School Finance Officer – Manchester

Marchant Recruitment; Manchester; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A community-focused secondary school in Manchester is seeking a detail-oriented School Finance Officer to manage daily financial operations. This role involves processing invoices, supporting budget holders, and maintaining accurate financial records, ensuring compliance with regulations. Candidates should have strong numerical skills, excellent attention to detail, and be confident in using finance systems. This position offers a competitive salary, term-time only, within a supportive and collaborative environment.

Qualifications

• Experience in school finance or related administration.
• Confident in using finance systems and spreadsheets.
• Ability to maintain accurate financial records.

Responsibilities

• Process invoices and financial transactions.
• Support departmental budget holders.
• Maintain compliance with finance regulations.
• Assist with internal and external audits.

Skills

Attention to detail

Strong communication

Numerical skills

Analytical skills

Discretion and integrity

Strong IT skills

Job description

Are you a detail-oriented, dependable, and financially astute individual who thrives in a busy working environment? A highly regarded and community-focused secondary school in Manchester is seeking an enthusiastic School Finance Officer to join their Business & Operations team from January. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys financial administration, problem-solving, and contributing to the smooth running of a large, dynamic school.

The Role

As a School Finance Officer, you will be responsible for supporting the school’s daily financial operations and ensuring accuracy, compliance, and efficiency in all financial processes. Working closely with the School Business Manager and senior leaders, you will help ensure that the school remains financially robust and well‑organised.

Your responsibilities will include :

• Processing invoices, purchase orders, supplier statements, and financial transactions
• Supporting departmental budget holders with reports, updates, and financial guidance
• Maintaining accurate financial records in line with audit and statutory requirements
• Managing reconciliations, banking, and income streams, including ParentPay and fundraising income
• Supporting the administration of grants, bursaries, and designated funding allocations
• Preparing documentation for internal and external audits
• Supporting payroll checks and maintaining financial HR records
• Communicating professionally with suppliers, trust finance teams, and school staff
• Assisting with financial planning linked to school trips, events, and educational activities
• Ensuring compliance with ESFA, DfE, and trust finance regulations

This role is ideal for someone who enjoys structured processes, values accuracy, and appreciates working in a friendly and collaborative office environment.

School Information

The school is :

• High-achieving and deeply embedded within the local community
• Supported by strong leadership with excellent financial oversight
• Known for efficient systems and a professional administrative culture

Committed to staff development and continuous improvement

Praised by staff for its supportive atmosphere and positive workplace relationships

Who Should Apply?

This role is suited to :

• Experienced school finance professionals
• Administrators with strong numerical and analytical skills
• Candidates confident in using finance systems and spreadsheets
• Individuals who enjoy multitasking, problem-solving, and contributing to operational success

You will need :

• Excellent attention to detail
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• High levels of discretion and integrity
• Strong IT skills and willingness to learn school‑specific systems

Salary

Competitive salary; term-time only.

Application

Please submit your CV promptly. Early applications are encouraged.