At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead finance and operations to ensure our school runs smoothly and efficiently.
- Company: Join a friendly primary school community dedicated to shaping young minds.
- Benefits: Enjoy a supportive leadership team and opportunities for professional development.
- Other info: Be part of a values-driven environment committed to safeguarding children.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the future of our school and its students.
- Qualifications: Strong financial skills and a passion for education are essential.
The predicted salary is between 53755 - 60504 £ per year.
Salary: Grade 8
Hours per week: 36.25 – term time plus teacher training days, plus 4 extra days worked in the holidays. (199 days worked per year in total)
Contract type: Permanent
Reporting to: Headteacher
Start date: 1st September 2026
About the Role
Norwood Primary School is a small, friendly primary school located north of Peterborough. In this pivotal role you will work closely with the Headteacher and Governors to lead finance, operations and administration, ensuring the school runs efficiently, remains financially sustainable and supports teaching and learning.
About You
The successful candidate will:
- Be calm, organised and solution-focused, even under pressure
- Have strong financial acumen and the ability to think strategically
- Be an excellent communicator, able to work with staff, governors, parents and external partners
- Lead and motivate support staff, building an effective and collaborative team
- Have a strong understanding of compliance, safeguarding and confidentiality
- Be proactive in identifying efficiencies, improvements and income generation opportunities
- Take pride in delivering high-quality systems and processes
- Be personable, approachable and able to contribute positively to our team culture
- Be a professional who can bring ideas, challenge constructively and help shape effective systems for the future
Experience of working in a school setting is desirable, but strong transferable business, finance or operational leadership experience will also be considered.
Key Responsibilities
Finance & Business Management
- Lead the school’s financial planning, budgeting and monitoring processes
- Provide clear, accurate and timely financial reports to the Headteacher and Governing Body
- Ensure robust financial controls, compliance and audit readiness at all times
- Oversee day‑to‑day financial operations, including invoicing, income and expenditure
- Lead on procurement, tendering and contract management to ensure value for money
- Develop and implement strategies for income generation, including lettings and external funding opportunities
- Complete statutory financial returns and ensure compliance with all financial regulations
- Support and advise the Headteacher and Governors on strategic and operational matters
Human Resources
- Oversee all HR processes including recruitment, induction, absence management
- Liaise with external HR and payroll provider
- Ensure all safer recruitment and safeguarding procedures are rigorously followed, including the maintenance of the Single Central Record
Compliance & Governance
- Ensure the school meets all statutory and regulatory requirements
- Support the work of the Governing Body, including attending and contributing to meetings
Administration & Operations
- Ensure the smooth and efficient running of the school office and administrative systems
- Oversee the use and development of the school’s MIS and data systems
- Lead on whole-school systems and processes to improve efficiency and effectiveness
- Support statutory returns, including the workforce census
What We Offer
- A welcoming, inclusive and values-driven school community
- A supportive and experienced leadership team
- The chance to play a key role in shaping the future of the school
- We are committed to supporting ongoing professional development, including leadership and specific training
Safeguarding
Norwood Primary School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All staff are expected to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be subject to an enhanced DBS check and all relevant pre-employment checks in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education.
Legal & Disclosure Information
This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and, as such, all applicants who are appointed to this post will be subject to an Enhanced Disclosure before the appointment is confirmed. This check will include details of cautions, reprimands or warnings, as well as convictions and non-conviction information. Once appointed, the successful applicant may also be required to apply for an Enhanced Disclosure at intervals during their employment while in this post.
Finance & Office Manager in Peterborough employer: Norwood Primary School
Norwood Primary School is an excellent employer, offering a welcoming and inclusive environment where you can make a meaningful impact on the lives of children. With a supportive leadership team and a commitment to professional development, this role provides opportunities for growth while ensuring the school operates efficiently and sustainably. Located in a friendly community north of Peterborough, you will be part of a collaborative team dedicated to fostering a positive culture and delivering high-quality education.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance & Office Manager in Peterborough
✨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 Norwood Primary 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 & Office Manager in Peterborough
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 Norwood Primary 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 Norwood Primary 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 Norwood Primary 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 Norwood Primary 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 Norwood Primary 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 Norwood Primary 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.
