Finance Assistant

A permanent post in the business support team at The Sutton Academy, handling the school's day-to-day finance processing. The core of the work is keeping supplier invoices, purchase orders, credit card reconciliations and Arbor Pay payment queries accurate and on time, alongside month-end and year-end reconciliations. The role is hands-on and collaborative, working with the Cluster Finance Manager and Finance Officer on 37 hours Monday to Friday.

Visa sponsorship is not available, and the post is subject to an Enhanced DBS check.

• Process supplier invoices and purchase orders in Civica Financials, checking accuracy and securing budget-holder approval for timely payment
• Reconcile credit card transactions monthly and administer petty cash
• Handle Arbor Pay online payment queries and act as first point of contact for them
• Assist with school bank administration, including regular cash reconciliation and deposits
• Produce and collate finance reports from accounting software for the finance team and external auditors
• Support month-end and year-end financial reconciliations and maintain financial records in line with school policies
• Support staff with purchasing processes and place orders when required
• Maintain confidentiality and professional conduct in all finance duties

• AAT part-qualified (Level 2/3 or equivalent)
• GCSE grade C/4 or above in maths and English, or equivalent

• Experience of financial procedures, controls, processes and reconciliations
• Accounts payable experience handling supplier invoices and purchase orders
• Experience working in a busy finance office environment

• Up-to-date knowledge of ICT and financial management systems, such as Arbor, Civica Financials and Microsoft Office
• Excellent organisational skills, strong numeracy and literacy
• Working accurately to strict deadlines with high attention to detail
• Effective communication with staff, suppliers and external organisations
• Strong team player who supports colleagues when required

• Satisfactory Enhanced DBS check

• Commitment to personal development

• Experience of working within a school or academy environment

• Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme
• Occupational sickness and parental leave pay schemes
• Minimum of 25 days annual leave, rising to 30 days after 5 years' service, plus bank holidays
• TCAT+ reward, recognition and wellbeing platform, including retailer discounts, discounted healthcare cash plan and cycle to work scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme
• CPD framework through Education Connect and online resources from the National College