financial administration of the school.

Process invoices accurately and efficiently.

Assist with purchase orders and supplier payments.

Monitor outstanding invoices and payments.

Reconcile financial information where required.

Assist with bank and account reconciliations.

Process staff expenses and other financial claims.

Maintain supplier records and financial documentation.

Assist with monthly financial reporting.

Provide financial information to relevant members of staff.

Liaise with suppliers regarding invoices and payment queries.

Respond to finance-related enquiries professionally.

Ensure financial documentation is filed correctly.

Maintain confidentiality when handling financial and staff information.

Support the School Business Manager with financial administration.

Assist with year-end financial preparation.

Ensure transactions are processed in line with school procedures.

Identify discrepancies and raise them with the appropriate member of staff.

Maintain accurate electronic and paper records.

Assist with audits and financial checks when required.

The Ideal Candidate

The successful candidate will have previous experience in finance administration, accounts or a similar role.

Experience within a school, academy, college, charity or public-sector organisation would be advantageous, although candidates from other professional finance environments will be considered.

You should have excellent attention to detail and be comfortable working with financial information.

Strong Excel skills and confidence using financial systems are important.

You must be able to manage deadlines effectively and maintain accuracy when handling a busy workload.

The successful candidate will also need to communicate professionally with colleagues and external suppliers.

Requirements

Previous experience in finance, accounts or financial administration.

Strong numerical and analytical skills.

Excellent attention to detail.

Good knowledge of Microsoft Excel.

Experience using financial systems or accounting software.

Strong organisational and time-management skills.

Ability to manage multiple deadlines.

Professional written and verbal communication.

Ability to maintain confidentiality.

Strong problem-solving skills.

Ability to work independently and within a wider team.

Experience working in an educational setting is desirable.

What the School Offers

Professional and structured working environment.

Supportive finance and leadership team.

Opportunities for professional development.

Modern administrative facilities.

Varied finance responsibilities.

Opportunity to develop within a well-established school environment.