Finance Assistant

Part time, permanent, required as soon as possible

Founded during the fourteenth century, Ipswich School is one of the foremost independent schools in East Anglia. It has over 1,000 pupils aged between 3 and 19 and is co-educational throughout. The Lodge Day Nursery opened in January 2018, and provides the very best care for younger children aged from 3 months to 3 years. 

The School is consistently judged to be ‘excellent’ in all that we do, with the most recent report by ISI Inspectors confirming, Ipswich School has a fine record of academic success, which is placed within the context of an extensive range of activities outside the classroom. The School operates a five-day week, with representative sports on Saturdays. Games, CCF, Community Service and a variety of other activities take place on Thursday afternoons.  

We have a day nursery (The Lodge Day Nursery), Prep School and Senior School, located near to Christchurch Park, with sports facilities located in Rushmere and at Notcutts, off Henley Road. 

This post is based in the Bursary, which is located in the Senior School on Henley Road.

The Bursary is a very busy department in the School and we operate throughout the year. The Schools income is currently just in excess of £21 million per annum. The Director of Finance and Operations and her team are responsible for the non-academic operation of the School.

You will provide comprehensive financial administrative support, ensuring the accurate and timely processing of financial transactions and careful maintenance of the School’s financial records. including reconciling financial accounts and managing payment processing (including international and faster payments). You will also carry out month-end procedures, prepare journal entries, and maintain invoice records.

The ideal candidate will possess proven experience in a financial administrative or assistant role, demonstrating strong numerical aptitude and proficiency in Microsoft Excel and financial software. A thorough understanding of basic accounting principles is essential, coupled with strong organisational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage confidential information with utmost discretion. While not essential, a relevant financial qualification and experience within an educational setting would be advantageous.

WORKING HOURS, SALARY AND HOLIDAY ENTITLEMENT

●    This is a part-time, permanent post, subject to a 6-month probationary period. You will work for 30 hours per week ideally over five days (to be agreed with the successful candidate) throughout the year with a 30 minute unpaid break for lunch each day.

●    The salary (for 30 hours per week as detailed above) will be £19,500 per annum.

●    You will be entitled to 25 days’ paid holiday per year plus public holidays (pro rata), increasing to 30 days per year plus public holidays (pro rata) after completion of 5 years’ service. Holidays are to be taken at times to be agreed with the Finance Controller

●    Free lunch is provided in the School Dining Hall during term time when the kitchen is in operation.

●    Staff are able to use the School’s swimming pool and fitness gym free of charge (in compliance with appropriate rules and regulations).

●    After 3 months’ service and/or in line with workplace pension legislation, the post holder will be entitled to join a defined contribution pension scheme with 10% employer contributions

●    The School offers a Cycle to Work Scheme, Employee Assistance Programme (with access to a 24/7 GP service and mental health support), and regular opportunities to socialise with other staff members at our Christmas and Summer Parties and other events.

●    Generous fee remission is offered after 3 years of service to the postholder’s child(ren) attending the School.

CLOSING DATE AND INTERVIEW ARRANGEMENTS

Please advise us of any special requirements you may have if you are called for interview. If your special requirements mean that you need to submit this application in a different format please contact us.

Completed application forms, available from www.ipswich.school/vacancies should be returned by 5pm on Wednesday 6th August 2025 to the HR Director, via email HR@ipswich.School or by post Ipswich School, 25 Henley Road, Ipswich, IP1 3SG. Please mark the envelope Private and Confidential.

Candidates shortlisted for interview will be advised as soon as possible after the closing date and interviews are likely to be held on 13th August 2025. 

PLEASE NOTE

·        Ipswich School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment. Applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service. Having a criminal record will not necessarily be a bar to obtaining the position. The Ipswich School policy on the recruitment of ex offenders and the Code of Practice relating to the Disclosure and Barring Service are available on request. 

·        Ipswich School’s employees are responsible for promoting and safeguarding the welfare of children and young people they are responsible for, or come into contact with. The post holder must adhere to and ensure compliance with the School’s Child Protection and Safeguarding Children Policy at all times. If, in the course of carrying out their duties, the post holder becomes aware of any actual or potential risks to the safety or welfare of children in the School they must report any concerns to the School’s Designated Safeguarding Lead. 

·        Ipswich School’s employees are expected to attend training in safeguarding children as directed.

·        Applicants are advised that in the interests of the health and safety of all its pupils and employees, Ipswich School operates a No Smoking Policy and employees are expected to comply with the statutory restriction on smoking in public places.