Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage finances, process transactions, and support budgeting in a school environment.
- Company: Join a supportive Multi-Academy Trust in London SE4.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a dynamic work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on school finance operations while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: AAT Level 2/3 or equivalent preferred; GCSEs in English and Maths required.
- Other info: Flexible hours with opportunities for growth and skill enhancement.
The predicted salary is between 37509 - 38637 £ per year.
A Multi-Academy Trust in London SE4 is seeking an experienced Finance Officer to join its central finance team on a maternity cover contract. This is a key role within a school environment, supporting both central and local finance operations, including accounts payable, payroll, budget monitoring, and financial reporting. This role offers the opportunity to work across a variety of school and MAT finance activities, supporting staff, suppliers, parents, and budget holders to ensure smooth financial processes.
Key Responsibilities
- Process financial transactions, journals, and reconciliations in the finance system.
- Raise purchase orders and process invoices in line with Trust financial procedures.
- Manage cash, banking, receipts, and BACS payments.
- Support weekly payment runs and monitor purchase order commitments.
- Administer school trip finances and income collection via ParentMail/BACS.
- Lead on credit control, debtor recovery, and chasing outstanding payments.
- Maintain lettings/hire records, raise invoices, and follow up on overdue payments.
- Provide advice and updates to budget holders on their budgets and commitments.
- Investigate and resolve supplier and staff account queries.
- Assist with payroll, pensions, and staff expenses administration.
- Support month-end and year-end financial processes, including accruals and prepayments.
- Prepare reconciliations for bank and control accounts.
- Maintain accurate, confidential records and assist with audits.
- Support school events, emergency procedures, and finance training as required.
Person Specification
Qualifications & Experience
- AAT Level 2/3 or equivalent (desirable).
- Minimum 5 GCSEs including English and Maths.
- Experience in finance administration, accounts payable, or school finance.
- Proficient in Excel and Microsoft Office; familiar with finance systems.
- Understanding of financial processes in a school or educational environment.
Skills & Attributes
- Excellent numeracy, accuracy, and attention to detail.
- Strong organisational and prioritisation skills.
- Effective communication skills with staff, parents, and suppliers.
- Ability to analyse, interpret, and present financial data.
- Professional, reliable, and able to handle confidential information.
- Flexible, proactive, and solution-focused.
- Commitment to safeguarding and professional development.
Safeguarding & DBS
This role is based in a school and involves working with sensitive information. An Enhanced DBS check is required, and safeguarding responsibilities must be adhered to at all times.
Why Join Us?
- Join a professional and supportive central finance team.
- Work on a varied and interesting range of finance tasks across school and MAT operations.
- Competitive salary with opportunities for skill development.
Locations
Finance Officer (Maternity Cover – 12 to 14 Months) in Brockley, London employer: Talented People
Contact Detail:
Talented People Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Officer (Maternity Cover – 12 to 14 Months) in Brockley, London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance sector, especially those who have experience in educational environments. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common finance-related questions. We recommend role-playing with a friend or using online resources to get comfortable discussing your skills and experiences relevant to the Finance Officer role.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your skills! Bring along examples of your work, like reports or spreadsheets, to demonstrate your proficiency in financial processes. This will help you stand out as a candidate who’s ready to hit the ground running.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Finance Officer (Maternity Cover – 12 to 14 Months) in Brockley, London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Finance Officer role. Highlight your relevant experience in finance administration and any specific skills that match the job description, like your proficiency in Excel and understanding of school finance processes.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Mention your experience with financial transactions and how you can support the central finance team effectively.
Showcase Your Skills: Don’t forget to showcase your organisational and communication skills in your application. We want to see how you can manage multiple tasks and communicate effectively with staff, parents, and suppliers.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly and stands out!
How to prepare for a job interview at Talented People
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Finance Officer, you'll be dealing with financial transactions and reports. Brush up on your financial terminology and be ready to discuss your experience with accounts payable, payroll, and budget monitoring. Show them you can handle numbers like a pro!
✨Demonstrate Your Organisational Skills
This role requires strong organisational abilities. Prepare examples of how you've managed multiple tasks or projects in the past. Be ready to explain how you prioritise your workload and ensure accuracy in your work.
✨Communicate Effectively
You'll need to interact with staff, parents, and suppliers, so practice your communication skills. Think of scenarios where you've had to explain financial information clearly or resolve queries. This will show that you're not just good with numbers but also great with people.
✨Show Your Commitment to Safeguarding
Since this role involves working in a school environment, it's crucial to demonstrate your understanding of safeguarding responsibilities. Be prepared to discuss how you would handle sensitive information and your commitment to maintaining confidentiality.
