Finance Support Officer

Lancashire County Council; New Gate; Hybrid; GBP 27,000 - 29,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

LGPS pension

26 days annual leave + holidays

Staff discount via Vivup

Job summary

Lancashire County Council's Schools Finance Team is hiring a Business Support Officer to support the financial operations of around 500 schools. You will process journals, payments, purchase orders and invoices, generate reports, and liaise with schools via email, the Lancashire Schools Portal and telephone.

This is a Preston-based hybrid role working 37 hours per week. You will need GCSEs (or equivalent), strong numeracy and proficiency with Excel and Word.

Qualifications

• GCSE qualifications (or equivalent) required.
• Strong numeracy with ability to work accurately.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, esp. Excel and Word.
• Able to communicate clearly with schools and colleagues.
• Experience in financial administration preferred.

Responsibilities

• Process journals, payments, purchase orders and invoices.
• Generate financial reports and communicate with schools via portal.
• Support school bank accounts and VAT reimbursements.
• Assist academy conversions and year-end processes.
• Coordinate information returns and maintain data accuracy.

Skills

Numeracy

Communication

Teamwork

Independent work

Interpersonal skills

Education

GCSE qualifications (or equivalent)

Tools

Microsoft Office

Excel

Word

Job description

Join us as a Business Support Officer in our Schools Finance Team, where you will play a vital role in supporting the financial operations of around 500 schools across Lancashire in a supportive and innovative environment. Your Role As a Schools Finance Business Support Officer, you will:

• Provide high quality financial administration support, processing journals, payments, purchase orders and invoices. You will generate and distribute financial system reports, and be in regular communication with schools via email, telephone and the Lancashire Schools Portal.
• Support schools operating their own bank accounts, such as uploading transfer files into the ledger, processing VAT reimbursements, and managing monthly direct debits. You will act as a source of technical advice for a range of stakeholders within schools and across the council.
• Assist with key areas of work such as academy conversions, financial year processes, and audit queries. You will co-ordinate the collection of information returns from schools and maintain the accuracy of school financial data through regular review.
• Holds GCSE qualifications (or equivalent).
• Has experience in financial administration or can demonstrate the ability to perform such duties effectively.
• Possesses strong numeracy skills and is proficient in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel and Word.
• Communicates clearly and confidently, with the ability to build effective relationships across schools and council departments.
• Can explain financial information to a variety of stakeholders and work accurately under pressure.
• Works well both independently and as part of a team.
• Salary £26,847 - £29,071 per annum | Permanent, Full Time 37 hours per week | Preston/Hybrid, By joining Lancashire County Council, you can shape the career path that is right for you, with opportunities to gain personal and professional qualifications, coaching, and mentoring. Lancashire County Council truly is the place where you can have the career you've always wanted.
• In return for your passion and expertise, we offer a generous benefits package, which includes:
• A competitive salary and Local Government Pension Scheme with generous employer contributions.
• A great holiday entitlement of 26 days annual leave, which increases with length of service. You will also be entitled to 8 Bank Holidays, 2 additional statutory Bank Holidays, and have the option to buy additional leave each year.
• Our staff discount scheme in partnership with Vivup, allowing you to access discounts with a range of UK retailers, saving on everything from weekly food shops to white goods and cars.
• Access to fantastic development and career opportunities.

You'll be part of a friendly, approachable, and collaborative team, with access to excellent on-the-job training and career development opportunities., This is a fantastic opportunity to contribute to the financial wellbeing of Lancashire's schools and see the positive impact of your work across the county.

Working arrangements This is a hybrid role with a combination of home and office working

Local Government Reorganisation The Government has confirmed that local government across Lancashire will be reorganised, with the current 15 councils being replaced by four new unitary councils covering North, South, East and West Lancashire from April 2028. If you are successful in your application, you will initially join Lancashire County Council. However, as part of the planned transition, your employment will transfer to one of the new unitary councils from April 2028, subject to the implementation of the reorganisation and relevant employment legislation. Throughout this period, our focus remains on delivering excellent services to our communities. By joining us now, you'll play an important role in shaping the future of local government and helping to build a strong new organisation that will serve residents for years to come.