Finance Officer

Joining an energetic and dynamic Finance Team the Finance Officer will report to the Finance Manager and assist in driving processes, practices and policies forward within the busy School. General day to day tasks will include overall oversight of the Accounts system and all that entails.
The successful candidate will have experience of Finance and Accounts practice within a business (not necessarily within the Education sector) will be highly motivated and enjoy a challenge.
This role forms a part of the Business Support Team for the School therefore general administration tasks will be required to ensure the smooth back-office functionality of this busy School. Teamwork and an ethos of comradery is essential., The following list is not exhaustive and assumes that from time-to-time other tasks not listed, may be required to ensure the efficient operation of the School:
+ To assist the Finance Manager with the general day to day processing and reporting on the accounting system
+ To assist the Finance Manager in projects and tasks, with a view to driving efficiency within the Finance functions
+ To network, develop and maintain connections internally and externally to ensure legal, DfE, sector based, Charity Commission, ISI and other regulatory bodies compliance is maintained within the Finance functions of the School at all times.
+ To liaise with the Marketing and Admissions Department and assist with onboarding and account processing for new and existing students ensuring the Admissions system and Accounting system reconcile.
+ To review, post and allocate current account bank transactions on a daily basis and complete month end bank reconciliations on all bank accounts.
+ To review, post and allocate other bank account s transactions on a monthly basis and complete monthly reconciliations on investment accounts.
+ To ensure all bank related transactions, control accounts and reports are reconciled monthly, highlighting any variances to the Finance Manager.
+ Be central in the process of preparing and sending invoices for all sales ledger accounts on a Monthly / termly / half termly / ad hoc basis.
+ To send regular statements to all sales ledger accounts ensuring good communication is established with all account holders.
+ To process payments via different means (such as credit cards, BACs Transfers, Direct Debits, Parental Portal etc.) on an ad hoc basis considering and ensuring compliance with Anti Money Laundering processes.
+ To actively and positively chase outstanding debts, creating good relationships with parents/account holders whilst maintaining control of the aged debtors report.
+ To log information taken and given to parents/account holders and follow up when agreed forming outstanding ongoing relationships with all sales ledger stakeholders.
+ To respond to all financial queries from parents/account holders in a timely manner from various sources such as; telephone, in person and email.
+ To keep excellent and accurate reports and analysis of all school trips planned and executed. Run pre and post analysis of trips on an ad hoc basis and at period and Year end.
+ Maintain and assist in the implementation of commission analysis and agency details.
+ Complete month end reports and reconciliations as agreed with the Finance Manager
+ Assist the Finance Manager in the preparation of Year End reports and Audit.

+ Relevant Finance/Accounting qualification equal or equivalent to AAT qualification or higher
+ Time management skills essential, with the ability to prioritise and juggle tasks.
+ Possess a positive mind-set with a can-do attitude
+ Relevant experience and up to date qualifications and demonstrable continued professional development
+ Excellent knowledge of excel.
+ Confident to act on own initiative and be self-motivated Collaborative, positive, naturally customer focussed, tactful and patient, The school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the DBS.

Salary: RW10 £28,017.60 - RW15 £30,929.60 per annum FTE
Hours: Full-time (However, flexible working options such as part time/term time only will be considered and can be discussed at interview.)
Our client is a forward thinking and innovative UK day and boarding school that retains traditional values. They are an independent school with the freedom to offer an educational experience personalised to each child s needs.
Set in the heart of West Yorkshire the School has occupied magnificent buildings in 140 acres of beautiful countryside for the last 300 years.