Full job descriptionVNA Education is currently recruiting for an experienced Finance Officer on behalf of a welcoming and inclusive school. The successful candidate will provide effective financial and administrative support to ensure the smooth running of the school’s financial operations.
Working closely with the School Office Manager and wider administrative team, the Finance Officer will be responsible for maintaining accurate financial records, processing transactions, supporting budget management, and ensuring compliance with financial procedures and statutory requirements.
This is an excellent opportunity for an organised and detail-focused finance professional who enjoys working within an educational environment and making a positive contribution to the day-to-day operation of a school.


Key Responsibilities
The successful Finance Officer will be responsible for:
*Supporting the effective operation of the school’s financial systems, including processing income and expenditure records.
*Inputting financial transactions accurately onto accounting software systems.
*Completing month-end financial procedures, including bank reconciliations and system checks.
*Assisting with year-end financial reporting requirements.
*Processing invoices, staff expenses, payments, purchase orders, and financial documentation in line with school procedures.
*Supporting BACS payment processes and ensuring all financial approvals and documentation meet required standards.
*Monitoring outstanding debts and supporting debt recovery procedures in accordance with school policies.
*Maintaining accurate manual and computerised financial records.
*Producing and analysing financial reports to support effective budget management.
*Using finance systems such as Arbor Finance and other school-based accounting platforms.
*Maintaining confidentiality and accuracy when handling sensitive financial information.
*Supporting compliance with financial regulations, internal procedures, and audit requirements.
*Maintaining records relating to free school meals, pupil premium administration, nursery funding schemes, school meals, catering arrangements, and additional school services.
*Managing school lettings administration, including booking records and maintaining accurate documentation.
*Updating relevant information on school websites and communication platforms.
*Providing general administrative support to the school office team.
*Supporting reception duties, including answering telephone enquiries and assisting visitors.
*Assisting with pupil welfare administration and communication with parents/carers where required.
*Ensuring all information is handled securely and in line with UK GDPR and data protection legislation.
*Following safeguarding procedures and maintaining a safe environment for pupils and staff.
*Supporting first aid provision where required (training provided if necessary).
*Undertaking additional duties to support the smooth running of the school office when required.


Person Specification
Essential Requirements
Qualifications:
*A good standard of education, including GCSEs Grade C/4 or above (or equivalent) in English and Maths.
*A business, finance, accounting qualification, or equivalent experience is desirable.
Experience:
*Previous experience working within a finance, administrative, or office-based role.
*Experience processing payments, maintaining financial records, and completing reconciliations.
*Experience using computerised financial systems.
*Experience handling confidential information.
*Experience working within a school or educational setting is desirable.
*Experience working within a finance environment is desirable.
Knowledge and Skills:
*Good understanding of financial administration processes and procedures.
*Strong IT skills, including confidence using Microsoft Office packages, spreadsheets, databases, and finance software.
*Ability to analyse financial information and produce accurate reports.
*Excellent attention to detail and accuracy.
*Strong organisational and time-management skills.
*Ability to prioritise workload and work independently.
*Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
*Ability to build positive relationships with colleagues, parents/carers, and external stakeholders.


Desirable Requirements:
*Experience using Arbor Finance or similar school finance systems.
*Experience using Arbor Management Information System (MIS).
*Previous experience working within a school finance office.
*Knowledge of school-specific financial processes, including school meals, nursery funding schemes, pupil premium records, and lettings administration.
*Understanding of GDPR requirements within an educational environment.
*Previous safeguarding training or experience working in a child-focused setting.


Personal Attributes:
The successful candidate will be:
*Highly organised with excellent attention to detail.
*Reliable, professional, and able to maintain confidentiality.
*Friendly, approachable, and able to build positive working relationships.
*Flexible and adaptable to changing priorities.
*Confident and self-assured when communicating with others.
*Proactive with the ability to work independently and as part of a team.
*Committed to supporting the ethos and values of the school.


Safeguarding Statement
VNA Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All applicants must be willing to undergo appropriate safer recruitment checks, including an enhanced DBS check, references, and verification of employment history in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) guidance. VNA Education is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from candidates of all backgrounds. We are committed to promoting diversity and inclusion throughout our recruitment processes.