Apprentice Finance Officer

Key purpose of the job:

To provide high-quality financial administration and support to our schools / the Trust, ensuring the accurate processing and recording of financial transactions and helping maintain robust financial controls. The Finance Officer will contribute to the effective management of the school's resources, supporting the delivery of outstanding education through excellent financial practice.

Main duties:

Financial processing

· Process financial transactions, journals and adjustments to support monthly and year-end accounting activities.

· Process purchase requisitions, purchase orders and supplier invoices in a timely manner to facilitate payment runs and maintain supplier relationships.

· Maintain accurate financial records within the accounting system, ensuring compliance with internal controls, financial regulations and audit requirements.

· Assist in the preparation of financial information, reports and supporting documentation as required.

Income and banking

· Raise sales invoices and monitor outstanding balances.

· Process income received from parents, lettings, grants and other sources.

· Maintain accurate debtor records and support debt recovery activities where required.

Budget support

· Assist budget holders with financial information and expenditure monitoring.

· Produce routine financial reports as requested.

· Assist with budget preparation and forecasting activities.

Reconciliations and reporting

· Support the team with regular bank and control account reconciliations.

· Assist with investigating and resolving discrepancies in a timely manner.

· Maintain spreadsheet/financial records and management information reports.

· Support audit requirements and provide documentation as required.

Procurement and compliance

· Ensure compliance with school/trust financial regulations and procurement procedures.

· Support with obtaining quotations and support purchasing activities.

· Maintain supplier records and contracts database where applicable.

· Promote value for money across all purchasing activities.

Other

· Build and maintain positive working relationships with colleagues, suppliers and other

stakeholders through professional and effective communication.

· Respond to finance-related enquiries from staff, parents, suppliers and

external agencies.

· Maintain confidentiality, and security of financial information.

· Organise and prioritise workload to ensure deadlines and service standards are consistently achieved.

· Identify opportunities to improve financial processes, controls and ways of working, contributing to the continuous improvement of the finance function.

· Demonstrate a flexible and adaptable approach in response to changing organisational priorities and business needs.

· Promote and uphold the organisation's commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.

· Maintain the highest standards of integrity, professionalism, accountability and confidentiality in all aspects of the role.

· Undertake any other duties appropriate to the level of the post as reasonably required.

Expected outcomes:

· Financial transactions are processed accurately, efficiently and in accordance with financial regulations and internal procedures.

· Supplier invoices and payments are processed within agreed timescales, maintaining positive supplier relationships.

· Purchase orders, invoices and income records are maintained with a high degree of accuracy.

· Budget holders receive timely and reliable financial information to support effective decision-making.

· Bank, supplier and control account reconciliations are completed accurately and on time.

· Financial records are audit-ready and fully compliant with statutory and trust/school requirements.

· Queries from staff, suppliers, and other stakeholders are resolved and within agreed service standards.

· Opportunities to improve processes, controls and efficiencies are identified and implemented where appropriate.

Support Team:

• To support the achievement of the Trust’s objectives by working proactively with colleagues on projects or activities outside direct area of responsibility as required

Other duties:

· To follow the Trust ICT policy for the safe use of ICT.

· To be aware of and assume the appropriate level of responsibility for safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and to report any concerns in accordance with the college’s safeguarding policies.

· To comply with legislation, policies and procedures relating to confidentiality and data protection, reporting any concerns to the appropriate person.

· To work in compliance with the Codes of Conduct, Regulations and policies of the Trust and its commitment to equal opportunities.

· To comply with the college’s Health & Safety policy and statutory requirements.

· To undertake training and personal development as and when identified by Line Manager.

· To undertake any other duties as deemed appropriate by the Head of Finance.