At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage financial transactions and support purchasing in a nurturing school environment.
- Company: Furze Down School, a warm and inclusive special school community.
- Benefits: Personalised professional development, clear career pathways, and a supportive team.
- Other info: Join a positive culture that values wellbeing and mutual respect.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful difference in the lives of inspiring children and young people.
- Qualifications: Experience in finance or administration with strong numerical skills.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Furze Down is an outstanding special school based across two sites in Winslow and Buckingham. We provide education for 220 pupils aged 4-19 with communication and interaction differences. We are incredibly proud of our nurturing, inclusive environment, where our multi-disciplinary teams place pupils and families at the heart of everything we do. Our vision is “to promote our inclusive philosophy, so all thrive and flourish.” We value personal responsibility and respect, fostering an ethos where every individual’s views, beliefs and differences are recognised and celebrated.
Due to school expansion, we are looking for an organised and detail‑focused Finance Officer to support the smooth running of our finance function.
Why Join Furze Down?
- A warm, inclusive and highly supportive school community.
- The opportunity to work alongside inspiring children and young people and make a meaningful difference.
- A strong, multidisciplinary team working collaboratively in the best interests of pupils and their families.
- Access to extensive, personalised professional development for all staff.
- Opportunities to develop skills, gain qualifications and explore clear career pathways.
- A positive culture that values wellbeing, mutual respect and professional trust.
Our work is underpinned by our values:
- Respect for Self
- Respect for Others
- Respect for Learning
- Respect for the Environment
- Respect for Actions
About the role
As a finance officer you will:
- Process transactions, journals and invoices using the school’s FMS system.
- Support purchasing, including raising orders, applying ‘best value’ principles and liaising with suppliers.
- Administer ParentPay accounts and manage income queries and reconciliations.
- Complete bank and purchase card reconciliations.
- Maintain accurate financial records and provide reports to support budget monitoring.
What we’re looking for
- Experienced in a finance or administrative role, including processing transactions and maintaining financial records.
- Have strong numerical skills, excellent attention to detail and confident use of IT/Excel.
- Professional, reliable and able to prioritise workload independently.
- Have GCSEs (or equivalent) in English and Maths.
- Experienced in school finance, ParentPay or FMS (desirable but not essential).
Safeguarding and Equality
Furze Down School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All appointments are subject to an enhanced DBS check, references and Fit4Work clearance. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds and are committed to promoting equality, diversity and inclusion across the school. Visits to the school are warmly welcomed and encouraged. To arrange a visit please contact the school on 01296 711380 or recruitment@furzedownschool.org.uk.
We reserve the right to close this position earlier should sufficient applications be received before the advertised closing date. We also reserve the right to interview shortlisted candidates ahead of the closing date.
Finance Officer in Winslow employer: Furze Down School
Furze Down School is an exceptional employer, offering a warm and inclusive community where staff are valued and supported in their professional growth. As a Finance Officer, you will play a crucial role in our mission to provide meaningful education to our pupils, while benefiting from extensive professional development opportunities and a positive work culture that prioritises wellbeing and mutual respect.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Officer in Winslow
✨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.
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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 Furze Down School. 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 Winslow
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 Furze Down School.
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 Furze Down School'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 Furze Down School
✨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 Furze Down School.
✨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 Furze Down School 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 Furze Down School 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.
