Finance Assistant/Finance Officer

Posting date:	03 September 2025
Salary:	Not specified
Additional salary information:	PS5/PS6
Hours:	Full time
Closing date:	03 October 2025
Location:	Guildford, Surrey, GU1 1DR
Remote working:	On-site only
Company:	eTeach UK Limited
Job type:	Permanent
Job reference:	1505099

Summary

Job Profile: Finance Assistant/Officer Permanent Closing Date: 16th September 2025 12pm Shortlisting: 18th September 2025 Interview Date: 23rd September 2025 Salary: Finance Assistant PS5, Point 2, £27,364 – Point 6, £29,604 36 hrs pro-rata £24,748 - £26,774 per annum Finance Officer PS6, Point 2 £30,647 – Point 6, £32,867 36 hrs pro rata £27,717 - £29,723 per annum The post is for 36 hours per week, worked over 41 weeks per year (term time plus 2 additional weeks). Requests for part-time hours will be considered, subject to operational requirements and the candidate’s skills and experience. JOB DESCRIPTION: About Pond Meadow School Pond Meadow School is governed by Pond Meadow Academy Trust Pond Meadow is a school which caters for pupils of all ages across Surrey. The vast majority have a statement of special educational needs for their severe, multiple or profound learning difficulties. Around a third of pupils also have autism spectrum disorders. The school currently has a student body of approximately 170, with plans to grow to around 200 in the coming years. It employs around 120 staff and manages an annual budget in excess of £4.5 million. Purpose of the Role / Key Objectives To support the Chief Finance and Operating Officer in the effective day-to-day management of the Academy’s financial operations. The postholder will be responsible for maintaining the administrative processes required for the school’s financial management, including the preparation of accurate month-end and year-end records. Working alongside the Chief Finance and Operating Officer (CFOO) and the Finance Officer, the role will provide the Headteacher and Governors with timely financial information to enable the Trust to operate smoothly, efficiently, and effectively in delivering its core objectives. The distinction between the Finance Assistant (FA) and Finance Officer (FO) roles lies in the varying levels of involvement, autonomy, and responsibility within the duties outlined below. The Finance Assistant will focus on supporting the day-to-day administrative and transactional aspects of finance, while the Finance Officer will take on greater responsibility for overseeing processes, ensuring compliance, and producing higher-level financial information. In practice, the Finance Officer will carry out tasks with a higher degree of independence, exercise greater judgement in resolving queries, and play a more active role in supporting the Chief Finance and Operating Officer (CFOO) with management reporting, budgeting, and statutory returns. Principal Duties, Tasks and Responsibilities • To participate in regular safeguarding training, keeping up to date and working within the safeguarding policies and practices of the Academy, including applying Safer Recruitment principles when staff are employed in the finance department. • Checking and processing invoices on Xero. • Control of Accounts Payable, including resolving queries with suppliers and setting up payments. • Raising and administering ad hoc invoices. • Banking of receipts. • Setting up bank payment runs. • Reconciling the bank account on Xero, preparing hard-copy reconciliations, and managing petty cash. • Assisting the Chief Finance and Operating Officer (CFOO) and Finance Officer (FO) in the period-end processes. • Generation of the monthly management accounts figures. • Supporting the CFOO and FO in developing management reporting and budget monitoring processes by improving the quality of financial information, systems, and reporting tools. • Assisting the CFOO and FO in reviewing, adopting, and updating appropriate financial policies and procedures, and monitoring compliance with these. • Supporting the CFOO and FO in preparing statutory returns, submissions to the ESFA and other funding bodies, and delivering these returns (with some support from external accountants). • Supporting the CFOO and FO in the production of the detailed annual budget and regular forecast updates. • Liaison with the ESFA, Surrey County Council, and suppliers to ensure timely and accurate income and billing. • Supporting the CFOO and FO with liaison with internal and external auditors. • Maintenance of the capital budget and submissions for capital funding. • Preparation and maintenance of the fixed asset register and schedule of depreciation. • Generation of quarterly VAT claims. • Working with the Office Manager on overlapping administrative areas that affect finance. • Performing ad hoc analysis and project work in support of the CFOO and FO. • Resolution of finance-related queries. • Liaising with the Premises Manager. • Maintaining contract/SLA records, including monitoring renewals and resolving queries. • Maintaining the school website finance-related content. • Supporting payroll preparation and checks for submission. • Contributing to process improvement projects to enhance efficiency and accuracy in financial operations. • Any other duties which may reasonably be deemed appropriate to the role. Person Specification Qualifications and Training • A recognised finance qualification (AAT, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent). • Evidence of continuing professional development (CPD) in finance or related areas. Experience • Experience of working in a school finance department (preferred but not essential). • Experience of working in a small team and managing staff expectations. • Experience of using computerised accounting systems (e.g. Xero, Sage, FMS, Access Finance). • Experience of supporting period-end and year-end processes. Skills and Competencies • High level of competence in Microsoft Excel and Word. • Strong communication and listening skills, with the ability to explain financial information clearly. • Good organisational skills, with the ability to plan and manage own workload effectively. • Good analytical and problem-solving ability. • Strong attention to detail and accuracy. • Ability to work confidentially with sensitive financial and staffing information. Personal Qualities • Calm, friendly, and professional disposition. • Self-motivated and enthusiastic, with a proactive approach to work. • Able to respond effectively to changing priorities and tight deadlines. • Flexible and adaptable, with a commitment to teamwork. Revised JD 20/08/2025