Finance Assistant
We are looking to recruit a motivated and organised Finance Assistant to join our busy and supportive Finance team. This is a varied role, working across accounts payable, receivable, banking, and school fee processes. The ideal candidate will be detail-focused, reliable, and confident working both independently and as part of a team. Finance experience is desirable, but we welcome applications from candidates who are studying AAT or have relevant transferable skills.
The job will be based at Prince’s Mead School (with occasional travel to other sites within the KES Group). Hours – 37 hours per week, 52 weeks per year, on a 12-month, fixed-term contract.
at Prince’s Mead School
Winchester
Background to the School
Prince's Mead is a happy and thriving co-educational IAPS day preparatory school in Hampshire, with over 230 children on roll.
Set on a beautiful site near the City of Winchester, the school is housed in an impressive Grade II listed Georgian manor house with spectacular views over the Itchen Valley.
In September 2025, Prince’s Mead merged with King Edward VI School in Southampton. This merger has provided both schools with exciting opportunities for all and secured the educational and financial future of the KES group for generations to come.
At Prince’s Mead, we believe in educating the whole child in order for them to become well-rounded, happy and fulfilled individuals with excellent academic results. Everything we do is informed by our firm belief that learning should be challenging, enriching and fun. We see education as a transformational process that guides pupils towards academic achievement, independence, collaboration, leadership and a readiness to take the next exciting step to senior school and beyond.
OVERVIEW of the Finance Assistant role
PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES
- Commitment to safeguarding children and young people
- Willingness to support the School’s aims and values
- A team player with the ability to work independently
- Flexible and adaptable approach
- High level of reliability and professionalism
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & EXPERIENCE
The ideal candidate will have:
ESSENTIAL
- AAT Level 2 (or working towards) or equivalent experience
- Strong attention to detail and accuracy
- Good organisational and time management skills
- Ability to follow processes and work to deadlines
- Confident communication skills
DESIRABLE
- Previous finance or accounts experience
- Experience using finance systems
THE ROLE – CORE RESPONSIBILITIES
The duties and responsibilities listed below are not exhaustive or restrictive:
Accounts Payable
- Assist staff with raising and placing orders
- Process purchase invoices, expenses, and credit notes
- Prepare regular BACS payment runs
- Maintain supplier records and respond to queries
- Support VAT processes and reporting
- Assist with month-end and year-end procedures
Accounts Receivable
- Produce school fee bills and sundry invoices
- Set up and process Direct Debit collections
- Post incoming payments and reconcile accounts
- Support debtor monitoring and chasing
- Assist with fee income forecasting
Banking & Petty Cash
- Record and reconcile petty cash
- Support bank reconciliations
- Bank income and support charity collections
Trips & Clubs
- Assist with costing and reconciliation of school trips and clubs
- Maintain accurate records using relevant systems
General Duties
- Provide support to the wider Finance team as needed
- Respond to routine queries from staff, parents, and suppliers
- Maintain accurate financial records and databases
- Undertake additional duties as required by the Senior Finance Business Partner
Whilst every effort has been made to explain the main duties and responsibilities, each individual task undertaken, may not be specifically identified. You may be required to undertake other tasks and duties in line with the nature of the role and / or at the reasonable discretion of the School.
REMUNERATION
Salary in the range of: £26,000 - £28,500 dependent upon qualifications and experience.
There are further benefits including:
- A competitive company pension scheme
- Contractual sick pay
- Excellent opportunities for professional development and training
- An incredibly happy, supportive and committed team
- School social events
- Free on-site parking, meals and refreshments
APPLICATION PROCESS
1. The closing date for applications is noon on Monday 29th June 2026.
2. Applicants are asked to complete the school’s application form provided on our website (it’s important to include two named referees), as well as a covering letter (no more than one side of A4). The letter of application should offer a personal insight into the skills and aspirations of the candidate.
3. Prince’s Mead is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This post is subject to an enhanced disclosure from the DBS.
4. At the shortlist interview, applicants will be interviewed by the Group Head of Finance, Lead Finance Business Partner and a member of the HR team. The shortlist interviews will be held on Tuesday 7th July 2026.
5. Please email your completed Prince's Mead application form and covering letter to: [email protected]
6. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.
Equal Opportunities Statement
As an equal opportunities employer, Prince’s Mead is committed to the equal treatment of all current and prospective employees and does not condone discrimination on the basis of age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race or ethnicity, religion or belief, gender identity, or marriage and civil partnership.
We aspire to have a diverse and inclusive workplace and strongly encourage suitably qualified applicants from a wide range of backgrounds to apply and join Prince’s Mead.
Safeguarding Statement
Prince’s Mead puts at the centre of its operation the safeguarding of the pupils of the school. There is a commitment to keep safeguarding at the forefront of every employee and volunteer’s mind. We encourage a culture of challenge, not just to act when there is a need, but also in the way we think to ensure the risks of harm to the pupils’ individual welfare are minimised.
This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. Job applicants will undergo appropriate child protection screening and pre-employment checks will be carried out; references will be sought and successful candidates will be subject to an enhanced DBS check and other relevant checks with statutory bodies.
Successful applicants must complete mandatory pre-employment training in safeguarding and other key areas before the commencement of employment.
We comply with the Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) code of practice and have a written policy on the recruitment of ex-offenders, both of which are available on request. If shortlisted, you are required to declare any relevant convictions, adult cautions or other matters which may affect your suitability to work with children. As a result of amendments to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (exceptions order 1975) in 2013 and 2020, some minor offences are now protected (filtered) and should not be disclosed to potential employers, and employers cannot take these offences into account.
Pay: £26,000.00-£28,500.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Discounted or free food
- Free parking
- On-site parking
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Winchester SO21 1AN: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Application question(s):
- Do you have AAT Level 2 (or equivalent) or working towards?
Language:
Licence/Certification:
- Driving Licence (required)
Work authorisation:
- United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person
