This role is term time only (41 working weeks)
The salary advised is a pro rata salary.
Applications will only be accepted through www.mytermterm or via a link on www.tla.woodard.co.uk
Due to safeguarding regulations and the safer recruitment process CVs are not accepted.
We will not respond to CV's or incomplete application forms or agencies.
The fundamental purpose of this role is to bridge the gap between educational goals and financial reality. By providing robust financial management, you enable the academy to provide the best possible resources and environment for its students. Your goal is to minimise financial risk, maximise the efficiency of available funds, and provide the leadership team with the data-driven insights they need to make informed decisions for the Academy’s future.
This is a description of the main duties and responsibilities of the post at the date of production and may change over time as requirements and circumstances change. These responsibilities are not exhaustive and the post-holder is expected to carry out any other related reasonable duties commensurate with their skills, abilities and grade.
Financial Accounting and Record Keeping
● Ledger Management: Maintain accurate and up-to-date accounting records using the Academy’s financial management system (Access).
● Reconciliations: Perform regular bank and petty cash reconciliations to ensure data integrity.
● Month-End/Year-End: Execute closing procedures including all reconciliations within trust driven closure dates.
Budgetary Control and Reporting
● Monitoring: Track departmental spending against set budgets, flagging significant variances to Finance Managers.
● Forecasting: Assist in the monthly cashflow by forecasting expected spend by BACs, credit cards, direct debits and invoicing requirements.
Procurement and Transactional Services
● Purchasing: Manage the end-to-end "Purchase to Pay" process, ensuring all orders are authorised and VAT is correctly recorded.
● Value for Money (VfM): Support the Finance Business Partner with the review of contracts and supplier agreements to negotiate better rates and ensure the academy receives the best value.
● Invoicing and Cash Management: Oversee the full lifecycle of accounts payable and receivable; this includes validating supplier invoices against purchase orders, resolving billing discrepancies, and managing the recovery of outstanding debts or school fees to maintain a healthy cash flow.
Personal Specification
This Finance Officer role will involve coordination of all finance functions of the academy and working with numerous departments.
● Financial Processing: Proven experience in managingaccounts payable/receivable, bank reconciliations, and general ledger maintenance.
● Budget Monitoring: Experience in tracking expenditure against budgets and identifying variances.
● IT: High proficiency in Microsoft Excel (VLOOKUPs, Pivot Tables) and experience with financial management software Access. Ability to digitally manage files, folders and documents to create a robust storage repository.
● Financial Regulations: Knowledge of basic accounting principles, VAT (specifically for academies/charities is desirable), and financial year-end processes.
● Compliance: Understanding of data protection (GDPR) and the importance of financial confidentiality.
● Procurement: Knowledge of "Value for Money" principles and best practices in purchasing.
● Numerical Accuracy: Exceptional attention to detail and a high level of accuracy in data entry and calculation.
● Communication: Ability to explain complex financial information to non-financial stakeholders (e.g., teachers, parents, managers) clearly and calmly.
● Organization: Ability to prioritise. meet strict monthly deadlines, and work under pressure during audit seasons.
Problem Solving: A proactive approach to investigating discrepancies and resolving billing or payroll issues.
● Integrity: Absolute honesty and discretion when handling sensitive salary data and academy funds.
● Resilience: The ability to remain professional and approachable in a fast-paced environment.
● Collaboration: A team-player mindset, willing to support administrative colleagues during busy periods.
Pay: £15.56-£16.90 per hour
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Cycle to work scheme
- Free parking
- On-site gym
- On-site parking
- Sick pay
Work Location: In person
