At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the Finance Manager with day-to-day financial operations and ensure accuracy.
- Company: Ipswich School, a vibrant independent school in Suffolk.
- Benefits: £30,000 salary, 30 days holiday, pension scheme, and free lunches.
- Other info: Permanent role with excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Join a supportive team and make a real impact on the school's finance functions.
- Qualifications: AAT qualified or equivalent experience in financial transactions and reconciliations.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 36000 £ per year.
Overview
Ipswich School have the exciting opportunity to join the Finance Department as a Senior Finance Assistant.
Ipswich School is an independent school in Ipswich, Suffolk. The school caters for pupils from 3 months to 19 years, is co-educational, and operates a 5-day week. The Finance Department supports the non-academic operation of the school year-round.
Position details
- Employer: Ipswich School
- Address: Henley Road, Ipswich, Suffolk IP1 3SG
- Salary: £30,000 per annum
- Hours: 37.5 hours per week, Monday – Friday, 8am – 5pm
- Contract: Permanent, required as soon as possible
- Reference: 7858
Your duties
The Senior Finance Assistant will support the Finance Manager in the effective and efficient operation of the school\'s finance functions. Your duties will include:
- Day-to-day transactional processes, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and excellent service
- Handling the full cycle of purchase and sales ledgers, managing all aspects of fee billing, and performing bank reconciliations
- Contributing to the month-end close process, assisting with accruals, prepayments, and other essential journal entries
You should be AAT qualified (or have equivalent financial experience) and have proven experience in handling a high volume of financial transactions and reconciliations. The role offers a balance of hands-on responsibilities and supervisory duties, with opportunities to develop and support your team while ensuring smooth operation of the department\'s core functions.
Hours of work and benefits
- This is a permanent post (subject to satisfactory completion of a six-month probationary period).
- Core working hours are 8am – 5pm, Monday to Friday, with 37.5 hours per week.
- 30 days\' paid holiday per year, plus public holidays.
- Defined contribution pension scheme after 3 months\' service with 10% employer contributions, and 3x death in service life cover.
- Fee remission may be available for eligible pupil vacancies.
- Salaries paid monthly in arrears by BACS on the last working day of each month.
- Free lunch in the school dining hall during term time when the kitchen is operating.
- Access to Smarthealth, the school wellbeing app with 24/7 GP access and mental health support.
- Cycle to Work Scheme.
How to apply and key dates
For more information, please visit our website. Contact the HR Team at 01473 408300 or hr@ipswich.school. Applications can be submitted via the vacancies page on our website, or by post to: The Director of HR, Ipswich School, 25 Henley Road, Ipswich, IP1 3SG. Closing date: 12pm, 6 October 2025. Interview date: 10 October 2025.
Please advise us of any special requirements for interview. Ipswich School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff to share this commitment. Applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service.
Senior Finance Assistant in Ipswich employer: Suffolk County Council
Ipswich School is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work environment within the Finance Department. With a commitment to employee wellbeing, the school provides generous benefits including 30 days of paid holiday, a defined contribution pension scheme, and access to health support services. Located in the heart of Ipswich, this role not only allows for professional growth but also offers the unique opportunity to contribute to the education of young minds in a vibrant community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Finance Assistant in Ipswich
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
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We think you need these skills to ace Senior Finance Assistant in Ipswich
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to Suffolk County Council.
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Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on Suffolk County Council's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Suffolk County Council
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with Suffolk County Council.
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✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former Suffolk County Council employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.
