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- Tasks: Support finance operations across multiple sites and ensure compliance with financial regulations.
- Company: Established organisation in the education sector with a supportive finance team.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, job security, and opportunities for professional development.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with long-term career growth potential.
- Why this job: Join a stable role where your finance skills can make a real difference in education.
- Qualifications: Experience in transactional finance and strong attention to detail required.
The predicted salary is between 28000 - 31500 £ per year.
We are currently supporting a well-established organisation within the education sector to recruit a Finance Officer into their centralised finance function. This appointment is being managed on a strictly confidential basis, and as such, full details of the organisation will only be disclosed to shortlisted candidates at the appropriate stage. This is an excellent opportunity for a finance professional with strong transactional experience who is looking for a stable, varied role within a multi-site environment.
The Role
Working as part of a centralised finance team and reporting to senior finance leadership, the Finance Officer will be responsible for delivering accurate, timely and compliant day-to-day finance support across multiple sites. Key responsibilities will include:
- Processing purchase ledger transactions, including invoice authorisation, coding and supplier statement reconciliations
- Raising, matching and monitoring purchase orders through a central finance system
- Processing sales invoices, income postings and supporting credit control activity
- Posting routine journals and maintaining debtor and creditor balances
- Reconciling bank, control, petty cash and credit card accounts
- Supporting school fund processing and inter-account transfers
- Monitoring and reconciling cashless payment systems (e.g. ParentPay or similar)
- Acting as a first point of contact for routine finance queries across multiple sites
- Supporting month-end, year-end and audit processes
- Ensuring compliance with internal policies, procedures and financial regulations at all times
Candidate Profile
To be considered for this opportunity, candidates will ideally demonstrate:
- Previous experience in a transactional finance, accounts or finance administration role
- Strong purchase ledger experience
- Excellent attention to detail and accuracy
- Good IT skills, including Excel and financial systems
- The ability to follow procedures, manage workload and meet deadlines
- A professional, calm and customer-focused approach when dealing with stakeholders
- An understanding of confidentiality and data protection
- Experience within an education, academy trust or public sector setting, and exposure to systems such as PS Financials, Access or IRIS, would be advantageous but is not essential.
What's on Offer
A permanent, full-time opportunity within a stable and structured organisation. A supportive, centralised finance function. Salary in the region of £28,000 - £31,500, dependent on experience. Long-term security and opportunities to develop within the role.
If you would like a confidential conversation to explore this opportunity further, please apply in confidence or contact us directly.
Finance Officer employer: Hays Accountancy and Finance
Contact Detail:
Hays Accountancy and Finance Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance sector and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a role that’s perfect for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on common finance scenarios. Think about how you’d handle specific tasks mentioned in the job description, like processing purchase orders or reconciling accounts. We want you to shine!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, drop a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation. It keeps you fresh in their minds and shows your enthusiasm for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we’re always looking for talented individuals like you to join our finance team.
We think you need these skills to ace Finance Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Finance Officer role. Highlight your previous experience in transactional finance and any relevant skills, like your attention to detail and proficiency with financial systems. We want to see how you fit into our world!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Mention your experience with purchase ledger transactions and your customer-focused approach. Let us know why you’re excited about joining our team!
Showcase Relevant Experience: When filling out your application, be sure to showcase any relevant experience, especially if you've worked in education or public sector finance. We love seeing candidates who understand our environment and can hit the ground running!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it keeps everything nice and organised on our end!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hays Accountancy and Finance
✨Know Your Numbers
Brush up on your finance knowledge, especially around purchase ledgers and invoicing. Be ready to discuss your previous experiences with these tasks, as they are crucial for the Finance Officer role.
✨Showcase Your Attention to Detail
Prepare examples that highlight your accuracy and attention to detail. You might be asked about how you ensure compliance and accuracy in your work, so have specific instances ready to share.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Relevant Systems
If you have experience with financial systems like PS Financials or Access, make sure to mention it. Even if you haven't used them, do a bit of research to show your willingness to learn and adapt.
✨Demonstrate Your Customer-Focused Approach
Think of scenarios where you've dealt with stakeholders or resolved queries. Highlight your calm and professional manner when handling finance-related questions, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.