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, with training and career growth.
- 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 18700 - 21250 £ 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?
Permanent – Immediate start date
£22,000 - £25,000 starting salary
School based in the Ward of Selly Oak
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 employer: The Graduate Network
Contact Detail:
The Graduate Network Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Trainee Purchase Ledger Assistant
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school and its finance processes before your interview. Research their values and how they handle finances. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice common interview questions related to finance and administration. Think about how your skills, like Excel and attention to detail, can benefit the team. We want to see how you can fit into our supportive environment.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your communication skills! Be ready to discuss how you would handle supplier queries or issues with invoices. Clear communication is key in this role, so let us see how you can keep things tidy and organised.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for a quick and easy process. We love seeing candidates who take the initiative, so don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions about the role or the application process!
We think you need these skills to ace Trainee Purchase Ledger Assistant
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 we want to see how you fit into our team!
Craft a Clear Cover Letter: Use your cover letter to showcase your enthusiasm for the role and the school finance environment. Keep it concise and make sure to mention your methodical approach and comfort with deadlines, as these are key traits we’re looking for.
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, don’t hesitate to include them!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smooth application process. It only takes 60 seconds with your CV, and we can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Graduate Network
✨Know Your Numbers
Brush up on your understanding of invoices, purchase orders, and 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, and filters in past experiences. If you have any examples of how you've kept things organised or improved processes, share those too!
✨Communicate Clearly
Since clear written communication is key for this role, practice explaining complex ideas simply. You might be asked to write a sample email or explain how you would handle a supplier query, so think about how you can convey information effectively.
✨Demonstrate Your Methodical Approach
The role requires a methodical and accurate approach, so be ready to discuss how you manage deadlines and keep track of tasks. Share examples from previous experiences where you’ve successfully maintained organisation and accuracy under pressure.