At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage financial administration and transaction processing for a vibrant North London school.
- Company: Progress-Driven Community Academy, known for its supportive and ambitious environment.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a collaborative work culture.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team in a culturally rich and academically prestigious area.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the financial health of an inclusive learning environment.
- Qualifications: Relevant qualification in accountancy or proven experience in financial administration.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
We require an exceptionally organized, detail-oriented Finance Officer to manage the day-to-day financial administration and transaction processing of our vibrant North London school. Reporting directly to the School Business Manager (SBM), the successful candidate will play a critical role in maintaining the financial health, accuracy, and compliance of the academy. You will assume operational responsibility for processing purchase orders, reconciling accounts, managing parent payment portals, and supporting the SBM with budget monitoring and audit preparation, ensuring that all financial procedures directly support an efficient, well-resourced learning environment for our students and staff.
Our academy is an academically ambitious, highly supportive state school situated in the Outer London Borough of Barnet. We are dedicated to cultivating a mature, inclusive learning environment where high expectations and outstanding community care go hand in hand. Widely recognized for our strong behavioural standards, proactive leadership, and cohesive staff culture, we offer an exceptionally collaborative professional atmosphere. Our school site features a blend of modern, purpose-built learning environments and extensive grounds. We operate with highly structured centralized systems, ensuring that our support staff, administrative teams, and finance departments are fully integrated, respected, and valued across the wider academy.
KEY TASKS & DAILY OPERATIONS
- Transactions & Purchase Ledger Management: Process purchase orders, supplier invoices, and staff expense claims in strict accordance with the school's financial regulations. Ensure all transactions are accurately coded, authorized, and processed within set timelines to maintain excellent supplier relationships.
- Income Processing & Bank Reconciliation: Manage day-to-day income collection, including parent payment portals (e.g., ParentPay, Arbor) for school trips, catering, and uniform. Perform regular bank reconciliations and post receipts accurately to the school's financial management system.
- Budget Monitoring & Reporting Support: Assist the School Business Manager in monitoring departmental expenditure. Generate monthly budget holder reports, identify variances, and flag potential overspends, helping to ensure the school's financial resources are optimized and remain aligned with the School Development Plan (SDP).
- Audit & Month-End Preparation: Assist in preparing the financial accounts for monthly and year-end closures. Collate supporting documentation, maintain robust digital filing systems, and provide clear audit trails to assist internal and external auditors during annual reviews.
- Administrative Collaboration: Work closely with the wider administrative and operations teams to resolve financial queries from suppliers, staff, and parents promptly and professionally, fostering a helpful and transparent service culture.
PROFILE REQUIREMENTS
- Qualifications: A relevant professional qualification in accountancy or bookkeeping (such as AAT Level 3 or higher, or equivalent), or proven equivalent experience in financial administration.
- Operational Experience: Proven, successful experience working within a busy finance department, managing purchase ledgers, bank reconciliations, and financial systems. Experience working within an educational or public sector environment is highly desirable.
- Technical & Meticulous Ethos: Outstanding numerical accuracy, strong attention to detail, and proficiency in school financial software (such as FMS, PS Financials, or Civica) and Excel. Possess excellent communication skills to explain financial procedures clearly to non-finance staff.
APPLICATION INTAKE
Please submit your current CV to begin the application process.
Finance Officer | Progress-Driven Community Academy | Barnet employer: Marchant Recruitment
Marchant Recruitment is an excellent employer, offering a vibrant and supportive work culture that prioritises the professional growth of its staff. As a Nursery Teacher in Hillingdon, you will benefit from a collaborative team environment, opportunities for continuous development, and the chance to make a meaningful impact on young learners' lives in an Outstanding primary school setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Officer | Progress-Driven Community Academy | Barnet
✨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 Marchant Recruitment. 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 | Progress-Driven Community Academy | Barnet
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 Marchant Recruitment.
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 Marchant Recruitment'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 Marchant Recruitment
✨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 Marchant Recruitment.
✨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 Marchant Recruitment 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 Marchant Recruitment 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.
