Finance Assistant (Apprenticeship)

About the role: ​​​​​​​Leigh Academies Trust has a rare and exciting opportunity to appoint a Finance Assistant (Apprenticeship) to join our friendly and vibrant team as soon as possible. The overarching purpose of this role is to provide a comprehensive financial support service to the Finance Manager and Finance Officers. We are looking for someone that can demonstrate strong interpersonal skills, excellent prioritisation and also accuracy and attention to detail. Our successful candidate will benefit from being part of our highly collaborative team!

Our successful candidate will be required to travel across 4 sites on a weekly basis as they will support Oaks Primary Academy, Tree Tops Primary Academy, Langley Park Primary Academy and Molehill Primary Academies. Therefore, applicants must have a driving licence.

The position is ideal for someone at the start of their career, who is passionate about working within the department and the value that it adds to an organisation. You'll be joining a well established team who will support you to thrive in this role and you will receive fantastic professional development opportunities, working towards gaining a nationally-recognised Level 3 AAT qualification.

Please note: This is a fixed term position for 12-18 months to reflect the apprenticeship duration, however, every effort will be made to extend / make permanent thereafter. Applicants who have already obtained a Level 3 qualification will not be eligible for this position. Interviews will be conducted on 5th July 2022.

Apprenticeship Summary:

Annual wage:  £12,500 - £15,000 per annum

Holiday allowance: 25 days per annum plus bank holidays

Working week: Monday - Friday 8:00am - 4.00pm

Total hours per week: 37 (including the 20% training element of the Apprenticeship)

Apprenticeship duration: Approx.12-18 months

Anticipated start date: As soon as possible

Apprenticeship level: Advanced Level Apprenticeship (Level 3)​​​​​​​

Positions: 1 available

Desired entry qualifications: GCSE grade C/4 or above in Maths, English and ICT

Please note that a Level 2 qualification in English and Maths is essential for this opportunity. Applicants that do not have this can not be considered. 

Future prospects: This apprenticeship could be the start of a very promising career within the wider business and finance remit. We endeavour to offer further employment following successful performance and completion of the Level 3 course with future opportunities to extend your training with a higher level apprenticeship programme. We offer in-house Continuing Professional Development and you’ll be part of a highly experienced and efficient office team – you’ll be learning from the very best!

Essential skills: 

• Level 2 in Maths and English 
• Excellent organisational and planning skills with outstanding attention to detail 
• Demonstrate a high level of initiative 
• Computer literacy in usual office applications 
• Committed and enthusiastic 
• Excellent attendance and time-keeping record. 
• Organised 
• Attention to detail and accuracy 
• Able to respond proactively to daily issues in a timely manner 
• Comfortable working both individually and as part of a team 
• Comfortable with communicating with people at all levels of seniority

This is a permanent role which offers a salary ranging between £12,500 - £15,000 per annum. 

Being part of Leigh Academies Trust: As of 1st September 2021, our Trust comprises 31 geographically organised academies (15 secondaries, 14 primaries and 2 special) educating 20,000 students, and employing over 2,500 talented staff. The Trust is establishing four ‘clusters’ of academies: North West Kent; Central Kent; South East London; Medway. In addition, the Trust is responsible for one of the region’s biggest initial teaching training organisations, a large teaching school hub and is an accredited apprenticeship provider. Click here to view our future plans in our Vision 2025 document.  

As part of Leigh Academies Trust you will have ample opportunity to collaborate with your peers both within the academy and across the whole Trust. This is an important part of our vision as we know through experience that we perform better when we work together. You are supported to undertake regular self-development to continue your professional development and hopefully progress further within the organisation.

Click here to view the range of benefits available to all LAT staff.  

Our commitment to safeguarding: Leigh Academies Trust and all of our academies are committed to ensuring the highest levels of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our pupils, and we expect all our staff and volunteers to share this commitment.  We adopt a fair, robust and consistent recruitment process across all academies and business units.  All offers of employment are subject to an Enhanced DBS check, references, and where applicable, a prohibition from teaching check.  

Our commitment to equality and diversity: As a Trust we are passionate about diversity and recognise that as individuals, we all bring something unique to the role regardless of any protected characteristics which is why we treat all of our people equally, without compromise. We are committed to providing equality and fairness throughout our recruitment and employment practices and not to discriminate on any grounds.​​​​​​​

Based on the quality and quantity of applications received, Leigh Academies Trust reserves the right to close this vacancy sooner than the specified closing date.  Applicants will be notified of this where possible.  Therefore, early applications are encouraged.