At a Glance
- Tasks: Support financial operations and payroll administration in a busy school environment.
- Company: Join a well-respected secondary school in Central London with strong leadership.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, access to CPD courses, and dedicated consultant support.
- Other info: Flexible payroll options and opportunities across London schools.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in education while developing your finance skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in finance or payroll, strong numerical skills, and attention to detail.
Finance & Payroll Assistant Required - Full-Time Role
Location: Central London
Start Date: September 2026
Contract: Full-time, 5 days per week
Duration: Permanent / Long-term
Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience
Tradewind Recruitment is working with a high-performing secondary school in Central London to recruit a highly organised and detail-focused candidate for a Finance & Payroll Assistant role. This is a key position supporting the Head of Finance in the smooth and accurate running of all financial operations. The successful candidate will be responsible for processing financial transactions, supporting payroll administration, maintaining accurate records, and ensuring compliance with school and statutory financial procedures.
The role requires strong attention to detail, confidentiality, and the ability to manage multiple financial and administrative tasks within a busy school environment. You will play an important part in supporting financial operations across a busy secondary school setting in Central London.
This inclusive and well-respected secondary school is known for strong leadership, excellent organisation, and a commitment to efficient financial and operational systems. Located in Westminster, the school provides a structured and supportive environment where finance and administration teams play a vital role in ensuring smooth day-to-day operations. The successful candidate will join a professional and collaborative team focused on accuracy, compliance, and continuous improvement. It is an excellent opportunity for a Finance & Payroll Assistant to develop their skills within an education setting.
Key Responsibilities
- Process purchase orders, invoices, receipts, and payments accurately
- Prepare and verify BACS payment runs for authorisation
- Reconcile credit card statements and supplier accounts
- Support cash handling, banking, and petty cash processes
- Assist with payroll processing and checking draft payroll reports
- Support pension scheme submissions and year-end audit preparation
- Assist with debt collection (e.g. dinner money)
Systems & Records Management
- Maintain financial records using Access databases
- Manage document storage via DocuWare
- Scan, index, and archive financial documentation
- Produce financial reports and data extracts
- Ensure secure handling of confidential financial information
Administrative Support
- Support Head of Finance and wider finance team
- Respond to queries from staff, suppliers, and stakeholders
- Assist with contracts, procurement, and finance correspondence
- Support stock control and purchasing processes
Compliance & School Support
- Ensure compliance with financial regulations and procedures
- Follow GDPR, safeguarding, and health & safety policies
- Support audit preparation and internal controls
- Undertake additional duties as required
Candidate Requirements
Essential:
- Experience in finance, payroll, or school administration
- Strong numerical and organisational skills
- High attention to detail and accuracy
- Ability to handle confidential information
- Experience with finance systems (Access, Excel, or similar)
- Full-time availability
Desirable:
- Experience in a school or public sector finance setting
- Knowledge of payroll or pension processes
- Experience supporting audits or financial reporting
Why Join Tradewind Recruitment?
- Competitive daily or salary rates
- Access to 2,500+ CPD courses via The National College
- Dedicated education consultant support
- Interview preparation and career guidance
- Opportunities across London schools
- Flexible payroll options
Eligibility
To apply for this Finance & Payroll Assistant role, you must:
- Have relevant finance or payroll experience
- Be able to work full-time
- Provide full employment history
- Supply two professional references
- Meet safeguarding and compliance requirements
If you are an experienced Finance & Payroll Assistant looking for a new opportunity in Central London, this is an excellent chance to join a well-structured school environment where accuracy and finance processes are highly valued. Submit your CV today or contact Tradewind Recruitment for more information. Early applications are strongly encouraged as the school is looking to appoint the right candidate ahead of September.
Finance & Payroll Assistant in City of Westminster employer: Tradewind Recruitment
Tradewind Recruitment offers an exceptional opportunity for a Finance & Payroll Assistant in a well-respected secondary school located in the heart of Westminster. With a strong commitment to professional development, employees benefit from access to over 2,500 CPD courses and dedicated support from education consultants, fostering a collaborative and inclusive work culture. This role not only provides competitive salary rates but also allows for meaningful contributions to the financial operations of a vibrant educational environment, making it an ideal place for those seeking growth and fulfilment in their careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance & Payroll Assistant in City of Westminster
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
✨Get Certified
Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.
✨Connect on Professional Platforms
Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like Tradewind Recruitment. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Finance & Payroll Assistant in City of Westminster
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to Tradewind Recruitment.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on Tradewind Recruitment's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Tradewind Recruitment
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with Tradewind Recruitment.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at Tradewind Recruitment will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former Tradewind Recruitment employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.
