Senior Finance Officer

We are looking to appoint a personable, highly organised and hardworking individual to join our busy Finance Team. Reporting to the Finance Director, you will lead the day-to-day finance operations in the school, ensuring high-quality financial delivery from procurement to accounts payable to credit control.

The successful candidate will be a team player who is able to cope with the pressures that come with this responsible and vital role. You will be a diligent finance operator with a keen eye for detail and excellent communication and interpersonal skills, as well as being proficient in the use of accounting software and Microsoft applications.

Experience of working in a school is desirable, although not essential, as we will provide training on the specific accounting requirements for the school.

Hours: 30–37 hours per week, Monday to Friday, term time only plus 15 days

Salary

• HCC H6 Scale Points 14–19* (actual salary £21,344 – £23,122 per annum, including outer fringe allowance, based on 30 hours per week, term time only plus 15 days)
• HCC H6 Scale Points 14–19* (actual salary £26,324 – £28,417 per annum, including outer fringe allowance, based on 37 hours per week, term time only plus 15 days)

* Full-time equivalent salary: H6 Scale 14–19 £29,330 – £31,773 per annum (including outer fringe allowance of £706 pa)

Main responsibilities will include:

• Line management of our Finance Admin Assistants
• Processing purchase orders and distributing Pos to suppliers and budget holders as required
• Supplier management: maintaining supplier records, processing supplier invoices, and ensuring appropriate authorisation and payment in accordance with the school’s policies
• Assisting with administering the school’s online banking and payment portals
• Processing the weekly BACS run by preparing, checking, uploading and sending the payments via the online banking system
• Reconciliation of school suppliers’ statements on a monthly basis
• Working with the Finance Director to prepare monthly/termly management accounts
• Assisting with the preparation of budgets for the school
• Assisting with the year-end audit and year-end accounts
• Assisting with the preparation of weekly cashflow forecasts for the school
• Preparation and submission of VAT returns for the school in consultation with the Finance Director
• Bank, cash and credit card reconciliation
• Reconciliation of balance sheet control accounts on a monthly basis and at year end
• Performing financial analysis, KPI and cost reports as required
• Working with the Finance Director to review and improve financial systems and processes within the school
• Working as a second administrator and backup for the school’s finance, payroll, banking and other IT systems (PS Financials, ParentPay, online banking and credit card, staff payroll, BACS systems, etc.)
• Handling general queries related to the Finance department
• Dealing with queries from suppliers (including statements), debtors, budget holders and other school staff
• Ad hoc finance tasks in support of the wider team
• Any other duties as deemed reasonable and necessary by the Finance Director

The successful candidate will:

• Possess GCSEs or equivalent qualifications in Maths and English at 4–9 (A*–C)
• Have experience in a similar finance role, preferably in an education environment
• Have a high level of numeracy skills (AAT or equivalent or relevant experience)
• Have relevant experience of financial procedures and reporting (knowledge of VAT preferable)
• Be computer-literate with strong MS Office skills, especially in Excel
• Be positive and flexible, with excellent organisational skills and the ability to use your initiative
• Be able to adapt and react within a fast-paced environment, managing conflicting priorities
• Have excellent attention to detail, with the ability to work accurately and independently
• Be able to solve problems, exercise responsible judgement when appropriate and make decisions
• Understand the need for high levels of confidentiality, discretion and integrity in the school environment
• Have the ability to work individually and as part of a team within a busy environment
• Possess exceptional interpersonal and communication skills – both written and verbal, with the ability to explain facts and issues clearly and concisely to colleagues, employees and others, including those without financial knowledge
• Be hardworking, enthusiastic, committed and proactive
• Have the ability to prioritise their workload and meet deadlines whilst working under pressure
• Be resilient and assertive when required

Knowledge of Arbor and PS Financials accounting software is desirable but not essential as training will be provided.

In return, Leventhorpe can provide:

• Excellent facilities: To accommodate our expanding roll, Leventhorpe has just completed an extensive multi-million-pound capital build programme, including a new Science and Sixth Form block and a state-of-the-art Performing Arts and English block. Previous investment has included a Sports Complex which features a sports hall, fitness suite, dance studio, 3G all-weather pitch and floodlit tennis courts
• A positive working environment in a heavily oversubscribed school with an excellent academic record and high standards. We place strong emphasis on student learning and achievement
• Exceptionally dedicated colleagues and enthusiastic students
• Priority admission for children of staff after a qualifying period 

To apply, please visit the vacancies page of our website https://www.leventhorpe.net/2212/vacancies

Alternatively, please complete and submit your application via the ‘Quick Apply’ button.

Closing date for applications is 12.00 noon Tuesday 25th February 2025.

Leventhorpe is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful applicant will be required to apply for an enhanced disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). Further information for candidates, including the school's policies on Safer Recruitment, Child Protection and Data Privacy notices, can be found on the school’s website.