At a Glance
- Tasks: Process payments, maintain financial records, and support schools with queries.
- Company: Local Authority offering a dynamic finance environment.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, hybrid working, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Fast-paced environment with strong focus on accuracy and detail.
- Why this job: Join a vital role in finance, making a real difference in education.
- Qualifications: 2 years in finance roles and experience with SAP systems required.
The predicted salary is between 24.54 - 24.54 £ per hour.
3 months contract with a Local Authority.
Job Purpose
To provide effective accounts payable and financial administration support by ensuring the accurate and timely processing of funding and supplier payments. The post holder will be responsible for maintaining financial records, reconciling accounts, supporting schools with payment-related queries, and ensuring compliance with financial regulations, procedures, and audit requirements. The role plays a key part in supporting efficient financial operations and delivering high-quality finance services.
Key Responsibilities
- Payment Processing: Process funding payments, supplier invoices, and other financial transactions accurately and within agreed timescales. Ensure all payments are supported by appropriate documentation and approvals. Monitor payment schedules and ensure deadlines are met.
- Account Reconciliation: Reconcile financial accounts and payment records regularly. Investigate and resolve discrepancies, outstanding items, and payment issues. Ensure all financial information is accurate and up to date.
- Financial Administration: Maintain accurate financial records, databases, and documentation. Update and manage SAP records and financial information. Support the preparation of reports, reconciliations, and management information.
- School and Stakeholder Support: Act as a point of contact for schools regarding funding payments and financial queries. Liaise with internal departments and external stakeholders to resolve payment issues. Build positive working relationships through professional and effective communication.
- Compliance and Control: Ensure all activities comply with financial regulations, policies, and procedures. Support internal and external audit requirements. Maintain confidentiality and security of financial information. Assist in implementing and maintaining effective financial controls.
- Continuous Improvement: Identify opportunities to improve payment processing and financial administration procedures. Support process improvement initiatives within the finance team. Contribute positively to team objectives and service delivery standards.
Essential Experience
- Minimum 2 years' experience in a finance, accounts payable, or similar financial administration role within a local authority or school setting.
- Minimum 1 year's experience using SAP financial systems.
- Experience processing payments and maintaining financial records.
- Experience reconciling accounts and resolving financial discrepancies.
- Experience working with large volumes of financial data.
- Experience providing support and guidance to customers or stakeholders.
Essential Qualifications
- Minimum 5 GCSEs (or equivalent) including: English, Mathematics.
Desirable Qualifications
- AAT Level 2 or Level 3 qualification (or equivalent).
- Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or related qualification.
Skills and Knowledge
- Intermediate Microsoft Excel skills, including formulas, spreadsheets, data validation, and reporting.
- Strong numerical and analytical skills.
- Excellent attention to detail and accuracy.
- Good organisational and workload management skills.
- Ability to work to deadlines and manage competing priorities.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Knowledge of accounts payable processes and financial procedures.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive financial information.
- Proficiency in SAP and financial management systems.
Desirable Experience and Knowledge
- Experience working with school funding or education finance processes.
- Knowledge of local authority finance procedures.
- Experience reconciling large volumes of financial data.
- Knowledge of financial controls, governance requirements, and audit procedures.
- Experience preparing financial reports and management information.
Additional Information
- Location: 160 Tooley Street, London, SE1 2QH, United Kingdom.
- Working Pattern: Hybrid working – 3 days remote and 2 days office-based per week.
- Working Hours: 35 hours per week.
- Pay Rate: £24.54 per hour (Limited Company/Umbrella).
- Contract Type: Temporary/Agency Contract (subject to assignment details).
- Reporting To: Finance Manager / Senior Finance Officer.
- Department: Finance / Education Finance.
- Systems: SAP, Microsoft Excel, and other financial management systems.
- Key Stakeholders: Schools, suppliers, internal finance teams, and external partners.
- Compliance Requirements: Adherence to financial regulations, internal controls, audit requirements, GDPR, and organisational policies and procedures.
- Performance Expectations: Timely and accurate processing of payments, effective account reconciliation, maintenance of financial records, and delivery of high-quality customer service.
- Working Environment: Fast-paced finance environment requiring strong attention to detail, accuracy, and the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
- Development Opportunities: Ongoing exposure to education finance, local authority financial processes, SAP systems, and financial controls.
Closing date: Soon – early applications are encouraged.
Finance Officer LBS in London employer: Civic Recruitment Limited
Civic Recruitment Limited is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work environment where strategic leadership in the Special Educational Needs service can truly make a difference in children's lives. With a strong focus on collaboration and professional development, employees are encouraged to grow their skills while contributing to meaningful outcomes in the Bromley community. The supportive culture and commitment to high-quality services make this an attractive opportunity for those looking to lead impactful change.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Officer LBS in London
✨Join Financial Networking Events
Jump into local finance meetups and conferences — they’re a goldmine for temporary roles in banking and financial services. You can chat with industry professionals and even get leads on upcoming opportunities that might not be posted online yet.
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Reach out to temp agencies that focus on the banking sector. They often have strong ties with various firms and can help you secure short-term gigs that can help beef up your CV and get your foot in the door at firms like Civic Recruitment Limited.
✨Connect with Alumni from Your Uni
Don't underestimate the power of your university’s alumni network. Many former students are working in banking and can help you find temporary roles or even offer mentorship. Reach out directly or attend alumni events to broaden your circle.
✨Stay Active on Job Boards and Company Websites
Keep your eyes peeled on job boards specifically for finance roles. Companies like Civic Recruitment Limited might post temporary positions directly on their sites, so make sure to apply there too. Set alerts to catch those roles the moment they go live!
We think you need these skills to ace Finance Officer LBS in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Academic Achievements:In banking and financial services, your academic record can really make you stand out. List relevant grades, certifications, or coursework on your CV, especially if you've taken finance-related modules. This is particularly important for a temporary role where qualifications can help you shine even brighter!
Highlight Relevant Experience:If you’ve done any internships, part-time roles, or even coursework that aligns with banking or finance, make sure you include those! Showcase specific tasks where you used quantitative skills or analytical thinking, as this is what the hiring managers at Civic Recruitment Limited will be keen to see in your application.
Tailor Your Cover Letter Purposefully:When writing your cover letter, focus on why you’re interested in a temporary position at Civic Recruitment Limited. Let them know how you can quickly adapt to the team's needs and how eager you are to learn the ropes of the banking sector during this short stint. Your motivation and enthusiasm could really set you apart!
Be Prepared with References:For temporary roles, references can play a crucial role in your application. Make sure you’ve got a couple of references lined up who can vouch for your skills and work ethic. This helps to give Civic Recruitment Limited confidence in your short-term commitment to the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Civic Recruitment Limited
✨Brush Up on Financial Regulations
Since this is a role in banking and financial services, be ready to discuss key regulations like MiFID, Basel III, or GDPR. These are hot topics, and your awareness of how they impact daily operations can give you a significant edge during your interview with Civic Recruitment Limited.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Prepare for interview questions that assess your analytical abilities. You might need to tackle hypothetical scenarios involving risk assessment or financial forecasting. Bringing examples of relevant projects or coursework can emphasise your practical understanding of these concepts.
✨Highlight Flexibility and Adaptability
For a temporary role, showing that you can quickly pick up new processes and tools is crucial. Be ready to discuss previous experiences where you had to adapt to changing requirements or tight deadlines, as this will reassure Civic Recruitment Limited that you’re a reliable team player.
✨Demonstrate a Willingness to Learn
In a temporary position, leaning into your eagerness to learn can really set you apart. Be prepared to share how you’re staying updated on industry trends or any additional training you've pursued. Employers appreciate candidates who are proactive about their development—even for short-term roles.
