Finance Assistant

What skills and experience we're looking for

We are seeking a highly organised and conscientious Finance Assistant to support the effective operation of our busy finance office. The successful candidate will demonstrate exceptional attention to detail, take ownership assigned tasks. They should be able to work effectively with colleagues, students, parents, and external contacts, while also operating confidently on their own. The ability to contribute positively within a supportive team environment is essential.

We’d love to hear from individuals who enjoy being part of a friendly, hardworking team and are ready to bring their skills to a role where they can truly make a difference.

To be responsible for administering certain key Finance processes/tasks ensuring they are actioned accurately, in a timely manner. The primary purpose of Finance Assistant is to provide comprehensive administrative and accounting support to the Finance department, ensuring the efficient, effective, and compliant operation of West Hatch’s financial processes, reporting to the Finance Manager.

The Governing Body is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share in the commitment. This appointment is subject to an enhanced DBS checks and positive references.

• To administer school trips, maintaining correspondence for educational visits and ensuring documentation is correct and complete.
• Liaise with the trip leader making sure the full cost of the trip is covered
• Liaise with external agencies to complete bookings
• Ensuring collection of all monies is received. Issuing receipts for distribution to pupils. Making refunds where necessary.
• Ensure that all trips are added to Parent Pay and give regular updates to the trip leader
• Collating parent consent forms and ensuring teachers receive reports relating to their particular activity
• Ensure insurance cover is in place.
• Ensure the spreadsheets are kept up to date for audit.

• Free School Meals ("FSM"): in conjunction with external FSM and SIMS software, ensuring all students that have applied for FSM are recorded on the school systems. Regular reconciliation of FSM and SIMS and producing data reports for the Census ensuing information is complete and accurate.

• Main point of contact for bursary students
• Collate all applications, including eligibility for consideration by the Headteacher
• Maintain bursary spreadsheet
• Process orders for bursary students
• Post termly payments via the school accounting system (PSF)

• Regular review of outstanding student lunch debt, liaising with the Catering Manager
• Contact and chase outstanding debt

• To assist the Finance Manager with payroll administration, including scanning documents and updating spreadsheets

• Add purchase items for use by parents via Parent Pay as requested.

• To work as a member of the Finance Team assisting with administration duties as required.

• To participate in the performance and development review process, taking personal responsibility for identification of learning, development and training opportunities in discussion with line manager.
• To comply with individual responsibilities, in accordance with the role, for health and safety in the workplace.
• Ensure that all duties and services provided are in accordance with the School’s Equal Opportunities Policy.

• Carry out your role in a professional, positive and proactive manner.
• To undertake any reasonable instruction.
• Deal courteously with colleagues, pupils, parents and the public.
• Come to work suitable dressed, in accordance with the Schools Dress Code.
• Maintain strict confidentiality with regard to issues relating to pupils, parents, other staff and school business.
• Set a good example to students.
• Be supportive at all times of the school’s aims and ethos.
• Work as part of a team to support the team and school objectives.
• Be familiar and comply with school policies as set by the Governing body.
• Aim for high standards of punctuality…