Finance Assistant

Job Role

The Governors are seeking to appoint a Finance Assistant to join our hardworking, committed and enthusiastic team. The position is a pivotal part of the administration of the finances and other resources provided to support the Finance Team. The role will require the successful candidate to liaise with the Teachers and Heads of Department as well as other members of the support staff.

The Trustees are looking for someone who will be highly organised and possess good interpersonal skills.

If you are a Catholic, you will understand the distinctiveness of Catholic schools such as Oaklands and this will be attractive to you. You do not have to be a Catholic to work at Oaklands; the Governors welcome applications from candidates of differing faith backgrounds or none who can be supportive of the school ethos.

• Data input of orders, invoices, staff expenses and direct debits, as directed, within timescales specified in the School's Manual of Financial Practice and Procedures
• Supplier details - create new suppliers and amend details of existing ones
• Assist with reviewing statements on a monthly basis
• Ensure all supplier invoices are properly authorised and purchase orders are attached
• Compile and check invoices for BACS processing
• Raise sales invoices for school lettings and chase for any overdue payments
• Liaise with leasers, suppliers and parents over any queries or concerns
• Process weekly banking and input of cash and online income
• Compiling and input of spend on the school credit cards when the statements are received
• Assist on Finance desk, processing sales from school shop, recording onto Tucasi and ensuring stock is ordered as appropriate
• Reports - assist with the production of school trip reports as requested
• Assist with year-end stock check
• Any other duties commensurate with the position as directed by the Deputy Finance Manager, Finance Manager or School Business Manager

• Staff Management and teamwork
• Systems
• School Policies and Regulations

• Act as first point of contact for enquiries relating to finance, responding within standard procedures or referring the enquiry to an appropriate destination
• Promote the image of the school in all contacts with the outside world

Essential:

• GCSE or equivalent in English and Mathematics
• Sound administrator with attention to detail
• Working with a range of financial software programmes, MIS and Microsoft applications
• Articulate, literate and numerate
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (verbal and written)
• Organisational ability and able to manage time to prioritise tasks and meet deadlines
• Appreciation of the issues working around young people and prepared to train to gain up-to-date knowledge of relevant legislation and guidance in relation to working with, and the protection of children and young people.
• Ability to support the school ethos
• Confidentiality and discretion
• Use of initiative
• Sense of humour
• Confidence and assertiveness
• Tidy and organised approach with attention to detail
• Ability to work under pressure and multi-task
• Ability to work as part of a team and independently
• Ability to forge and maintain good relationships with staff and students
• Takes pride in work and has high expectations of self and others
• Willingness to participate fully in the life of the school
• Willingness to work overtime if required

Desirable:

• A level education or beyond
• Previous experience of working in a finance department of an academy school
• Level 2 Accounting Qualification
• Previous experience of working in a similar role
• Previous experience of working with school SIMS system, PS Financials and Tucasi
• Excellent IT skills including Microsoft Word Publisher and Excel
• Experience of working with a range of financial software programmes, MIS and Microsoft applications
• Willingness to train as Fire Warden/First Aider

• All staff will be required to complete and obtain a clear Enhanced DBS.
• All applicants must evidence Right to Work.