Finance Officer in London

Finance Officer in London

London Full-Time 30000 - 40000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
C

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support finance processes and deliver high-quality financial services in education.
  • Company: Join Cirrus Primary Academy Trust, a supportive and values-driven educational environment.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, pension schemes, and professional development opportunities.
  • Other info: Collaborative team culture with a commitment to safeguarding and equality.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in education while developing your finance career.
  • Qualifications: Strong numeracy skills and attention to detail; finance experience is a plus but not essential.

The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.

Salary: Scale 3/4 (FTE)
Contract: Term Time Plus Two Weeks
Location: Trust Central Office in Wallington

Join our Finance Team and make a difference in education. Cirrus Primary Academy Trust is seeking a motivated and detail-focused Finance Officer to join our dedicated Trust Finance Team. This is an excellent opportunity for someone looking to develop their career in finance within a supportive and values-driven educational environment.

As a Finance Officer, you will play an important role in delivering efficient, accurate and high-quality financial services across our Trust. You will support the day‑to‑day operation of finance processes, including purchasing, payments, financial record keeping and supporting academy colleagues with financial information and advice.

What you will be doing:

  • Processing purchase orders, invoices, supplier payments and staff expenses.
  • Managing accounts payable and receivable processes accurately and efficiently.
  • Maintaining accurate financial records and audit trails.
  • Preparing and reconciling financial information using Trust finance systems.
  • Supporting school leaders and budget holders by monitoring expenditure and highlighting variances.
  • Responding to financial queries from colleagues, suppliers and external partners.
  • Supporting audits and ensuring compliance with financial procedures, GDPR requirements and statutory regulations.
  • Contributing to the ongoing improvement of financial systems and processes.
  • Working collaboratively across the Trust and maintaining the highest standards of professionalism and confidentiality.

What we are looking for:

  • Strong numeracy skills and excellent attention to detail.
  • Confident using Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.
  • Organise workload effectively and meet deadlines.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Reliable, professional and committed to providing a high-quality service.
  • Can work independently as well as part of a team.
  • Enthusiastic about developing a career in finance.
  • Experience in a finance role, knowledge of finance systems or a relevant finance qualification (such as AAT, ACCA or CIMA) would be advantageous but is not essential.

We welcome applications from individuals who are eager to learn and develop.

Why join Cirrus Primary Academy Trust?

At Cirrus Primary Academy Trust, we are committed to supporting our staff to grow and succeed. You will join a collaborative and welcoming team where your contribution is valued and where there are opportunities for professional development.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All staff are expected to share this commitment and to uphold the Trust’s safeguarding policies and procedures.

Benefits:

  • LGPS and TPS pension
  • Employee Assistance Programme
  • Cycle to work scheme
  • Staff recognition awards
  • Staff Charter

Please be aware that this role can only be worked in the UK from the location(s) provided and not from overseas. For this role the Trust would not consider sponsoring a Certificate of Sponsorship/visa. Please note we are unable to offer advice on any Visa and Immigration cases.

Safeguarding & Equal Opportunities:

All employees of the Trust are deemed to be in regulated activity with children and as such, all offers of employment are subject to an Enhanced DBS check, and for this role, a prohibition from teaching check will be completed amongst other checks as appropriate. All shortlisted candidates will be required to complete a declaration regarding offences and have references requested (unless agreed otherwise), prior to the interview.

Cirrus Primary Academy Trust is committed to promoting equality of opportunity for all staff and job applicants. We aim to create a supportive and inclusive workplace in which all individuals are able to make best use of their skills. Applications are invited from all members of the community. We do not discriminate against staff on the basis of age, race, sex, disability, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, religion, faith or belief (Equality Act 2010 protected characteristics). The principles of non-discrimination and equality of opportunity also apply to the way in which staff and the Trust treat visitors, volunteers, contractors and former staff members.

Should you require any reasonable adjustments to support you in applying for this role, or at any stage of the recruitment process, please contact the HR Team.

Finance Officer in London employer: Cirrus Primary Academy Trust

Cirrus Primary Academy Trust is an exceptional employer that prioritises the growth and development of its staff within a supportive and values-driven educational environment. As a Finance Officer, you will be part of a collaborative team dedicated to delivering high-quality financial services, with ample opportunities for professional development and a strong commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. Located in Wallington, the Trust offers a range of benefits including a pension scheme, employee assistance programme, and staff recognition awards, making it an attractive place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.

C

Contact Details:

Cirrus Primary Academy Trust Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Finance Officer in London

Tap into Campus Networks

If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.

Get Certified

Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.

Connect on Professional Platforms

Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.

Apply Directly and Be Proactive

Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like Cirrus Primary Academy Trust. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.

We think you need these skills to ace Finance Officer in London

Numeracy Skills
Attention to Detail
Microsoft Excel
Financial Record Keeping
Accounts Payable and Receivable
Financial Reporting
Communication Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.

Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to Cirrus Primary Academy Trust.

Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.

Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on Cirrus Primary Academy Trust's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!

How to prepare for a job interview at Cirrus Primary Academy Trust

Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills

Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with Cirrus Primary Academy Trust.

Prepare for Case Studies

Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.

Show Your Passion for Finance

Since this is a full-time position, employers at Cirrus Primary Academy Trust will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.

Network with Industry Professionals

Before your interview, reach out to current or former Cirrus Primary Academy Trust employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.