Finance Officer

Summary:

Finance Officer role at a growing education organisation. Support financial administration across multiple schools.

About the School:

A school dedicated to providing high-quality, bespoke alternative education for children and young people. Small group learning and individualised support are at the heart of its approach.

The Opportunity:

Join a values-driven organisation as a Finance Officer, supporting the day-to-day financial administration across all schools. This role is essential to maintaining financial integrity and operational excellence in a growing multi-site education environment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Process and manage day-to-day financial transactions across multiple schools, ensuring accurate and up-to-date records in Xero.
• Oversee the full accounts payable cycle, from invoice receipt through to payment and supplier queries.
• Monitor aged creditors and prepare supplier payment runs, including remittance advice.
• Raise and issue invoices to commissioners and local authorities, ensuring accurate income allocation.
• Manage credit control by monitoring aged debt and proactively chasing outstanding balances.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with commissioners to support timely payments.
• Perform full monthly reconciliations across bank accounts, supplier bills, and expenses in Xero and Spendesk.
• Support month-end processes, reporting, and the continuous improvement of financial systems.

Qualifications & Skills:

Required

• Experience in a Finance Officer, Finance Assistant, or similar role
• Experience managing accounts payable and accounts receivable processes
• Experience performing full reconciliations
• Strong working knowledge of Xero or similar accounting software
• High level of accuracy and attention to detail
• Strong organisational and time management skills
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information
• Understanding of safeguarding responsibilities within an education setting

Preferred

• Experience within education, SEND, alternative provision, or multi-site environments
• Recognised accounting or finance qualification (or qualified by experience)

Compensation & Benefits:

• Hybrid working (3 office / 2 home)
• Company pension
• Casual dress
• Free tea and coffee
• Free onsite parking
• Employee recognition and service awards
• Health Assured EAP programme
• Access to wellbeing support and discounts
• Supportive and collaborative working environment
• Opportunity to grow within a developing multi-site organisation