At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage school budgets and ensure smooth financial operations.
- Company: Join the vibrant community at Laleham Gap School, recognised as Outstanding by Ofsted.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, supportive team, and opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact behind the scenes in education and wellbeing.
- Qualifications: Experience in finance, strong communication skills, and attention to detail.
- Other info: Be part of a collaborative environment that values creativity and individuality.
The predicted salary is between 26393 - 27713 £ per year.
Term Time + Training days and additional 2 Weeks in the holidays | 37 Hours per Week
Salary: Kent Scheme D £26,393 – £27,713 Actual Salary: £24,185.16 – £25,394.73
Contract Length: 1 Year
Laleham Gap School is a place where individuality is celebrated, creativity thrives, and every child is supported to reach their full potential. Our community is built on acceptance, ambition and a deep belief that every pupil can Learn, Grow and Succeed. In April 2023, Ofsted recognised this commitment, judging us Outstanding in all areas.
We are now seeking a dedicated and skilled Finance Officer to join our vibrant school community on a fixed-term basis to cover maternity leave. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who wants to make a meaningful contribution behind the scenes, ensuring our resources are managed effectively so that our children continue to flourish.
About the Role
As our Finance Officer, you will play a key part in supporting the Assistant School Business Manager and ensuring the smooth running of the school’s financial operations. Your work will directly support our mission to provide exceptional education and wellbeing for every child.
Key Responsibilities
- Monitor and manage school budgets, producing clear monthly financial reports for leaders and governors.
- Maintain accurate accounting systems for both the main school account and voluntary fund.
- Support the preparation of the annual budget, analysing financial data to inform planning.
- Ensure compliance with KCC Financial Regulations and audit requirements.
- Process orders, payments and payroll information with precision and attention to detail.
- Manage the School Voluntary Fund, including organising the annual external audit.
- Maintain the school’s Asset Register and oversee contracts, licences and insurance.
- Reconcile accounts and authorise petty cash in line with financial controls.
- Supervise the Finance Assistant to ensure deadlines and standards are met.
- Provide general administrative support as part of the wider school team.
About You
We are looking for someone who brings both expertise and heart to the role. You will have:
- Significant experience in a finance role and strong understanding of financial procedures.
- Excellent communication skills, able to present financial information clearly to a range of audiences.
- A proactive, solution-focused approach with strong organisational and time-management abilities.
- High levels of accuracy and attention to detail.
- Strong IT skills, including confidence with financial software and spreadsheets.
- Knowledge of financial regulations, data protection and school policies (or willingness to learn).
- Emotional resilience and a positive attitude, aligned with our values and safeguarding culture.
Why Join Laleham Gap School?
Laleham Gap is more than a workplace — it’s a community. Our children inspire us daily with their creativity, individuality and determination. Staff across the school work collaboratively, with honesty, integrity and a shared commitment to achieving the highest standards.
We prioritise wellbeing, personal development and professional growth. You will be welcomed warmly and supported by a team that takes pride in making a real difference.
Finance Officer (Maternity Cover) - Term Time in Westwood employer: Sandwich Infant
Contact Detail:
Sandwich Infant Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Officer (Maternity Cover) - Term Time in Westwood
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector, especially those who might know about finance roles. A friendly chat can lead to insider info or even a referral!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Laleham Gap School's values and recent achievements. Show us how your skills align with our mission to support every child's potential — it’ll make you stand out!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your financial reporting skills! Be ready to discuss how you’ve managed budgets and produced reports in past roles. We love candidates who can demonstrate their expertise with real examples.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re always on the lookout for passionate individuals who want to make a difference in our school community.
We think you need these skills to ace Finance Officer (Maternity Cover) - Term Time in Westwood
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the Finance Officer role. We want to see how you can contribute to our vibrant school community, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant skills!
Showcase Your Attention to Detail: As a Finance Officer, precision is key! Use your application to demonstrate your attention to detail. Whether it’s through your CV or cover letter, make sure everything is clear and error-free — it reflects your ability to manage finances accurately.
Communicate Clearly: We value excellent communication skills, so ensure your written application is easy to read and understand. Present your financial knowledge in a way that anyone can grasp, as you’ll need to do this in the role too!
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’re considered for this fantastic opportunity at Laleham Gap School. Don’t miss out!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sandwich Infant
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Finance Officer, you'll need to demonstrate your understanding of financial procedures. Brush up on key financial concepts and be ready to discuss how you've managed budgets or produced financial reports in the past. This will show that you’re not just familiar with numbers, but that you can also apply your knowledge effectively.
✨Communicate Clearly
Excellent communication skills are crucial for this role. Prepare to explain complex financial information in simple terms. Think about examples where you've had to present financial data to non-financial colleagues or stakeholders, and practice articulating those experiences clearly.
✨Show Your Organisational Skills
The role requires strong organisational abilities, so be ready to discuss how you manage your time and prioritise tasks. Consider sharing specific examples of how you've handled multiple deadlines or maintained accuracy under pressure. This will highlight your proactive approach and attention to detail.
✨Align with Their Values
Laleham Gap School values emotional resilience and a positive attitude. Research their mission and think about how your personal values align with theirs. Be prepared to share why you want to contribute to their community and how you can support their commitment to exceptional education and wellbeing.