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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage finance processes, payroll, and budget reporting at a vibrant school.
- Company: Join St Mary's Catholic High School, a top-rated secondary school in Croydon.
- Benefits: Enjoy excellent travel links, career progression support, and a generous pension scheme.
- Why this job: Be part of a caring community dedicated to student success and social mobility.
- Qualifications: Previous finance experience, ideally in education, with strong attention to detail required.
- Other info: Visits to the school are encouraged; apply directly for this permanent role.
The predicted salary is between 32000 - 36000 £ per year.
Overview
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.
OFSTED and culture
- OFSTED quotes highlighting the school\’s caring community and positive student well-being.
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.).
Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and employment business for the supply of temporary workers. By applying for this job you accept the Terms & Conditions, Privacy Policy and Disclaimers at hays.co.uk.
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School Finance Officer 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
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific financial processes and policies used in educational settings. Understanding how schools manage their finances, including budgeting and payroll, will give you a significant edge during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former finance officers in schools to gain insights into the role. They can provide valuable information about the day-to-day responsibilities and challenges, which can help you tailor your approach when discussing your experience.
✨Tip Number 3
Visit St Mary's Catholic High School before applying. Engaging with the school community can help you understand their values and culture, allowing you to express genuine interest and alignment with their mission during the interview.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss how you can contribute to the school's commitment to social mobility. Think of examples from your past experiences where you've supported disadvantaged groups, as this aligns with the school's core values.
We think you need these skills to ace School Finance Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Finance Officer position. Tailor your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with these specific needs.
Craft a Strong CV: Ensure your CV is up-to-date and clearly outlines your relevant experience in finance, particularly in an educational setting. Use bullet points for clarity and focus on achievements that demonstrate your attention to detail and process orientation.
Write a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for supporting students and your commitment to the school's values. Mention specific examples from your past roles that showcase your financial management skills and ability to work collaboratively.
Follow Application Instructions: Make sure to request the application form from Francisca as instructed. Pay attention to the closing date and ensure all documents are submitted before the deadline to avoid missing out on this opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at St Mary's Catholic High School Croydon
✨Understand the School's Values
Before your interview, take some time to research St Mary's Catholic High School and its core values. Understanding their commitment to social mobility and support for disadvantaged pupils will help you align your answers with their mission.
✨Prepare for Financial Questions
As a Finance Officer, you'll need to demonstrate your knowledge of financial processes. Be ready to discuss your previous experience in finance, particularly in an educational setting, and prepare examples of how you've ensured compliance and accuracy in financial reporting.
✨Showcase Your Attention to Detail
Given the importance of detail in finance roles, be prepared to provide examples of how your attention to detail has positively impacted your previous work. This could include instances where your diligence prevented errors or improved processes.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few thoughtful questions ready to ask the interviewers. This shows your genuine interest in the role and the school. You might inquire about their future financial goals or how they measure success in the finance department.