Finance Officer - Accounts Receivable

Merton College is looking for a Finance Officer to join a busy Accounts Receivable and Credit Control team, with responsibility for chasing outstanding debt, processing transactions and maintaining the Sales Ledger database in line with the Group’s financial procedures and regulations.

You’ll liaise with budget holders and internal teams to resolve queries raised by customers and students and will generate sales invoices from invoice requisitions, ensuring the sales ledger is updated with all cash receipts. You’ll be responsible for receipting cash, credit card and cheque payments for banking, in accordance with Finance operating procedures, and you’ll operate the petty cash till for payment claims when required.

We’re seeking a candidate with proven experience in credit control processes and a strong background in dealing directly with customers, including handling a wide range of customer queries. Our ideal applicant will be an excellent team player who is able to manage deadlines effectively while juggling multiple tasks at once. Strong attention to detail is essential, along with excellent organisational skills and the ability to work accurately, calmly and efficiently in a fast-paced environment.

The role also requires strong IT proficiency, including confidence using Adobe, Excel, Outlook, Word and accounting software. In addition, outstanding communication skills both written and verbal, are required.

This role is based at Merton College in Morden, Surrey but there is an option for hybrid working (Merton College and Home) after successful completion of probationary period.

The benefits package includes generous annual leave of 27 days plus up to 8 additional days over Christmas/New Year as well as an additional 5 days Wellbeing leave to enhance employees’ physical and mental health. There is an excellent pension scheme that receives a significant financial contribution from the employer (Teachers Pensions or Local Government Pension Scheme), subsidised sports facilities and professional development and training plus a salary sacrifice cycle to work scheme.

As part of our due diligence checks on prospective employees, successful candidates will be subject to an enhanced DBS check, satisfactory references, an online search and proof of eligibility to work in the UK.

As outlined in the Public Sector Equality Duty of the Equality Act 2010, we are committed to equality of opportunity for all staff and applications from individuals are encouraged regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnerships.

South Thames Colleges Group is made up of Carshalton College, Kingston College, Merton College and South Thames College and is one of London’s largest providers of post-16 education and training. We are an ongoing and significant contributor to our local communities and put students’ success at the heart of everything we do. We are looking for hard-working and collaborative people who can join our team and help challenge our students to achieve and progress.