Finance Officer; FTC)

EA First is recruiting a Finance Officer (FTC) to join a well-established education organisation based in Leicester. This is an initial three month fixed-term contract (FTC) and represents an excellent opportunity for an experienced finance professional to join a busy central finance team. The successful candidate will provide essential transactional and reconciliation support, helping to ensure that the organisation's financial processes remain accurate, timely and well controlled.

Our client is a values led education organisation supporting a network of schools across the region. The organisation is committed to delivering high-quality education and providing its employees with a supportive, collaborative working environment. Its central services team works closely with senior leaders and school-based colleagues to ensure resources are managed effectively and consistently. This is a varied role with regular interaction across the organisation, including senior leadership, budget holders and administrative teams.

Reporting to the Finance Manager, the Finance Officer (FTC) will support the day to day financial operations of the organisation.

• Processing purchase orders, supplier invoices, sales invoices, petty cash and credit card transactions.
• Ensuring transactions are accurately coded and appropriately authorised.
• Resolving routine supplier queries and ensuring payments are made in accordance with agreed terms.
• Preparing and supporting weekly supplier payment runs.
• Completing bank and credit card reconciliations accurately and promptly.
• Identifying and correctly coding income received.
• Reviewing aged debtors and supporting the collection of outstanding balances.
• Processing internal charges across the organisation.
• Undertaking appropriate checks when setting up new suppliers, including verification of bank details.
• Providing guidance to junior staff and colleagues on finance processes.
• Supporting colleagues with purchasing procedures and financial system queries.
• Maintaining accurate financial records in line with internal financial regulations.
• Contributing ideas to improve finance processes and ways of working.
• Providing cover for other members of the finance team when required.

• Previous experience in a transactional finance or finance administration role.
• Experience with in education, a multi-academy trust or the wider not for profit sector is essential.
• An AAT qualification at Level 2 or above, or equivalent practical experience.
• Experience of processing invoices, payments and other financial transactions.
• Strong bank and credit card reconciliation experience.
• Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.
• Experience of using a computerised finance system; knowledge of PS Financials would be advantageous.
• Strong numerical skills and excellent attention to detail.
• The ability to organise and prioritise a varied workload against daily, weekly and monthly deadlines.
• Clear written and verbal communication skills.
• A collaborative approach and the ability to work effectively with minimal supervision.
• The confidence to resolve routine queries and elevate more complex matters appropriately.
• An understanding of confidentiality and data protection requirements.
• A willingness to travel to Leicester on a hybrid basis.

The successful candidate will be subject to the relevant pre-employment and safeguarding (DBS) checks.

• £30,000 - £35,000 per annum.
• Initial three month fixed term contract.
• 37 hours per week.
• Leicester based office, hybrid working on offer.
• Membership of a defined benefit pension scheme, subject to eligibility.
• Access to an employee assistance and well being programme.
• Employee retail discounts and salary sacrifice benefits, subject to eligibility.
• The opportunity to join a supportive and collaborative central finance team.
• Potential for an immediate start.