Finance Officer

Immediate start available

The Role

An opportunity has arisen for a Finance Officer to work for Wetherby Kensington School, an independent, two form, non-selective pre-preparatory school for boys from Reception to Year 3 based in London SW5. It is part of the Alpha Plus Group, one of the largest privately-owned school groups in the UK owning 20 schools and colleges.

The ideal candidate will be reliable, honest, flexible and trustworthy and able to work in a busy environment with adults and children alike. Proficiency in English, both spoken and written, is essential as is good knowledge of office software packages. Previous financial administration experience is essential and knowledge of SIMS and working in the education sector is desirable.

The role is Term Time Only (plus) equating to 39 working weeks per year. The hours are 08:30 - 16:30, 4 days per week.

The Group

The Alpha Plus Group was founded in 1931 and currently comprises independent nurseries, schools and colleges, which have developed a longstanding reputation for delivering premium quality education. Alpha Plus Group creates centres of educational excellence. Each centre retains its own identity, with the Heads and Principals afforded significant management authority, but with the benefits of financial security, camaraderie and opportunities for sharing best practice by belonging to one of the country's leading educational groups.

Main Duties and Responsibilities 

• Complete monthly bank reconciliation as per Head Office timetable 
• Check online bank statements on a regular basis 
• Invoice termly fees plus music tuition and school bus 
• Fees Ledger Maintenance: update fees ledger, update leavers information, change of address, bank details 
• Direct Debits: set up direct debits on SIMS and process termly payments 
• Aged Debtors: print out updated list and chase outstanding fees by phone, e-mail and letter 
• Purchase ledger invoices: assign nominal ledger code, present for authorisation to Head, forward to Head office for processing, record costs on budget sheets 
• Personal Expenses: assist staff with preparation of claim form, record costs on budget sheets 
• Credit Card Expenses: match receipts to monthly statement, record costs on budget sheets 
• Petty Cash: maintain and reconcile petty cash 
• Salaries: prepare monthly salary sheet 
• Banking: day-to-day banking of cheques and cash, posting receipts to SIMS 
• Orders: order and maintain office stationery and staff supplies, liaise with coach companies and order transport for trips and games 
• ParentPay: manage ParentPay, set up payer codes, add items, create register for clubs, keep track of payments, liaise with parents about clubs availability and send ParentPay breakdowns to Head Office 
• Maintain contact with Head Office: liaise regarding finance, property matters, provide information as required by Head Office for reporting and audits, attend occasional administrator and bursar meetings

Other duties 

• Answer main school telephone, screen and direct calls 
• Help open school post and Headmaster’s post and distribute accordingly 
• Respond to external and internal parental enquiries either in person or by phone or by e-mail 
• Help administer First Aid to boys 
• Greet and welcome all people entering the school, ensuring all sign in/ wear badges 
• Relay messages to staff, parents and the Headmaster 
• Note answerphone messages 
• Help contact parents of late boys 
• Maintain the SIMS database 
• Attend Alpha Plus training sessions as required 
• Attend any formal or informal school events outside of school hours as required by the Headmaster 
• Provide assistance when requested in order to ensure the smooth running of the administrative team

This list is not exhaustive and the essence of the job is to be accommodating and flexible at all times, as such the Finance Officer may be asked to carry out duties other than those listed as deemed reasonable by the Head and the Financial Controller at Head Office.

Safeguarding

APG is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Applicants will be required to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service.

Equal Opportunities

We are committed to equality of opportunity for all staff and applications from individuals are encouraged regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnerships.

Application Process

Please click 'here' to begin your application via the Alpha Plus Careers Site.

The closing date is Friday 01 July at 23:59.

We reserve the right to shortlist candidates before the closing date of the advert due to high volumes of applicants, therefore we encourage early applications.