At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage invoices, statements, and ledgers while supporting the finance team.
- Company: A supportive school in Selly Oak with a structured finance routine.
- Benefits: Starting salary of £22,000 - £25,000 and professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Kickstart your finance career in a friendly environment with clear guidance.
- Qualifications: AAT Level 2 in progress or relevant admin experience; Excel skills required.
- Other info: Structured induction and weekly check-ins to boost your confidence.
The predicted salary is between 19000 - 21000 £ per year.
Ready to learn school finance the right way from day one? Want ownership of invoices, statements and tidy ledgers in a supportive team?
Role details
- Permanent – Immediate start date
- £22,000 - £25,000 starting salary
- School based in the Ward of Selly Oak
Process supplier invoices, match POs, resolve queries, reconcile statements, support monthly reporting.
The Role
You will keep the purchase ledger accurate and up to date. You will receive, code and process supplier invoices, match to POs and delivery notes, and chase approvals so payments run on time. You will manage the AP inbox, answer supplier queries, and correct pricing or quantity issues with site staff. You will reconcile supplier statements monthly, prepare payment runs, and keep clean digital records for audit. You will post staff expenses with receipts attached, maintain vendor details, and help the Finance Manager with accruals, prepayments and simple AP reports at month end. You will follow the school’s financial regulations and keep sensitive data secure.
The Candidate & Requirements
- You are methodical, accurate and comfortable with deadlines.
- You write clear emails and keep a neat audit trail.
- AAT Level 2 in progress or keen to study, or relevant admin experience.
- Excel skills, confident with basic formulas, lookups, filters and pivots.
- Understanding of invoices, POs, GRNs and statement reconciliations.
- Clear written English for supplier communication and internal updates.
- Experience in finance or a school office is desirable but not essential.
The School
This Selly Oak school runs simple, predictable finance routines. Purchase orders use standard codes, approvals follow a published calendar and month end has clear cut-offs, which makes processing straightforward. You will use Microsoft 365 and a cloud finance system with step-by-step guides. Induction is structured, with checklists for AP, payment runs and statement recs, plus weekly check ins with the Finance Manager so you build confidence quickly.
How to Apply
Apply in 60 seconds with your CV to be considered for this opportunity and begin your career in education. Due to the number of applications, only successful applicants will be contacted.
Trainee Purchase Ledger Assistant in Birmingham employer: The Education Network
Contact Detail:
The Education Network Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Trainee Purchase Ledger Assistant in Birmingham
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school! Research their values and mission. When you walk into that interview, show them you’re not just another candidate but someone who genuinely cares about their community and education.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Prepare for common interview questions related to finance and administration. We can help you with mock interviews to boost your confidence and ensure you nail those tricky questions.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your Excel skills! Be ready to discuss how you’ve used Excel in past roles or projects. If you can demonstrate your knowledge of formulas and data management, you’ll stand out as a strong candidate.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a quick thank-you email. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you fresh in their minds. Plus, it’s a great chance to reiterate why you’re the perfect fit!
We think you need these skills to ace Trainee Purchase Ledger Assistant in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Trainee Purchase Ledger Assistant role. Highlight any relevant admin experience or your progress with AAT Level 2, as this will show us you're keen to learn and grow in finance.
Craft a Clear Cover Letter: Use your cover letter to tell us why you’re excited about this role and how your skills align with our needs. Keep it concise and make sure to mention your attention to detail and ability to meet deadlines, as these are key for the position.
Show Off Your Excel Skills: Since you'll be working with Excel, mention any specific skills you have, like using formulas, lookups, or filters. If you've done any projects or tasks that involved these skills, give us a quick example to demonstrate your capability.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smooth application process. It only takes 60 seconds to submit your CV, and we can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Education Network
✨Know Your Numbers
Brush up on your understanding of invoices, purchase orders, and statement reconciliations. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you’re ready to dive into the role and understand the basics of school finance.
✨Showcase Your Skills
Make sure to highlight your Excel skills during the interview. Be prepared to talk about how you've used basic formulas, lookups, filters, and pivots in past experiences or projects. This will demonstrate your ability to handle the digital aspects of the job.
✨Communicate Clearly
Since clear written communication is key for this role, practice articulating your thoughts clearly. You might even want to prepare a few examples of how you've handled supplier queries or written professional emails in the past.
✨Emphasise Your Methodical Approach
The role requires a methodical and accurate approach to managing the purchase ledger. Be ready to share examples from your previous experiences where you’ve successfully managed deadlines and maintained neat records, as this will align with what the school is looking for.