**In order to apply for this role you must complete the Application form and Consent to Obtain references and email these completed forms to [email protected] - if these forms are not emailed to this email address your application will not be considered**
The required forms can be found on our website - www.oaklandscatholicschool.org/staff/vacancies/
Finance Assistant
Fixed-term 1-year contract with possible extension
Full-time 37 hours a week, 52 weeks a year
Hours: Monday to Thursday 8.30am to 4.30pm and Friday 8.30am to 4.00pm (30-minute daily unpaid lunch break)
C1 £25,186.00 FTE
This opportunity is one that I hope will capture your enthusiasm and I would like to thank you for your interest in this post. The Governors are seeking to appoint a Finance Assistant to join our hardworking, committed and enthusiastic team. The position is a pivotal part of the administration of the finances and other resources provided to support the Finance Team. The role will require the successful candidate to liaise with the Teachers and Heads of Department as well as other members of the support staff.
The Trustees are looking for someone who will be highly organised and possess good
Interpersonal skills.
If you are a Catholic, you will understand the distinctiveness of Catholic schools such
as Oaklands and this will be attractive to you. You do not have to be a Catholic to work at Oaklands; the Governors welcome applications from candidates of differing faith backgrounds or none who can be supportive of the school ethos.
The key accountabilities of the Finance Assistant are:
Principal responsibilities
Administration/Finance
· Data input of orders, invoices, staff expenses and direct debits, as directed, within timescales specified in the School’s Manual of Financial Practice and Procedures
· Supplier details – create new suppliers and amend details of existing ones
· Assist with reviewing statements on a monthly basis
· Ensure all supplier invoices are properly authorised and purchase orders are attached
· Compile and check invoices for BACS processing
· Raise sales invoices for school lettings and chase for any overdue payments
· Liaise with leasers, suppliers and parents over any queries or concerns
· Process weekly banking and input of cash and online income
· Compiling and input of spend on the school credit cards when the statements are received
· Assist on Finance desk, processing sales from school shop, recording onto Tucasi and ensuring stock is ordered as appropriate
· Reports – assist with the production of school trip reports as requested
· Assist with year-end stock check
· Any other duties commensurate with the position as directed by the Deputy Finance Manager, Finance Manager or School Business Manager
Customer Service
· Act as first point of contact for enquiries relating to finance, responding within standard procedures or referring the enquiry to an appropriate destination
· Promote the image of the school in all contacts with the outside world
Staff Management and teamwork
· Work cooperatively with others towards shared goals contributing to the development of others through shared knowledge
· Provide cover for colleagues where required
· Ensure CPD is completed as required
· Act as Fire Marshal should there be a fire drill during your working hours
· Assist in canteen on till points if required (occasional)
Systems
· Ensure Tucasi is regularly updated with SIMS data
· Ensure parents are distributed with appropriate passwords
School Policies and Regulations
· To work at all times in accordance with the mission and values of the school
· General knowledge of school policies and procedures
· Knowledge of Health and Safety/security regulations and procedures.
· Pursue personal development skills and knowledge necessary for the effective
performance of the role
· Required to undertake Fire Marshal and First aid Training
In return we offer an excellent salary and benefits package, the prospect of working for a value-led organization which is committed to educational excellence, the training skills and resources to share best practice, plus a supportive and dedicated staff and senior team.
The successful candidate must have relevant and up-to-date knowledge in relation to working with and protecting children and young people. All staff at Oaklands are expected to display a commitment to the protection and safeguarding of children and young people.
We are part of Edith Stein Catholic Academy Trust (ESCAT), and your role may be required to assist other schools in the Trust.
The duties and responsibilities in this job description are not restrictive, and the post-holder may be required to undertake any other duties that may be reasonably required from time to time. Any such duties should not, however, substantially change the general character of the post.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
Essential:
· GCSE or equivalent in English and Mathematics
· Sound administrator with attention to detail
· Working with a range of financial software programmes, MIS and Microsoft
applications
· Articulate, literate and numerate
· Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (verbal and written)
· Organisational ability and able to manage time to prioritise tasks and meet deadlines
· Appreciation of the issues working around young people and prepared to train to gain up-to-date knowledge of relevant legislation and guidance in relation to working with, and the protection of children and young people.
· Ability to support the school ethos
· Confidentiality and discretion
· Use of initiative
· Sense of humour
· Confidence and assertiveness
· Tidy and organised approach with attention to detail
· Ability to work under pressure and multi-task
· Ability to work as part of a team and independently
· Ability to forge and maintain good relationships with staff and students
· Takes pride in work and has high expectations of self and others
· Willingness to participate fully in the life of the school
· Willingness to work overtime if required
The following would be desirable:
· A level education or beyond
· Previous experience of working in a finance department of an academy school
· Level 2 Accounting Qualification
· Previous experience of working in a similar role
· Previous experience of working with school SIMS system, PS Financials and Tucasi
· Excellent IT skills including Microsoft Word Publisher and Excel
· Experience of working with a range of financial software programmes, MIS and Microsoft applications
Willingness to train as Fire Warden/First Aider
The duties and responsibilities in this job description are not restrictive, and the post-holder will be required to undertake other reasonable duties as requested by the line manager.
Please note all staff will be required to complete and obtain a clear Enhanced DBS, provide 3 pieces of original ID and provide original qualification certificates.
All applicants for this position must evidence Right to Work.
Closing date:
Monday 31st August 2026 5pm
We reserve the right to close this role before this date should we receive a suitable number of applicants for shortlisting, early application by Sunday 2nd August 5pm is advised
Interviews:
5th August 2026
All support staff are bound by the terms and conditions of contract of employment issued by the Catholic Education Service. The trustees, as employer issue you with a Catholic Education Service (CES) contract this is downloadable from the CES and school websites.:
Please visit our website for an Information pack - www.oaklandscatholicschool.org/staff/vacancies/
· Please complete a CES Support Staff application form. This can be downloaded from the Oaklands school website
· Please also complete and return the Consent to Obtain References Form
Completed applications and Consent Forms should be sent by email to: [email protected]
Pay: £25,186.00 per year
Work Location: In person
