Finance Apprentice

The Finance Assistant will provide a high standard of financial, accounting and administrative services, working closely with the Finance Manager, Trust Financial Controller and the School's Senior Leadership Team in ensuring these functions are undertaken efficiently and effectively.

• Operate and maintain the financial procedures and systems of the school.
• Assist the Finance Manager in ensuring robust financial accounting and ordering systems are in place and economies of scale are sought to maximise value for money.
• Process financial transactions efficiently and accurately, assisting with payment runs and ensuring VAT is correctly accounted for.
• Support the management of the school accounting function, resolving problems and assisting with finance queries from staff, students and parents.
• Assist with the finance procurement function, providing support and training to colleagues in obtaining quotes and approving orders.
• Process purchase orders, invoices and staff expenses accurately and on a timely basis, ensuring these have been fully authorised before payment.
• Assist with the finance income function, following up on outstanding monies due to the school and reporting as required to the Finance Manager.
• Maintain internal control procedures and ensure accounting standards are met.
• Prepare information required by auditors as directed by the Finance Manager.
• Assist in managing the Finance department's communications with stakeholders.
• Receive and reconcile cash and cheques for various income items.
• Prepare funds for banking, ensuring all insurance and audit requirements are complied with.
• Reconcile supplier statements and update the finance system accordingly.
• Assist with maintaining the school fixed asset register.
• Support any other duties relevant to the role.

• Lead by example, providing inspiration and motivation, and embodying the vision, purpose and leadership of the Trust.
• Ensure equal opportunities for all.
• Commit to safeguarding and promote the welfare of all young people.
• Assist in developing a culture and environment where young people thrive and drive innovation.
• Drive up educational standards, promote lifelong learning and continually improve outcomes for all.
• Lead and contribute to an ethos where well‑being and respect are at the heart of the Trust, valuing each student.
• Develop and maintain a culture of high expectations for self and others.
• Regularly review own practice, set personal targets and take responsibility for own development.
• Actively engage in the performance review process.
• Work within the Trust's health and safety policy to ensure a safe working environment for staff, students and visitors.
• Adhere to Data Protection/GDPR, the Trust's Equal Opportunities policy and Use of ICT policy.
• Maintain high professional standards of attendance, punctuality, appearance, conduct and courteous relations with students, parents, colleagues and visitors.
• Assist with investigation and response to financial information queries.
• Record and analyse financial data using the organisation's standard tools and processes.
• Apply double‑entry bookkeeping and accounting standards to process financial documents, generate financial statements and report financial information.
• Assist with production of accurate financial information for the preparation of accounts.
• Reconcile financial data, including preparation or review of reconciliations.
• Investigate, resolve or escalates transactional queries and errors within remit.
• Develop and maintain effective working relationships with stakeholders.
• Communicate financial information understandably to non‑finance stakeholders.
• Utilise digital skills to present key financial information using finance and accounting software.
• Use software packages to assist basic accounting tasks while complying with cyber and data‑security requirements, including secure data backup.
• Communicate using varying approaches and media methods while being aware of the risks and benefits of social media and digital applications.

• Assistant accountant (level
  3). GCSE required: 5 GCSEs including English and Maths (grade A‑C / 9‑4 or equivalent).

Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.

• Attention to detail.
• Data and numbers led.
• Analytical thinker.
• Learner of new skills.
• Process led.