Office and Finance Manager

Suffolk County Council; Lowestoft; On-site; GBP 29,000 - 33,000; Full time

Job summary

A local primary school in Lowestoft is seeking an organised and proactive Office and Finance Manager. This pivotal role involves leading the school office and managing finances effectively. Candidates should have experience in financial management, excellent organisational skills, and a positive attitude. The position is permanent, offering a salary range of £29,093 - £32,654 per annum with 37 hours of work per week.

Qualifications

• Experience in financial management (school experience would be an advantage).
• Ability to lead a team with positivity and confidence.
• Highly organised with the ability to juggle multiple priorities.
• Great attention to detail and accuracy.
• Confident with IT, including finance systems.
• Understanding of school finance regulations (or willingness to learn).
• Clear, warm communication with a wide range of people.
• Ability to work calmly under pressure and meet deadlines.
• Discretion with confidential information.
• Positive, can-do attitude and alignment with school values.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support the office team, ensuring efficient daily operations.
• Oversee the school's finances, including budgeting and reporting.
• Manage HR administration, including recruitment and payroll.
• Maintain accurate records and ensure compliance with regulations.
• Be a welcoming first point of contact for the school community.
• Support the Headteacher with accurate financial forecasting.

Skills

Experience in financial management

Ability to lead a team

Highly organised

Attention to detail

IT skills, including finance systems

Clear communication

Work under pressure

Discretion with confidential information

Positive, can-do attitude

Job description

Overview

Carlton Colville Primary School is seeking an organised, approachable and proactive Office and Finance Manager to lead our busy school office and keep our finances running smoothly. This permanent role is available as soon as possible, with working hours of 37 per week, 39 weeks per year. The salary range is £29,093 - £32,654 per annum (pay award pending). Reference: 7791.

As our Office and Finance Manager, you will be at the heart of the school, working closely with school leaders to ensure that what happens behind the scenes runs as smoothly as the learning in classrooms.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support the office team, ensuring efficient daily operations with a positive approach.
• Oversee the school's finances, including budgeting, monitoring expenditure, producing reports, and ensuring statutory requirements are met.
• Manage HR administration, including recruitment, staff records and payroll liaison.
• Maintain accurate records and ensure compliance with data protection and safeguarding procedures.
• Be a welcoming first point of contact for parents, staff, governors and visitors.
• Support the Headteacher and governors with accurate financial forecasting and planning.

Requirements / Qualifications

• Experience in financial management (school experience would be an advantage).
• Ability to lead a team with positivity and confidence.
• Highly organised with the ability to juggle multiple priorities.
• Great attention to detail and accuracy.
• Confident with IT, including finance systems.
• Understanding of (or willingness to learn) school finance regulations.
• Clear, warm communication with a wide range of people.
• Ability to work calmly under pressure and meet deadlines.
• Discretion with confidential information.
• Positive, can-do attitude and alignment with school values.

How to apply

For more information, to arrange a visit, or to apply, please contact Kay Everett-Day, Business Manager. Email: [e-mail]. Phone: [phone].

Please read the application guidance and submit your completed application form by email to [e-mail].

Closing date: 10am, 25 September 2025. Interview date: Week commencing 29 September 2025.

Carlton Colville Primary School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful applicant will be required to undertake an enhanced DBS check.

About the team

IMPORTANT PLEASE READ BEFORE APPLYING: To apply, please follow the application process detailed above. This job does not have a Suffolk Jobs Direct online application form. The "Apply Now" button below only allows you to submit a job alert, not an online application.