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- Tasks: Support financial processes, manage invoices, and coordinate facility hire at Manchester Academy.
- Company: Join a vibrant and award-winning school with a supportive culture.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, generous discounts, extra planning days, and exceptional training opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic environment while developing your finance skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in finance, strong attention to detail, and excellent communication skills.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse community that values every staff member.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 ÂŁ per year.
Hours: 08:00–16:00, Monday–Thursday (All year round)
Department: Business & Finance
Reporting to: Finance Manager
Manchester Academy is seeking a highly organised and detail‑driven Finance Officer to join our Business & Finance team. This is an excellent opportunity for someone with strong financial administration experience who enjoys working collaboratively in a busy school environment.
About the Role
As Finance Officer, you will support the effective running of all financial processes across the Academy. Your work will include purchase requisitions, supplier invoicing, cash and bank reconciliation, Arbor Pay administration, petty cash, and general financial control. You will also take the lead on the financial and administrative coordination of our facility hire (lettings), acting as the main point of contact for bookings, hirers, payments and contracts.
Key Responsibilities
- Process purchase requisitions, ensuring full documentation and correct approvals.
- Liaise with suppliers to obtain best value and resolve order queries.
- Manage the purchase ledger including invoice matching, coding, and reconciliation.
- Raise sales invoices and support monthly credit control.
- Maintain accurate general ledger information and support internal financial controls.
- Manage Arbor Pay items, support staff and parents, and produce reports.
- Assist with petty cash, monthly reporting, budget preparation and audits.
- Contribute to improvements in financial systems and internal controls.
Lettings / Facility Hire
- Act as first point of contact for all lettings enquiries.
- Manage hirer documentation, contracts and facility access.
- Raise invoices, track payments, and pursue outstanding debts.
- Liaise with site and catering teams regarding booking requirements.
- Provide daily booking schedules to the Lettings and Site Assistant.
- Conduct annual benchmarking of hire charges.
General Duties
- Support the Academy’s main phone line as required.
- Attend meetings and CPD/INSET sessions.
- Follow safeguarding and visitor protocols.
- Carry out additional duties as requested by senior staff.
About You
Essential
- At least one year’s experience in a finance office environment.
- Strong understanding of bookkeeping and accounts payable/receivable.
- High accuracy and attention to detail.
- Excellent communication, interpersonal and customer service skills.
- Strong IT skills including accounting systems, spreadsheets, word processing and email.
- Ability to work to deadlines and operate effectively as part of a team.
- Commitment to confidentiality and safeguarding.
Desirable
- AAT Level 2 (or working towards).
- Experience within an educational finance environment.
Why Join Manchester Academy?
Manchester Academy is a vibrant, friendly and welcoming place to work, where every member of staff is valued as an individual and supported to shine. As part of United Learning, we offer outstanding professional development, excellent staff benefits, and a culture built on aspiration, diversity and respect.
You will benefit from:
- More Pay: We pay on average 5% above national scales, offering among the best rates in the sector.
- Access to cash towards medical treatment.
- A generous staff discount scheme spanning a wide range of retailers and services.
- More Time: Three additional INSET days reserved specifically for planning. At least one personal day each year.
- More Support: Exceptional training and CPD through United Learning, including tailored development via the United Learning Institute. Expert subject advice and high‑quality curriculum resources. Strong emphasis on staff wellbeing.
Additional Core Benefits
- Membership of a contributory pension scheme (Teachers’ Pension or Local Government Pension Scheme, depending on role).
- Occupational sick pay provisions.
- Independent school fee discount scheme for children of staff.
- Access to flexible benefits through United Learning.
A Proud, Award‑Winning Academy
Manchester Academy is a multi‑award‑winning school, recognised for excellence in communication, pastoral care and leadership. Recent accolades include:
- Educate Awards: Communication Awards (Winner)
- NAPCE Awards: Outstanding Contribution to Pastoral Care (Winner)
- Education Business Awards: Secondary School Leader of the Year (Winner)
- Accredited under the Young Interpreter Scheme
- Bronze awards from the Global Alliance and the Rights Respecting Schools Award
- Shortlisted for two TES Awards (Best use of Technology and Subject Lead of the Year)
A Great Place to Work
Ofsted describes our staff as “proud to work at the school” and “well equipped to ensure pupils learn”, with students who are friendly and polite regardless of gender, race or culture. We are a diverse, tolerant and supportive community—and we’d love you to be part of it.
Finance Officer in Manchester employer: Manchester Academy - United Learning
Contact Detail:
Manchester Academy - United Learning Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Officer in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance sector, especially those who have experience in educational environments. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your financial knowledge and the specific processes mentioned in the job description. We recommend practising common interview questions related to bookkeeping and accounts payable to show you’re ready to hit the ground running.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, send a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It keeps you fresh in their minds and shows your enthusiasm for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for the best chance at landing that Finance Officer role! We love seeing applications directly from candidates who are genuinely interested in joining our vibrant team at Manchester Academy.
We think you need these skills to ace Finance Officer in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience in finance. We want to see how your skills match the specific requirements of the Finance Officer role at Manchester Academy.
Showcase Your Attention to Detail: As a Finance Officer, accuracy is key! Use your application to demonstrate your attention to detail. Maybe mention a time when you caught an error or improved a financial process—this will really stand out to us.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make sure your key achievements shine through. Remember, less is often more!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss any important updates about the hiring process.
How to prepare for a job interview at Manchester Academy - United Learning
✨Know Your Numbers
Brush up on your financial knowledge, especially around bookkeeping and accounts payable/receivable. Be ready to discuss specific processes you've managed, like purchase requisitions or cash reconciliations, as this will show your understanding of the role.
✨Showcase Your Attention to Detail
Prepare examples that highlight your accuracy and attention to detail. You might want to mention a time when you caught an error in financial documentation or improved a process that enhanced accuracy in reporting.
✨Communicate Clearly
Since you'll be liaising with suppliers and managing hirer documentation, practice articulating your thoughts clearly. Think about how you can demonstrate your excellent communication skills during the interview, perhaps by explaining a complex financial concept in simple terms.
✨Be Ready for Teamwork Questions
As part of a busy school environment, collaboration is key. Prepare to discuss your experience working in teams, particularly in finance settings. Share how you’ve contributed to team goals and supported colleagues in achieving financial objectives.
