At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist with finance duties and ensure smooth operations in the Accounts Office.
- Company: Join the supportive team at St Leonards School, a leading educational institution.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, full-time hours, and a chance to develop your finance skills.
- Other info: Opportunity for professional development and a dynamic work atmosphere.
- Why this job: Make a difference in a vibrant school environment while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: Experience in finance, strong IT skills, and excellent communication abilities.
The predicted salary is between 25077 - 25077 £ per year.
Responsible to: Head of Finance
Salary: Grade 2.1 - £25,077.00 per annum.
Contract Type: Full time, temporary position until January 2027 (Maternity Leave Cover)
Hours of Work: Monday to Friday 8.30am - 5.00pm, 37.5 hours per week.
The post-holder is expected to uphold and actively promote the ethos of St Leonards School. The post-holder is responsible to the Head of Finance. Working in the Accounts Office, the post-holder will complete a range of finance duties and assistance, essential for the efficient daily operation of St Leonards School. The Accounts Assistant will work closely with the School Accountant to meet specific priorities and deadlines in relation to treasury and fees billing.
The main areas of responsibility are:
- Termly school fee and recharge invoices, under direction from the School Accountant
- Updating and maintaining the fees ledgers to ensure accuracy
- Reconciliation of the fee ledger, including debit and credit balances
- Recording, processing and reconciliation of pupil registration fees and deposits
- Dealing with incoming calls and emails regarding fees and associated issues
- Analysing invoices relating to amounts to be recharged to pupils
- Escalate any fee-related issues to the School Accountant, as appropriate
- Processing purchase invoices, including coding and posting to the purchase ledger
- Updating and maintaining the purchase ledger supplier accounts to ensure accuracy
- Monthly reconciliation of purchase ledger to creditors control account
- Reconciling supplier statements to balances on purchase ledger
- Dealing with incoming calls and emails regarding purchase invoices and associated issues
- Escalate any purchase ledger account issues to the Accounts Payable Clerk or Head of Finance, as appropriate
- Carrying out procedures in accordance with accounts office instructions handbook
- Maintaining the Accounts Engage system for paying out and receiving routine expenditure
- Maintaining the School Business Visa account and the school vehicle fuel card account
- Providing general support and guidance to assist and to cover for other Accounts Office Staff
- Providing timely notification to the Head of Finance on any problem or contentious matters in area of responsibility
- Commitment to continuing professional development and seeking appropriate training opportunities
- Assisting with the requirements of visitors to the Accounts Office
This is not intended to be an exhaustive list of duties, and it is expected that the post-holder will participate in other reasonable activities according to the needs of the School and for better fulfilment of the role.
Person Specification
Experience
- Essential – Experience of working within an Accounts or Finance team
- Essential – Proficient user of IT, especially Microsoft Office / Excel and Google Suite
- Desirable – Experience of working within an Accounts or Finance team with a charitable organisation or with a provider of education
- Desirable – HNC or HND in Accounting
Skills
- Essential – Excellent numeracy and problem solving skills
- Essential – Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Essential – Strong interpersonal and negotiation skills
- Essential – Excellent customer service skills
- Essential – Sound time management and organisational skills
- Essential – General commercial awareness
- Desirable – Proven training skills and ability to share knowledge
- Desirable – Up-to-date with the latest accountancy trends and best practice
Interpersonal Skills
- Essential – Self-motivated with a methodical approach
- Essential – Ability to work independently and as part of a team, and to communicate with people from all different backgrounds
- Essential – Tactful and discreet with the ability to handle sensitive and confidential information
- Essential – Ability to work calmly under pressure and keep to deadlines
- Essential – Sensitive to the needs of others and supportive when required
- Essential – Flexible and adaptable
- Essential – Professional manner and appearance
- Desirable – Empathy with the aims and ethos of the Independent Schools’ sector
Accounts Assistant (Maternity Leave Cover) employer: The Independent Schools Council
St Leonards School is an exceptional employer that fosters a supportive and collaborative work environment, ideal for those looking to grow within the finance sector. With a commitment to professional development and a focus on maintaining high standards in education, employees benefit from a culture that values teamwork and individual contributions. Located in a vibrant community, the school offers a unique opportunity to be part of a dedicated team while making a meaningful impact on students' lives.
Contact Details:
The Independent Schools Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Accounts Assistant (Maternity Leave Cover)
✨Join Financial Networking Events
Jump into local finance meetups and conferences — they’re a goldmine for temporary roles in banking and financial services. You can chat with industry professionals and even get leads on upcoming opportunities that might not be posted online yet.
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Reach out to temp agencies that focus on the banking sector. They often have strong ties with various firms and can help you secure short-term gigs that can help beef up your CV and get your foot in the door at firms like The Independent Schools Council.
✨Connect with Alumni from Your Uni
Don't underestimate the power of your university’s alumni network. Many former students are working in banking and can help you find temporary roles or even offer mentorship. Reach out directly or attend alumni events to broaden your circle.
✨Stay Active on Job Boards and Company Websites
Keep your eyes peeled on job boards specifically for finance roles. Companies like The Independent Schools Council might post temporary positions directly on their sites, so make sure to apply there too. Set alerts to catch those roles the moment they go live!
We think you need these skills to ace Accounts Assistant (Maternity Leave Cover)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Academic Achievements:In banking and financial services, your academic record can really make you stand out. List relevant grades, certifications, or coursework on your CV, especially if you've taken finance-related modules. This is particularly important for a temporary role where qualifications can help you shine even brighter!
Highlight Relevant Experience:If you’ve done any internships, part-time roles, or even coursework that aligns with banking or finance, make sure you include those! Showcase specific tasks where you used quantitative skills or analytical thinking, as this is what the hiring managers at The Independent Schools Council will be keen to see in your application.
Tailor Your Cover Letter Purposefully:When writing your cover letter, focus on why you’re interested in a temporary position at The Independent Schools Council. Let them know how you can quickly adapt to the team's needs and how eager you are to learn the ropes of the banking sector during this short stint. Your motivation and enthusiasm could really set you apart!
Be Prepared with References:For temporary roles, references can play a crucial role in your application. Make sure you’ve got a couple of references lined up who can vouch for your skills and work ethic. This helps to give The Independent Schools Council confidence in your short-term commitment to the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at The Independent Schools Council
✨Brush Up on Financial Regulations
Since this is a role in banking and financial services, be ready to discuss key regulations like MiFID, Basel III, or GDPR. These are hot topics, and your awareness of how they impact daily operations can give you a significant edge during your interview with The Independent Schools Council.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Prepare for interview questions that assess your analytical abilities. You might need to tackle hypothetical scenarios involving risk assessment or financial forecasting. Bringing examples of relevant projects or coursework can emphasise your practical understanding of these concepts.
✨Highlight Flexibility and Adaptability
For a temporary role, showing that you can quickly pick up new processes and tools is crucial. Be ready to discuss previous experiences where you had to adapt to changing requirements or tight deadlines, as this will reassure The Independent Schools Council that you’re a reliable team player.
✨Demonstrate a Willingness to Learn
In a temporary position, leaning into your eagerness to learn can really set you apart. Be prepared to share how you’re staying updated on industry trends or any additional training you've pursued. Employers appreciate candidates who are proactive about their development—even for short-term roles.
