School Finance Assistant: Budget, Compliance & Ops

WMJobs; Telford; On-site; GBP 27,000 - 29,000; Full time

Job summary

Amethyst Academies Trust, including Telford Park School, is seeking a Finance Assistant to support day-to-day financial operations within a busy school environment. You will process transactions, assist with budgets and maintain robust controls while collaborating with staff, suppliers and the Trust finance team.

The ideal candidate brings experience in finance/admin, strong IT and Excel skills, and a proactive, detail-oriented approach.

Qualifications

• Experience working within a busy finance, administration or business support environment.
• Strong IT skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Excel and financial systems.
• Excellent attention to detail with a high level of accuracy and organisation.
• A good understanding of financial processes and the importance of maintaining robust audit trails.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to build effective working relationships.
• A proactive, flexible and reliable approach to work.
• A commitment to professional development, including working towards or holding an AAT qualification.
• Experience of working within a school, academy trust or public sector finance environment, together with knowledge of systems such as Xero or ApprovalMax, would be advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Deliver accurate financial processing, ensuring transactions are completed efficiently and in accordance with Trust procedures.
• Support budget management, providing reliable financial information to support decision-making.
• Maintain strong financial controls, ensuring compliance with Trust financial regulations and audit requirements.
• Build positive working relationships with staff, suppliers, students, parents and external stakeholders.
• Contribute to continuous improvement, supporting the development of efficient finance systems and processes.
• Process purchase orders, invoices, expenses and credit card transactions accurately and efficiently.
• Maintain organised and auditable financial records in line with Trust policies and procedures.
• Support month-end processes and ensure the accuracy of financial information.
• Liaise with suppliers and colleagues to resolve queries promptly and professionally.
• Maintain accurate supplier records and support fraud prevention controls.
• Ensure purchasing activity complies with Trust procurement procedures and value-for-money principles.
• Assist with monitoring budgets and outstanding commitments.
• Support income processing, reconciliations and banking procedures.
• Follow up outstanding balances in line with agreed school and Trust processes.
• Ensure compliance with Trust policies, financial regulations and relevant education sector guidance.
• Support internal and external audit activities.
• Adhere to GDPR, safeguarding, health and safety, and other statutory requirements.

Skills

Finance admin

Attention to detail

Excel proficiency

Strong communication

Interpersonal skills

Proactive attitude

Education

AAT qualification or study

Tools

Xero

ApprovalMax

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Amethyst Academies Trust, including Telford Park School, is seeking a Finance Assistant to support day-to-day financial operations within a busy school environment. You will process transactions, assist with budgets and maintain robust controls while collaborating with staff, suppliers and the Trust finance team.

The ideal candidate brings experience in finance/admin, strong IT and Excel skills, and a proactive, detail-oriented approach.