At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the Finance Transactions Team with financial and administrative tasks.
- Company: Join The Sir John Brunner Foundation, a leading Multi-Academy Trust.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible hours, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Enjoy a dynamic role with opportunities for growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a difference in education while developing your finance skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in finance or accounts payable/receivable is a plus.
The predicted salary is between 26403 - 28142 € per year.
Salary Grade 5 – SCP 7 to SCP 11 - £26,403 TO £28,142 (FTE) £17,839 - £19,014 (Actual)
Contract Type: 25 hours per week, Full-Year – Permanent
Start Date: June 2026
Reporting To: Finance Transactions Team Manager
About the Organization:
The Sir John Brunner Foundation is a Multi‑Academy Trust that educates more than 4,300 children and young people and employs over 450 professionals. The Trust operates four good and outstanding academies and has a central office at Sir John Deane’s Sixth Form College campus.
- Academies:
- County High School, Leftwich
- Middlewich High School
- Sir John Deane’s Sixth Form College
- Macclesfield Academy
About the Role:
The Finance Assistant is based at The Chapel at the Sir John Brunner Foundation (central finance office). The role requires a 25‑hour work week and will support the Finance Transactions Team across the Trust.
Key Responsibilities:
- Provide financial and administrative support to the Finance Transactions Team to ensure effective delivery of financial services.
- Manage Accounts Payable and Receivable: receive, prepare, and send purchase orders; check budget balances; obtain approvals; match incoming purchase invoices to relevant orders.
- Set up new payment items in the online payments software (Arbor and Wisepay) and record cashbook receipts from online payment providers, allocating against correct activity codes in the finance system (PS Financials).
- Respond to queries from academy staff, budget holders, parents and suppliers regarding financial matters by email, telephone, or in‑person.
Requirements:
- Relevant experience in finance or accounts payable/receivable.
- Strong organisational and communication skills.
- Experience with online payment software and finance systems is desirable.
- Enhanced DBS disclosure and satisfactory references.
Employer Commitment:
The foundation is an equal opportunities employer. The role requires safeguarding commitment and appropriate DBS disclosure.
Finance Assistant at The Sir John Brunner Foundation employer: The Macclesfield Academy
The Sir John Brunner Foundation is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work environment that prioritises the professional growth of its employees. With a commitment to equal opportunities and a focus on safeguarding, the Foundation provides meaningful roles that contribute to the education of over 4,300 children and young people. Located at the vibrant Sir John Deane’s Sixth Form College campus, employees benefit from a collaborative culture and the chance to make a real impact within the community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Assistant at The Sir John Brunner Foundation
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees of The Sir John Brunner Foundation on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give us insider info and maybe even a referral!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the Trust's values and recent achievements. We want to show that we’re not just interested in the role, but also in being part of their mission to educate over 4,300 children.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice common interview questions related to finance and administration. We can even do mock interviews with friends to boost our confidence and refine our answers.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after the interview! A quick thank-you email can keep us fresh in their minds and show our enthusiasm for the Finance Assistant position.
We think you need these skills to ace Finance Assistant at The Sir John Brunner Foundation
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in finance or accounts payable/receivable. We want to see how your skills match the role, so don’t be shy about showcasing your organisational and communication skills!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re excited about the Finance Assistant role at The Sir John Brunner Foundation. Let us know how your background makes you a great fit for our team.
Showcase Your Software Skills:If you’ve got experience with online payment software or finance systems, make sure to mention it! We’re keen on candidates who can hit the ground running, so highlight any relevant tech skills you have.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Macclesfield Academy
✨Know Your Numbers
Brush up on your finance knowledge, especially around accounts payable and receivable. Be ready to discuss your experience with financial software like Arbor and PS Financials, as well as any relevant processes you've managed in previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Organisational Skills
The role requires strong organisational skills, so prepare examples of how you've effectively managed multiple tasks or projects. Think about times when you had to prioritise competing deadlines and how you ensured everything was completed accurately and on time.
✨Communicate Clearly
As you'll be responding to queries from various stakeholders, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. Consider common financial questions that might arise and how you would address them, demonstrating your ability to communicate complex information simply.
✨Demonstrate Your Commitment to Safeguarding
Since the role involves working within a Multi-Academy Trust, it's crucial to show your understanding of safeguarding principles. Be prepared to discuss why safeguarding is important and how you would ensure compliance in your role as a Finance Assistant.
