Finance Assistant

Place Partnership are seeking to appoint an an enthusiastic and dedicated Finance Assistant to provide essential support to our Shared Services Finance Team based in the West Hub (Wakefield.) This role offers an excellent opportunity to contribute to the delivery of high-quality financial services across the Trust, while working closely with academies and a range of stakeholders.

The successful candidate will work collaboratively with the Senior Finance Officer to provide comprehensive financial support across the Trust. They will be responsible for ensuring the accurate and timely delivery of transactional finance services, including purchase ledger administration, payment processing, and cashback management. The postholder will also undertake routine reconciliations, prepare financial reports and schedules for review, and maintain accurate administrative and audit records. In addition, they will provide first-line support for resolving transactional finance queries and contribute to the continuous improvement of financial processes and procedures.

The ideal candidate will be a proactive, adaptable, and collaborative team player, capable of managing a varied workload, prioritising competing demands, and meeting deadlines in a fast-paced environment. They will possess excellent organisational and communication skills, strong attention to detail, and a commitment to delivering accurate, high-quality financial support.

Experience of working with financial systems and processes is desirable, together with a willingness to learn and contribute positively to the ongoing success of the finance team.

This is a full-time, permanent position, working Monday to Thursday, 8:00am to 4:00pm, and Friday, 8:00am to 3:30pm, with a 30-minute unpaid lunch break each day.

Contract: Full Time, Full Year.

The successful candidate will be:

• Educated to GCSE level (or equivalent), including English and Mathematics.

• Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office applications and Accounting Software.

• Experienced in working within financial procedures, systems and processes.

• Able to complete work accurately, efficiently and within agreed deadlines.

• Competent in the use of ICT systems, with a proven ability to quickly learn and adapt to new software, systems and procedures.

• Able to demonstrate excellent numerical, communication and problem-solving abilities.

• Able to work effectively both independently and as part of a team, while maintaining confidentiality and professionalism.

About Place Partnership

This is an exciting opportunity to join a forward-thinking and ambitious organisation, driven by a genuine passion for the wellbeing, care, and education of young people.

Place Partnership was formed in September 2026 following the voluntary merger of two strong and successful Trusts in South and West Yorkshire: Maltby Learning Trust, established in 2014, and Accord Multi Academy Trust, founded in 2016. At the heart of Place Partnership is a commitment to building a culture where people feel valued, take pride in their place, and hold high expectations because everyone matters. At Place Partnership we are dedicated to providing high-quality education which ensures that every child is given the opportunity to achieve their full potential.

We invest in our people through extensive professional learning and development opportunities, and we recognise that our people are our greatest strength. As such, we offer a comprehensive suite of benefits as part of our commitment to wellbeing and professional growth. Here are a few examples of employee benefits that focus on our employees' financial, physical and mental wellbeing:

• Membership to either the Teachers’ Pension Scheme or the Local Government Pension Scheme

• Technology scheme via SmartTech*

• Access to an extensive discounts platform via ‘Place Plus’

• Access to an industry-leading Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)

• 24/7 access to an online GP or Advanced Nurse Practitioner through Corporate Paid Healthcare Cash Plans

• Access to health and wellbeing services, with the ability to claim money back for essential healthcare such as prescriptions, optical and dental care through Corporate Paid Healthcare Cash Plans

• Cycle to Work Scheme*

• Free, on-site parking at every site

• Trained Mental Health First Aiders in all our settings

*restrictions apply

For full details of our employee benefit package, please see our Recruitment Pack.

Visits are warmly welcomed and can be arranged. For further details regarding this opportunity, for an informal discussion regarding the role or to arrange a visit, please do not hesitate to contact hr@placepartnership.com.

Application forms are available from our vacancies website.

Completed application forms to be returned to hr@placepartnership.com.

Closing date: 9.00am on Monday 12 October 2026.

Interviews are expected to take place week commencing 12 October 2026.

Based on the quality and quantity of applications received, Place Partnership reserves the right to interview sooner than the specified dates above. Applicants will be notified of this where possible. Therefore, early applications are encouraged.

Place Partnership is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The post is subject to an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and checks of the relevant barred list / prohibition lists.

Place Partnership is committed to providing a culture of inclusion, respect and equity of opportunity that attracts, supports, and retains high quality colleagues from all backgrounds and across all job roles.

Candidates will always be shortlisted based on the content of application against the job description and essential criteria without access to the personal details information.