Senior Finance Officer - Secondary School in Oxford (ASAP...

A scholarly secondary school in Oxford is seeking a precise, analytical Senior Finance Officer to manage day-to-day accounts, purchasing, and budget reconciliations for an immediate (ASAP) start.

Job Overview

The Finance Officer is responsible for executing daily financial processes, monitoring departmental budgets, and assisting the School Business Manager with accounting cycles and year-end statutory audits.

Working closely with academic heads of department and administrative leads, you will oversee invoice processing, purchase order approvals, supplier payments, banking reconciliations, and payroll checks. This is a full-time, ongoing or permanent role.

Key Responsibilities

• Process purchase orders, supplier invoices, sales ledger billing, and BACs payment runs on school finance software (FMS / Access / PSF)

• Perform monthly bank reconciliations, petty cash management, and credit card audit checks

• Monitor departmental budgets, highlighting variances and providing monthly spending statements to Heads of Department

• Process trip income, parent online payments (ParentPay / Arbor / SIMS Pay), and bursary allocations

• Prepare documentation for year-end financial audits and local authority returns

• Assist with staff payroll reconciliation and pension return verification

Role Overview & Specifications

• Start Date: Immediate (ASAP)

• Contract Type: Full-time, long-term or permanent (Term-Time + 2 weeks or 52-week)

• Location: Oxford, Oxfordshire

• Salary / Pay Rate: Grade 6–8 equivalent depending on experience

• Key Systems: SIMS FMS / Access Education / ParentPay / Excel

Candidate Requirements

• AAT qualification (Level 3 or 4) or equivalent professional accounting experience

• Prior experience in school finance, educational accounting, or public sector ledger management

• Proficiency in school finance database systems (SIMS FMS, Access Education, PSF, or Bromcom)

• High numerical accuracy, organizational capability, and spreadsheet proficiency

• An active enhanced DBS check on the Update Service (or willingness to apply)

How to Apply: Please send your CV at your earliest convenience to be considered for this Finance Officer position in Oxford for an immediate start.