At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the finance team in managing budgets and ensuring smooth financial operations.
- Company: Join a supportive school community dedicated to student success.
- Benefits: Flexible working hours, competitive pension scheme, and focus on well-being.
- Other info: Opportunity for professional growth in a dynamic and inclusive environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in education while enjoying a great work-life balance.
- Qualifications: A-levels or equivalent; finance experience and Excel skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
In this vital position, you will work hand‑in‑hand with our School Business Manager and Headteacher to ensure the day‑to‑day finance functions run like clockwork. You will help maintain our financial systems, champion best practices, and support the brilliant team that keeps our school community moving forward.
Responsibilities
- Assisting with annual budgets, monitoring performance, and identifying opportunities for financial efficiency.
- Overseeing essential month‑end duties, managing accounts payable and receivable, and handling bank and credit‑card reconciliations.
- Working closely with the School Business Manager and HR Manager to ensure monthly payroll runs accurately and smoothly.
- Communicating kindly and effectively with parents regarding payments and financial support, and guiding budget holders across the school.
- Supervising and supporting our Finance Officer, helping them grow through guidance and regular appraisals.
Qualifications
- A‑level education or equivalent; being AAT Level 4 qualified, working towards it, or possessing equivalent experience.
- A solid background working in a finance department or accounting practice, with hands‑on experience managing control accounts, reconciliations, accruals, and prepayments.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Excel; experience with accounting packages used in the education sector is a plus.
- The ability to analyse data, solve problems creatively, work independently, and stay calm under pressure when deadlines approach.
Salary & Working Hours
- Salary and Grade: Grade 11
- Hours: 29.6 hours per week (0.8 FTE), term time plus 3 weeks (41.5 weeks per year)
- Contract Type: Permanent
- Location: The Swan School
- Reporting To: School Business Manager
Benefits
- Enrolment in a competitive local government pension scheme.
- Access to a comprehensive employee assistance programme focused on your well‑being.
- A genuinely flexible approach to working hours for the right candidate.
- Access to high‑quality CPLD pathways and the security of recognised continuous service.
This part‑time schedule offers an excellent opportunity for work‑life balance, giving you the chance to thrive professionally while enjoying the unique benefits of working term time.
Child Safety & Safeguarding
River Learning Trust and The Swan School are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children and preventing extremism. We conduct checks and online searches in accordance with Keeping Children Safe In Education guidance. It is an offence to apply for certain roles within schools if you are barred from engaging in regulated activity relevant to children.
Equality & Inclusion
We don’t just accept difference; we celebrate “different contributions” and are dedicated to building an inclusive environment where every colleague can thrive. If you require any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know so we can support you to be at your best.
Assistant Finance Manager in Oxford employer: The Swan School
At The Swan School, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that values the well-being and professional growth of our staff. With a flexible working approach, competitive local government pension scheme, and access to high-quality continuous professional learning and development pathways, we create an environment where you can thrive both personally and professionally. Join us in fostering a supportive and inclusive school community dedicated to making a positive impact on our students' lives.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Finance Manager in Oxford
✨Connect with Campus Reps
If you're looking for part-time work in banking, try to connect with your university's career services and campus representatives from banks. They often host recruitment events or provide exclusive job listings, which can give you a leg up in the application process.
✨Get Involved in Financial Societies
Join finance or investment clubs at your university. These societies not only provide fantastic networking opportunities but also often collaborate with financial institutions for internships or part-time roles, making it easier for us to land those positions.
✨Use LinkedIn for Hidden Gems
Keep an eye on LinkedIn for part-time opportunities at banks, specifically targeting roles like customer service or administrative support. Companies like The Swan School often post openings there first, so be on the lookout and don’t forget to engage with their content!
✨Showcase Your Skills Directly
When applying for a part-time role, consider creating a simple portfolio that highlights your finance-related skills or projects. Whether it's a personal finance blog, a financial analysis you've done, or any relevant coursework, having this ready can impress hiring managers at The Swan School.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Finance Manager in Oxford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers Game:In the banking and financial services world, it's all about numbers. Highlight any relevant coursework, grades, or certifications, like AAT or CFA, on your CV. If you can point to specific projects or tasks where you managed finances or analysed data, that's a big plus!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Us:When writing your cover letter, don’t just reiterate your CV. Tell us why you want to work at The Swan School and how this part-time role fits into your career goals. Map your skills and experiences directly to the job spec, and don’t forget to weave in any technical skills you have, like experience with financial software!
Marry Experience with Availability:Since this is part-time, it’s super important to state your availability clearly in your application. Highlight any previous work experience, even if it's not directly in finance, that shows your reliability and ability to juggle various commitments. Flexibility can be a real asset!
Keep It Professional Yet Personal:While you want to keep a professional tone, don’t be afraid to inject a bit of your personality into your application. Especially for a part-time role, we’re looking for someone who's not just skilled but also a good fit for the team at The Swan School. A little light-heartedness can go a long way!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Swan School
✨Brush Up on Your Numbers
For a role in banking and financial services, you’ll likely encounter numerical tests that gauge your analytical skills. So, let’s whip out those maths skills! Practise mental arithmetic and get comfy with basic financial concepts; this'll really help you shine during the assessment stages.
✨Know Your Financial Products
Knowing your stuff about the various financial products and services is crucial. Be prepared to discuss topics like loans, mortgages, investment funds, and credit options. Having a finger on the pulse of current market trends and economic events can also give you an edge—the interviewers will appreciate your insight!
✨Flexibility and Commitment are Key
Since you're aiming for a part-time position, emphasise your flexibility and willingness to commit your time effectively. Highlight your ability to balance studies or other commitments while delivering results at work. This kind of attitude can set you apart from the competition.
✨Showcase Your Portfolio of Experience
Even though it’s a part-time role, companies want to see your motivation and past experience. Bring examples of relevant projects or roles, including internships or coursework that demonstrate your understanding and passion for banking and finance. The more tangible your examples, the more convincing you’ll be!
