Finance Assistant

Post:            Finance Assistant

Location:     Minerva Learning Trust Central Office

Pay scale:   NJC Grade 4, point 7: £27,274 to 12: £29,542 gross per annum

Contract:      Permanent, full time, 37 hours per week, 52 working weeks

Start date:   As soon as possible

Minerva Learning Trust is a growing multi-academy trust committed to providing an outstanding education for students from a wide variety of backgrounds across Sheffield and Derbyshire. Founded in 2014, Minerva Learning Trust has expanded to a thriving family of schools, including primary, secondary, sixth form, and a unique post-16 provision and employs just over 1000 staff. We have a strong track record of school improvement, supporting schools to achieve significantly stronger outcomes for pupils and sustained improvements in quality of education and leadership.

The Opportunity

We are seeking a highly organised and detail-oriented Finance Assistant to join our Central Finance Team. This is an excellent opportunity for an individual looking to develop their finance career within a supportive and professional environment. Working under the direction of the Transactional Finance Manager, you will play an important role in ensuring the smooth operation of the Trust's day-to-day financial processes.

You will support a wide range of transactional finance activities, including procurement, purchase ledger, income collection, banking and supplier administration. The role will provide exposure to all aspects of finance operations and offers an excellent foundation for further professional development within a large and growing organisation.

About the Role

As Finance Assistant you will:

• Support the administration of the Trust's finance operations, procurement and financial processes.

• Process income and expenditure transactions accurately and efficiently.

• Assist with purchase ordering, goods receipt administration and invoice processing.

• Perform routine reconciliations and financial reporting activities.

• Post cashbook transactions and undertake bank reconciliations.

• Support cash flow monitoring and forecasting activities.

• Work with schools to ensure prompt collection of income.

• Liaise with suppliers and support the resolution of routine financial queries.

• Administer and reconcile the Trust's procurement card arrangements.

• Maintain accurate financial records in accordance with Trust policies and procedures.

About You

We are looking for someone who:

• Has experience in an administrative or finance support role.

• Has a good understanding of financial systems and processes.

• Has strong organisational skills and excellent attention to detail.

• Is confident using Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel.

• Can manage competing priorities and work effectively to deadlines.

• Has excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

• Works effectively both independently and as part of a team.

• Is committed to delivering high levels of customer service.

Applications are welcome from candidates who have worked in education, local government, finance administration, customer service, banking or other administrative environments and who can demonstrate transferable skills. This role would also suit someone looking to develop a long-term career in finance.

Professional Development

We recognise that our staff are our greatest asset. We are committed to supporting professional growth and development and welcome applications from ambitious individuals who are keen to develop their skills and progress within the finance profession.  Funding and support may be available for relevant professional qualifications, including AAT studies.

What We Can Offer You

• Be a member of the Trust Central Team and join a strong and dynamic team of professionals across our organisation.

• Be supported in the continued development of a career in Finance.

• Have access to the Trust comprehensive professional development programme.

• Access to a range of wellbeing and employee support initiatives

• Have access to the local government pension scheme and terms and conditions aligned to the National Joint Council for Local Government Services

• 26 days annual leave plus bank holidays, rising to 31 days after five years' service.

• Continuous service may be recognised for eligible employees transferring from specified public sector organisations, preserving relevant employment benefits

Why Join Us?

This is an exciting time to join Minerva Learning Trust. As our Trust continues to grow, we are investing in our finance services to ensure we provide excellent support to our schools and deliver the best possible value for money. As Finance Assistant, you will be part of a team that plays a vital role in supporting educational success across the Trust.

Candidates are encouraged to have an informal discussion about the role with Ben Gascoigne, Interim Finance Business Partner.  Arrangements for this can be made by contacting Sara Bailey, Trust Executive & Governance Assistant via e-mail sbailey@central-mlt.co.uk.