At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the Finance Team with data input, invoicing, and customer service.
- Company: Join a dedicated team at a Catholic school in Waterlooville.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, full-time hours, and potential for contract extension.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and involvement in school life.
- Why this job: Make a difference in a supportive school environment while developing your finance skills.
- Qualifications: GCSEs in English and Maths; strong organisational and communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 25186 - 25186 £ per year.
Location: Waterlooville, Hampshire
Salary: C1 £25,186 per annum FTE
Job Type: Full Time, 37 hours a week, 52 weeks a year, Fixed-term 1-year contract with possible extension
Hours: Monday to Thursday 8.30am to 4.30pm and Friday 8.30am to 4.00pm (30-minute daily unpaid lunch break)
The Governors are seeking to appoint a Finance Assistant to join our hardworking, committed and enthusiastic team. The position is a pivotal part of the administration of the finances and other resources provided to support the Finance Team. The role will require the successful candidate to liaise with the Teachers and Heads of Department as well as other members of the support staff.
The Trustees are looking for someone who will be highly organised and possess good interpersonal skills. If you are a Catholic, you will understand the distinctiveness of Catholic schools such as Oaklands and this will be attractive to you. You do not have to be a Catholic to work at Oaklands; the Governors welcome applications from candidates of differing faith backgrounds or none who can be supportive of the school ethos.
Principal Responsibilities:
- Administration/Finance
- Data input of orders, invoices, staff expenses and direct debits, as directed, within timescales specified in the School's Manual of Financial Practice and Procedures
- Supplier details - create new suppliers and amend details of existing ones
- Assist with reviewing statements on a monthly basis
- Ensure all supplier invoices are properly authorised and purchase orders are attached
- Compile and check invoices for BACS processing
- Raise sales invoices for school lettings and chase for any overdue payments
- Liaise with leasers, suppliers and parents over any queries or concerns
- Process weekly banking and input of cash and online income
- Compiling and input of spend on the school credit cards when the statements are received
- Assist on Finance desk, processing sales from school shop, recording onto Tucasi and ensuring stock is ordered as appropriate
- Reports - assist with the production of school trip reports as requested
- Assist with year-end stock check
- Any other duties commensurate with the position as directed by the Deputy Finance Manager, Finance Manager or School Business Manager
- Customer Service
- Act as first point of contact for enquiries relating to finance, responding within standard procedures or referring the enquiry to an appropriate destination
- Promote the image of the school in all contacts with the outside world
Other Key Aspects of the role involve:
- Staff Management and teamwork
- Systems
- School Policies and Regulations
About you:
Essential:
- GCSE or equivalent in English and Mathematics
- Sound administrator with attention to detail
- Working with a range of financial software programmes, MIS and Microsoft applications
- Articulate, literate and numerate
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (verbal and written)
- Organisational ability and able to manage time to prioritise tasks and meet deadlines
- Appreciation of the issues working around young people and prepared to train to gain up-to-date knowledge of relevant legislation and guidance in relation to working with, and the protection of children and young people.
- Ability to support the school ethos
- Confidentiality and discretion
- Use of initiative
- Sense of humour
- Confidence and assertiveness
- Tidy and organised approach with attention to detail
- Ability to work under pressure and multi-task
- Ability to work as part of a team and independently
- Ability to forge and maintain good relationships with staff and students
- Takes pride in work and has high expectations of self and others
- Willingness to participate fully in the life of the school
- Willingness to work overtime if required
The following would be desirable:
- A level education or beyond
- Previous experience of working in a finance department of an academy school
- Level 2 Accounting Qualification
- Previous experience of working in a similar role
- Previous experience of working with school SIMS system, PS Financials and Tucasi
- Excellent IT skills including Microsoft Word Publisher and Excel
- Experience of working with a range of financial software programmes, MIS and Microsoft applications
- Willingness to train as Fire Warden/First Aider
Additional Information:
Please note all staff will be required to complete and obtain a clear Enhanced DBS. All applicants must evidence Right to Work.
Closing date: Sunday 2nd August 2026 5pm
We reserve the right to extend this closing date should we need further applicants for shortlisting.
Interviews: On 5th August 2026
Please note that once you have applied for the role you will be sent an email with an application form to fill in. This form will need to be fully completed and returned for your application to be considered.
Please click the APPLY to submit your application for this role and you will be sent an email with application forms to complete.
Candidates with experience of; Accounts Assistant, Finance Clerk, Accounts Clerk, Finance Officer, Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable Assistant, Billing Assistant, Payroll Assistant, Finance Support Officer, may also be considered for this role.
Finance Assistant in Waterlooville employer: Oaklands Catholic School
As a Business Support Assistant at our Waterlooville location, you will be part of a supportive and collaborative work culture that values employee growth and development. We offer competitive salaries, flexible working hours, and a commitment to work-life balance, making it an ideal environment for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment in the education sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Assistant in Waterlooville
✨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 Oaklands Catholic 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 Assistant in Waterlooville
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 Oaklands Catholic 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 Oaklands Catholic 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 Oaklands Catholic 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 Oaklands Catholic 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 Oaklands Catholic 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 Oaklands Catholic 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.