At a Glance
- Tasks: Support budget management, payroll, and HR processes for tutors and casual staff.
- Company: Join Buckinghamshire Council, a dynamic organisation committed to positive change in local communities.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, well-being initiatives, and discounts at various retailers.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in adult education while thriving in a collaborative and supportive environment.
- Qualifications: AAT Level 3 or relevant finance experience; strong analytical and organisational skills required.
- Other info: Apply by 7th September 2025; early applications encouraged.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 £ per year.
Are you a detail-driven finance professional with a passion for making a difference? Do you have excellent organisational skills, financial expertise, and the ability to use your own initiative to achieve outcomes? Are you capable of analysing and investigating discrepancies?
Join our Adult Learning Finance & Admin team, where your financial expertise will support educational opportunities for adults across the county. This role offers a chance to play a vital part in a service that empowers communities and transforms lives.
We operate on a hybrid/flexible working model, with 2 days in the office and 3 days remote. The main office location is the Adult Learning Centre in Amersham.
About us
Buckinghamshire Council is a relatively new organisation, combining the strengths of five previous councils to create positive change for local people, communities, and businesses. We are committed to serving residents better and providing stronger representation for Buckinghamshire, both locally and nationally.
Buckinghamshire is an ambitious, rapidly growing county with one of the strongest economies in the country. It features outstanding natural beauty, is one of the top rural areas to live in the UK, and is well connected—only an hour from London by train. The county has a rich history and is the birthplace of the Paralympic movement.
We seek motivated, ambitious, and inspiring individuals to join us. We offer a range of benefits to support your well-being both at work and at home.
About the role
As a Finance Officer, you will be central to our Adult Learning finance and admin operations. Reporting to the Finance Manager, you will support budget management, payroll, and HR processes for tutors and casual staff. Your responsibilities include:
- Monitoring income and expenditure, identifying variances, and supporting budget processes.
- Processing invoices, purchase orders, petty cash, and journals using SAP and Kofax.
- Monitoring grant payments and reconciling income across platforms.
- Leading payroll processes for tutors and casual staff, including recruitment, onboarding, and contracts.
- Serving as a key contact for financial and HR queries from staff and external partners.
You will also contribute to process improvements and ensure compliance with financial regulations.
About you
We are looking for someone who:
- Has experience in financial administration, including payroll and HR processes.
- Is analytical, capable of interpreting financial data, performing reconciliations, and managing budgets with attention to detail.
- Is organised, able to prioritise tasks, meet deadlines, and maintain accurate records.
- Is IT literate, with intermediate Excel skills and experience with SAP.
- Is a confident communicator, comfortable dealing with internal teams, external partners, and casual staff.
- Possesses at least AAT Level 3 qualification or relevant finance experience; a qualification in accounting, payroll, or HR is desirable.
You will thrive in a collaborative, solution-focused environment, upholding values of pride, ambition, collaboration, and trustworthiness.
Other information
For more details, contact Yvonne Lim at [emailprotected]
Closing date: Midnight on Sunday 7th September 2025
Interview date: w/c 1st September
We may close the vacancy early once sufficient applications are received, so apply promptly.
Buckinghamshire Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and adults at risk.
This post is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974; applicants must declare unspent cautions and convictions.
Our values are Proud, Ambitious, Collaborative, and Trustworthy.
Joining Buckinghamshire Council offers:
- a fair, inclusive culture
- the opportunity to make a difference
- well-being initiatives, including Employee Assistance, Mental Health First Aiders, and mindfulness workshops
- support and career development opportunities
- fun activities like fundraising and social events
We are dedicated to ensuring our workforce reflects the diverse communities we serve and promote equality, fairness, and inclusion. We support flexible working to help employees balance work and personal responsibilities.
We recognise and reward you
We value hard work and success, offering benefits such as discounts at various retailers, auto-enrolment in our pension scheme, Costco membership, discounted gym memberships, and travel discounts with Arriva.
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Finance Officer employer: Buckinghamshire Council
Contact Detail:
Buckinghamshire Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the financial systems mentioned in the job description, particularly SAP and Kofax. Having a solid understanding of these tools will not only boost your confidence but also demonstrate your initiative and readiness to hit the ground running.
✨Tip Number 2
Brush up on your Excel skills, especially in areas like data analysis and budget management. Being able to showcase your proficiency in Excel during discussions can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your previous experience with payroll and HR processes in detail. Think of specific examples where you've successfully managed these tasks, as this will highlight your relevant expertise and problem-solving abilities.
✨Tip Number 4
Research Buckinghamshire Council's values and think about how your personal values align with theirs. Be ready to articulate this connection during your conversations, as cultural fit is often just as important as technical skills.
We think you need these skills to ace Finance Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in financial administration, payroll, and HR processes. Use specific examples that demonstrate your analytical skills and attention to detail.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for finance and your ability to make a difference. Mention how your skills align with the values of Buckinghamshire Council, such as collaboration and trustworthiness.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Clearly state your AAT Level 3 qualification or any other relevant finance qualifications. If you have experience with SAP or Excel, be sure to mention this as it is crucial for the role.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: In your application, provide examples of how you've effectively communicated with internal teams and external partners. This will demonstrate your confidence and ability to handle financial queries.
How to prepare for a job interview at Buckinghamshire Council
✨Showcase Your Financial Expertise
Be prepared to discuss your experience in financial administration, particularly in payroll and HR processes. Highlight specific examples where you've successfully managed budgets or reconciled financial discrepancies.
✨Demonstrate Analytical Skills
Expect questions that assess your ability to analyse financial data. Prepare to explain how you approach identifying variances in income and expenditure, and be ready to share any tools or methods you use for analysis.
✨Emphasise Organisational Skills
Since the role requires excellent organisational skills, think of instances where you've effectively prioritised tasks and met deadlines. Discuss how you maintain accurate records and manage multiple responsibilities simultaneously.
✨Communicate Confidently
As a Finance Officer, you'll need to interact with various stakeholders. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently, especially when discussing financial queries or collaborating with internal teams and external partners.