St Peter's Cambridge is seeking an experienced Assistant Accountant to join our Finance team. This full-time position is responsible for sharing the responsibility of managing the School's accounts payable process, credit card management, monthly journals, and processing payroll.
Working as part of a collaborative team, you'll play an important role in ensuring the smooth and accurate operation of the School's financial processes while providing high-quality support across a wide range of accounting functions.
About the role
Key responsibilities include:
Accounts Payable Management
- Share responsibility for the accounts payable process, ensuring timely and accurate processing of invoices, purchase orders, and payments.
- Ensure invoices are properly verified, coded, and approved in accordance with School policies.
- Manage vendor relationships and resolve payment queries and discrepancies.
- Review and approve payments.
- Maintain accurate accounts payable records and support reconciliation processes.
Payroll
- Share responsibility for the payroll process, ensuring timely and accurate payroll processing and recording of leave.
- Liaise with the payroll provider regarding new employees, staff changes, and employees leaving the School.
- Follow up managers on timesheet and leave approvals.
- Review payroll reports for accuracy and process payroll journals following each pay run.
- Complete payroll-related general ledger reconciliations.
- Respond to payroll enquiries from staff and the payroll provider.
- Update the Payroll and People & Culture workflow report and work collaboratively to respond to emerging priorities.
General Ledger Reporting and Financial Accounting
- Complete cost centre and balance sheet reconciliations.
- Support managers to understand their budgets and financial performance.
- Manage overseas tour accounts, ensuring instalments are collected and payments made on time.
- Process general ledger reconciliations and monthly journals.
- Assist with year-end audit documentation and annual budget preparation.
- Assist with scholarship accounting and reconciliations.
- Prepare monthly reporting as required.
- Manage foreign currency purchasing and FX petty cash.
Associated Entities
- Review monthly accounts for associated entities, including requesting transfers of funds paid on their behalf.
Compliance and Risk Management
- Ensure compliance with relevant legislation and internal policies.
- Identify high-risk debtors with payment disputes or regular non-payment of accounts.
This role requires a collaborative approach, a willingness to support colleagues across the School, and flexibility to work additional hours during peak periods when required.
About you
To be successful in this role, you will have:
- Five or more years' progressive accounting experience.
- At least three years' payroll experience and a strong understanding of payroll legislation.
- A sound understanding of accounting principles.
- Experience using accounting software and advanced Microsoft Excel skills.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to work independently and collaboratively.
- Excellent analytical, organisational, and problem-solving skills.
- Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy.
Why Join St Peter’s?
- Be part of a supportive, professional, and values-led school community
- Engage in meaningful work that supports students, staff, and school operations
This is a unique opportunity to contribute to a school that values innovation, excellence, and a strong sense of community.
We offer a competitive salary, professional development and other benefits. This is an important role for the school and is required to work on-campus Monday to Friday, including during term breaks. Position to commence as soon as possible.
If this sounds like you, we encourage you to apply. St Peter's, Cambridge is a child safe school
Assistant Accountant in Cambridge employer: St. Peter’s ELMO
St Peter’s School offers an exceptional work environment where educators can thrive in a picturesque campus, dedicated to fostering integrity, compassion, and excellence. As the Leader of Agricultural & Farming Student Experiences, you will have the opportunity to innovate within a supportive community, develop meaningful industry partnerships, and inspire students through transformative learning experiences. With a focus on professional growth and collaboration, St Peter’s is committed to making a significant impact in the lives of its students and the wider community.
