Job Purpose
To support the Headteacher and Finance Lead in the overseeing of the day-to-day financial operations of the school, ensuring accuracy, transparency and compliance with the Local Authority’s (LA) financial regulations and the school’s financial policies.
Key Responsibilities
1. Financial Operations
· Manage the day-to-day running of the Finance Office, ensuring all financial transactions are recorded promptly, accurately, and in compliance with LA and school procedures.
· Operate and maintain the school’s computerised financial management system (e.g. FMS or similar.
· Process purchase orders, invoices, payments, receipts, and journal adjustments.
· Prepare monthly bank reconciliations and maintain accurate ledgers for audit purposes.
· Monitor payroll reports received from the LA, ensuring reconciliation with budget and staffing information, and resolve discrepancies promptly.
· To lead and support in the closure of accounts process
· maintain accurate financial records and oversee day-to-day financial controls, ensuring that spending remains within approved budgets and complies with relevant financial regulations and policies.
· liaising with external bodies, such as local authorities, auditors, and funding agencies, to ensure compliance with statutory reporting requirements and funding conditions.
2. Budgeting and Reporting
· Maintain accurate budget monitoring records, providing regular updates and forecasts to budget holders and the Headteacher and Governing Board.
· Support in planning, managing, and monitoring the school’s budget to ensure financial sustainability and best value for money
· Produce multi-year budget forecasts, including scenario planning to assess financial risks, funding changes, and pupil number fluctuations.
· Allocate budgets to departments and cost centres, ensuring clear accountability and effective use of resources.
· Monitor income and expenditure against approved budgets on a regular basis, identifying variances and recommending corrective actions where required
· Ensure effective cash-flow management and oversee the appropriate use of reserves.
3. Income and Cash Handling
· Manage and record all income streams, including parental payments, and school activities.
· Prepare and issue invoices for income generation and monitor debtors, ensuring timely collection and appropriate follow-up action on overdue accounts.
· Oversee petty cash and imprest accounts, ensuring claims are authorised, supported by receipts, and reconciled regularly.
· Ensure safe handling, storage, and banking of all monies in accordance with the school’s security and financial procedures.
4. Procurement and Value for Money
· Liaise with suppliers and service providers, obtaining quotes and negotiating terms in accordance with the school’s Best Value Policy.
· Support the renewal and review of contracts and Service Level Agreements (SLAs) with the LA and external providers.
· Ensure compliance with financial regulations, procurement thresholds, and audit requirements.
5. Compliance and Audit
· Maintain accurate and auditable financial records that comply with LA financial regulations and internal/external audit standards.
· Support the Headteacher in preparing for internal and external audits, implementing recommendations where necessary.
· Ensure the Finance Office operates in line with the CIPFA Code of Practice and the Local Authority Scheme for Financing Schools.
· Maintain confidentiality and compliance with GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018.
6. Support
· Provide financial advice and support to staff and budget holders across the school.
· Maintain effective communication with the LA Finance Team and other stakeholders.
7. General
· Keep up to date with changes in school finance regulations, funding frameworks, and local procedures.
· Undertake training as required to maintain professional competence and support personal development.
· Uphold and promote the school’s values, policies, and procedures, including those relating to equality, safeguarding, and health and safety.
· Carry out any other duties commensurate with the role and grade as directed by the Headteacher or Finance Lead.
Pay: £36,508.00-£40,958.00 per year
Benefits:
- Free parking
- On-site parking
- Sick pay
Work Location: In person
