Role Overview
The Finance Assistant supports the financial administration of the school, ensuring accurate processing of invoices, purchase orders, parent billing, and financial records. The role works closely with school leadership and the central finance team to ensure efficient financial operations and compliance with school policies.
Contract Details
Location: In School
Contract Type: Permanent
Start Date: As soon as possible, subject to notice period.
Working Hours: Monday – Thursday, 08:30-16:30
Salary: £26,000 per annum for 4-day working pattern
Holiday Entitlement: 20 days per annum (based on a 4-day working week)
Reporting
· Reporting to Redshift Finance Manager
· Reporting to Senior Leadership Team at Salcombe
Essential Requirements
· AAT Level 3 or equivalent
· 2 years experience working in a finance related role
· Strong administrative and organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
· Good numerical and financial accuracy, with attention to detail when processing financial data.
· Experience using financial systems or databases (e.g. accounting software, invoicing systems, or procurement systems).
· Competent IT skills, particularly in Microsoft Excel, Outlook, and Word.
· Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive financial and personal information appropriately.
· Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, when dealing with staff, suppliers, and parents.
· Ability to work independently and as part of a team within a busy school environment.
· Good problem-solving skills and the ability to follow financial processes and procedures.
· Experience with administrative processes such as purchasing, invoice processing, or record keeping.
Desirable Requirements
· Experience with accounting systems such as AccountsIQ, Sage, SIMS, or similar finance platforms.
· Understanding of school finance processes, including procurement, budgets, or fee billing.
· Experience liaising with suppliers and managing purchase orders.
· Experience with ISAMs, Parentpay and Barclay Card
· Knowledge of safeguarding and compliance requirements within schools.
Key Responsibilities
Financial Administration
· Process purchase orders and purchase requests in line with approved budgets and school procurement procedures.
· Process supplier invoices accurately and in a timely manner, including goods receipting where required.
· Carry out regular bank reconciliations and investigate discrepancies.
· Support month-end and year-end processes, including reconciliations and the preparation of financial information for the Finance Manager.
· Maintain financial records and documentation in accordance with internal policies and audit requirements.
· Manage petty cash and ensure all claims are processed in line with school procedures.
· Prepare/assist with costings for school trips, educational visits and other chargeable activities, ensuring all costs are accurately calculated and appropriate charges are raised.
Billing and Income Management
· Manage the billing cycles, ensuring fees and charges are raised accurately and on time.
· Support the administration of parent billing and school-related charges through iSAMS and other school systems.
· Administer and maintain ParentPay, including setting up payment items for trips, activities and other chargeable services.
· Monitor outstanding balances and undertake credit control activities, including chasing overdue debt, issuing reminders, agreeing payment plans and escalating aged debt where appropriate.
· Reconcile income received and ensure accurate allocation of payments.
Procurement and Supplier Management
· Act as the first point of contact for supplier queries and maintain positive relationships with external providers.
· Monitor purchase orders, invoices and supplier accounts to ensure timely payment and resolution of discrepancies.
· Ensure purchasing activities are undertaken in accordance with approved budgets and school procurement procedures.
Administrative and Operational Support
· Provide financial and administrative support to the Finance Manager and school leadership teams across the school.
· Liaise with staff, suppliers and parents regarding financial queries in a professional and timely manner.
· Assist with the development and continuous improvement of financial processes and controls.
· Support the preparation of reports and analysis required by school leaders and the central finance team.
Undertake any other duties appropriate to the grade and nature of the post as requested by the Finance Manager
Pay: £26,000.00 per year
Work Location: In person
