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- Tasks: Manage finance processes, payroll, and budget reporting to support the school's goals.
- Company: St Mary's Catholic High School, a supportive and growing educational institution.
- Benefits: Excellent travel links, supportive management, development opportunities, and a generous pension scheme.
- Other info: Induction for Early Career Teachers and on-site parking available.
- Why this job: Join a caring community committed to social mobility and student well-being.
- Qualifications: Experience in finance; educational setting experience is a plus.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Finance Officer position at St Mary's Catholic High School, Croydon. Contract: Permanent, All Year Round, Full Time. Reports to: School Business Manager. Location: St Mary's Catholic High School, Woburn Road, Croydon, CR9 2EE, London Borough of Croydon.
Responsibilities:
- Administer the Finance processes in line with relevant policies and procedures to support the school's strategic objectives.
- Manage payroll, bank reconciliation, monthly budget reporting, and maintenance of a detailed and up-to-date contracts register.
Qualifications and attributes:
- Experience in a finance role; experience in an educational setting is desirable.
- High level of accuracy and attention to detail; strong process orientation.
- You do not need to be a practising Catholic to apply.
About the school:
St. Mary's Catholic High School is a small and growing secondary school delivering high-quality Catholic education in Croydon. The school is OFSTED rated good, with a strong Progress 8 score for 2024 and a commitment to supporting disadvantaged pupils and social mobility.
Benefits of working at St Mary's:
- Excellent travel links with Central London and South London; close to West Croydon and East Croydon stations.
- Locational advantages near shops and amenities; collaborative culture and strong leadership.
- Supportive management, development opportunities, and equality of opportunity for staff.
- Induction and ongoing development for Early Career Teachers (ECT); on-site parking available; generous local authority pension scheme for support staff.
- Commitment to social mobility and safeguarding of students.
Your new role details:
As Finance Officer, you will work with the School Business Manager and Governors to ensure financial processes and procedures are compliant and robust. You will manage payroll and be responsible for bank reconciliation, monthly budget reporting, and maintenance of a detailed contracts register.
How to apply:
To apply, please request an application form from Francisca for more information. This is a direct permanent application to the school (not through agency); Hays is the recruitment partner for permanent appointments. Closing Date: 12:00 on Thursday 11 September 2025. Please note: only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. The school reserves the right to close adverts earlier than the stated deadline.
Our organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. Recruitment follows Keeping Children Safe in Education guidance. Employment offers may be subject to checks (DBS, right to work, references, etc.).
School Finance Officer in London employer: St Mary's Catholic High School Croydon
Contact Detail:
St Mary's Catholic High School Croydon Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land School Finance Officer in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at St Mary's Catholic High School on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give us insider info about the school culture and what they really value in a Finance Officer.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your finance knowledge, especially in an educational context. We want to show that we understand the unique challenges schools face when it comes to budgeting and financial management.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice common interview questions related to finance roles. Think about how you can demonstrate your attention to detail and process orientation. We need to highlight our experience managing payroll and budgets effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we can keep track of your progress and provide updates directly.
We think you need these skills to ace School Finance Officer in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight your experience in finance, especially in an educational setting. We want to see how your skills align with the responsibilities listed in the job description.
Showcase Attention to Detail: Since accuracy is key for this role, be meticulous in your application. Double-check for any typos or errors, and ensure that your financial experience is clearly articulated. We appreciate a well-organised application!
Highlight Relevant Experience: If you've managed payroll, bank reconciliations, or budget reporting before, make sure to emphasise these experiences. We’re looking for candidates who can demonstrate their process orientation and financial expertise.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply directly through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us without any hiccups. We’re excited to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at St Mary's Catholic High School Croydon
✨Know Your Numbers
Brush up on your financial knowledge, especially related to payroll, bank reconciliation, and budget reporting. Be ready to discuss specific examples from your past experience that demonstrate your accuracy and attention to detail.
✨Understand the School's Values
Familiarise yourself with St Mary's Catholic High School's mission and values. Show how your personal values align with their commitment to social mobility and supporting disadvantaged pupils during the interview.
✨Prepare Questions
Think of insightful questions to ask the interviewers about the school's financial processes and how they support the overall strategic objectives. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
✨Showcase Your Process Orientation
Be prepared to discuss how you ensure compliance and robustness in financial processes. Share specific strategies or tools you've used in previous roles to maintain detailed records and manage contracts effectively.