Job Description

We are seeking a skilled, meticulous and proactive Company Accountant to join our Finance team. Reporting to the School Business Manager, this is an exciting opportunity to play a pivotal role in ensuring the smooth financial running of Durham High School, supporting its long-term sustainability and growth.

As Company Accountant, you will be at the heart of the school's operations and success. You will manage the school's finances with professionalism and integrity, including payroll and preparing accounts for audit. You will also provide accurate reporting and valuable insights that support the Business Manager and inform strategic decisions.

Your work will ensure that resources are used effectively, enabling the school to continue delivering an outstanding education and experience for every pupil.

Key Responsibilities:

1. General Financial Management

a ) Overall management of the General Ledger and subsidiary ledgers

b) Overall management of payroll, banking and general management accounts in conjunction with the Business Manager

2. General Ledger

a) Management of posting, journals and reconciliation of entries to the general ledger

b) Management of general ledger accounts, departmental coding, allocation to specific SOFA accounting sections and reconciliation of year on year balances

c) Analysis of specific cost codes and assisting the DFO with management accounting extract etc

3. Receivables

a)Management of the billing cycle, reprint bills, credit notes etc and directing Accounts Assistant accordingly

b) Management and upload of payments against parent accounts

c) Directing the Accounts Assistant in payment collection, management of overdues, escalation to Redwood Collections etc

d) Processing and issuing statements and 14 day notice letters in conjunction with the Accounts Assistant

4. Payables

a) Manage incoming invoices and credits and post to FMS

b) Ensure all invoices are correctly authorized before allocating for payment

c) Manage fortnightly payment runs to terms including uploading bacs files to bank

d) Ensure correct allocation of costs within FMS and the general ledger to facilitate monthly and termly reporting

5. Payroll administration

a) Ensure all employees are correctly recorded on the payroll system, including data management for PAYE/NIC/Pension

b) Manage all monthly and weekly additions and deductions

c) Run the monthly and weekly payroll and ensure correctly recorded before authorization by the DFO

d) Once authorized, ensure payments are uploaded to bank software

e) Manage monthly regulatory returns to HMRC

f) Manage monthly returns to the corporate pension provider

g) Manage all relevant correspondence and queries relating to payroll

6. Banking and cashier

a) Manage day to day bank account usage including sweep accounts

b) Ensure monthly reconciliations are completed for all accounts including investments and presented for authorization to the DFO

c) Collate, record and bank all petty cash, sundry cash receipts etc ensuring timely physical banking as required

7. Reporting

a) Assist the Business Manager as required for monthly and termly reporting

b) Assist the Business Manager with budget development, reporting and presentation as required

c) Prepare and present ad hoc reports as required

8. Management

a) Line manage the Accounts Assistant including day to day tasks, development and performance as required

9. Contribute to the corporate life of the school

a) Uphold the school ethos and rules, taking due regard for professional standards and advice from senior staff.

b) Take part in duties as may be reasonably directed by the school's leadership team.

c) Contribute to the spiritual life of the school by attending Assembly and occasionally contributing to assemblies.

d) Attend staff meetings.

10. Foster your own professional development

a) Take part in Staff Induction, Professional Development and Annual Review, and INSET events. Undertake relevant CPD.

b) Attend staff working groups to develop good practice.

c) Ability to evaluate and improve own performance and to know when to seek help and support

11. Communicate with parents

a) Communicate clearly and promptly (following the communication protocol) with parents if requested.

12. Promote the school

a. Act as an advocate for the School both in and out of school.

13. Understand the importance of safeguarding

In line with our commitment to safeguarding, all members of staff have a duty of care towards Durham High School pupils and are expected to report any such concerns to the Designated Safeguarding Lead.

14. Contribute to the wider community

Work in a manner that promotes and protects own health and safety, as well as that of other staff, pupils and visitors.

15. Any other reasonable task requested by the Headmistress

Why Join Us?

This is more than just an accounting role - it's an opportunity to play a vital part in supporting the future of Durham High School. You'll be responsible for ensuring the school's finances run smoothly, helping us remain strong and sustainable for generations to come. You'll be joining a supportive and dedicated team, working in a friendly and welcoming environment where your expertise and attention to detail will make a real difference.

Benefits

The successful applicant will benefit from:

-Being part of a fantastically vibrant and supportive community with the most amazing

and enthusiastic pupils

-Royal London defined contribution pension scheme

-Free onsite parking

-Lunch provided each day during term time

-Up to 50% staff fee remission scheme for staff children from Reception to Sixth Form

-Blue Light reward card

-Access to school counsellor

Please complete the application form, https://www.durhamhighschool.com/parents/vacancies/, and submit as a pdf document, with a covering letter of no more than two sides of A4 (pdf), outlining your reasons for applying and why you will be a good fit for our school community.

Your application should be addressed for the attention of the Headmistress and sent to
headmistress@durhamhighschool.com

Closing date for applications: Tuesday 30 September 2025, 5pm

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: 38,438.04-45,379.34 per year

Benefits:

Company pension Discounted or free food Employee discount Free parking On-site parking
Work Location: In person