Office Manager and Finance Officer

Suffolk County Council; Bury St Edmunds; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

Suffolk County Council is seeking an Office Manager and Finance Officer for Howard Community Academy in Bury St Edmunds. This pivotal role involves managing administrative, financial, and HR functions to ensure the smooth operation of the school. The successful candidate will provide high-quality support, maintain office systems, and foster relationships with stakeholders. A commitment to personal growth and experience in financial management are essential for this position.

Benefits

Generous Pension Scheme

Cycle to Work Salary Sacrifice Scheme

Free membership to Anglian Learning Sports Centres

20% discount on Adult Education Courses

Professional Development Scheme Policy

Employee Assistance Programme

Specsavers VDU Vouchers

Boots Flu Vouchers

Perkbox discounts

Qualifications

• Proven experience in Office and Financial Management.
• Solid experience in financial management, budget preparation, monitoring, and reporting.
• Proficiency in handling payroll, purchase orders, and supplier payments.

Responsibilities

• Provide efficient secretarial and administrative support to the Headteacher and staff.
• Manage financial processes and ensure compliance with regulations.
• Update and maintain the Single Central Record and support recruitment logistics.

Skills

Organisational skills

Communication skills

Attention to detail

Financial management

Interpersonal skills

Job description

This job is brought to you by Jobs/Redefined, the UK's leading over-50s age inclusive jobs board.

Job Description

• Howard Community Academy, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk IP32 6SA
• £25,584 - £27,269 pro rata
• 37 hours per week, term time, 38 weeks per year plus 2 weeks (40 weeks per year)
• Permanent
• Reference: 7433
• Required as soon as possible*

*Subject to safeguarding checks.

Are you an ambitious professional with a passion for teamwork and a strong ethos for learning?

Howard Community Academy is seeking an Office Manager and Finance Officer which plays a pivotal role in ensuring the smooth and efficient operation of the school's administrative, financial, and HR functions. Reporting directly to the Headteacher, this position is responsible for delivering high-quality secretarial and administrative support, managing financial processes, and overseeing key human resource activities.

You will contribute significantly to the overall effectiveness of the school by maintaining robust office systems, ensuring financial compliance, and fostering positive relationships with all stakeholders including staff, parents, governors, and external agencies.

Duties and responsibilities

Office/Administrative Responsibilities:

• provide efficient secretarial and administrative support to the Headteacher and staff, adhering to best practices and established procedures
• admissions
• manage the Head's personal office for effective communication with Governors/IEB members, teachers, and parents, including diary management and hospitality arrangements
• foster positive relationships with staff, parents, governors, contractors, and external agencies to advance the school's objectives
• supervise reception and administrative assistants and undertake any admin tasks when necessary, such as, mail handling, school dinner coordination, trips, and routine correspondence generation
• input data into the MIS system, maintain up-to-date records for staff and pupils as needed
• coordinate authorised courses, supply cover, and handle forms and returns for the Department of Education
• undertake additional administrative duties when necessary to cover staff absences.

Financial Responsibilities:

• the operation of school income systems and liaison with third party operators such as those collecting school meal monies
• the raising of invoices, monitoring of payments received and debt collection on a timely basis for lettings, out of school and nursery provision as appropriate
• ensure that goods and services are procured and authorised in line with the trust's internal financial regulations
• support the monthly payroll by processing additional hour claims and responding to any queries from the central team
• ensure cost-effectiveness in ordering and procuring contracts.

Human Resource Responsibilities:

• update and accurately maintain the Single Central Record
• support with logistics for recruitment including booking rooms for interviews
• carry out the employee onboarding including induction and pre-employment checks
• engage in regular meetings and communication with the Central HR Team.

General Responsibilities:

• perform any other duties relevant to the post or as requested by the Headteacher
• liaise with the Property Manager for repairs, and coordinate with the landscaping company for ground maintenance
• admin for school meals vouchers
• maintain the whole school diaries such as lettings and events in school
• administer first aid within school as needed (if appropriately trained).

Requirements:

• demonstrated commitment to personal and professional growth
• willingness to engage in ongoing training and development opportunities
• proven experience in Office and Financial Management
• demonstrated track record in effectively managing office/administrative tasks, financial operations, and human resource responsibilities
• solid experience in financial management, budget preparation, monitoring, and reporting
• experience in ensuring compliance with VAT legislation
• proficiency in handling payroll, purchase orders, and supplier payments
• excellent organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously
• effective communication and interpersonal skills for collaboration with diverse stakeholders
• ability to communicate financial information clearly and concisely
• proficient in using office software and financial management tools
• attention to detail and accuracy in financial record-keeping
• high level of integrity and commitment to maintaining confidentiality in handling sensitive information
• proactive and self-motivated with the ability to work independently
• experience in maintaining positive relationships with various stakeholders, including staff, parents, and external agencies.

Employee Benefits:

• a Generous Pension Scheme (LGPS or Teachers' Pension Scheme depending on the role)
• a Cycle to Work Salary Sacrifice Scheme
• free membership to Anglian Learning Sports Centres
• 20 percent discount on Anglian Learning Adult Education Courses
• a Professional Development Scheme Policy
• an Employee Assistance Programme
• Specsavers VDU Vouchers
• Boots Flu Vouchers
• Perkbox - access a range of discounts in-store and online at nationwide shops.

How to apply

Please read the Application Guidance (docx)and complete theApplication Form (docx)

Please email your application to [e-mail]

Closing date: midnight, 16 June 2025.

(We reserve the right to close this advert early).

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and we expect all staff to share this commitment and undergo appropriate checks. Therefore, all posts within the trust are subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check. The trust welcomes applications from all, irrespective of gender, marital status, disability, race, age or sexual orientation.

About the Team

IMPORTANT PLEASE READ BEFORE APPLYING

To apply, please follow the application process detailed above.

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