Job Description

About Us

Join Our Trust Centre Team as a Finance Assistant

Are you passionate about finance and looking for an opportunity to make a real impact? We are seeking a dedicated and detail-oriented Finance Assistant to join our team at the DCAT Office, based in Chichester.

About the Role:

As a Finance Assistant, you will work closely with the Trust centre team and schools to ensure effective finance support and compliance with the Trust's Finance Policy. Your key responsibilities will include administering the Trust's purchasing system (iCompleat), managing financial records, reconciling transactions, and providing general administrative support. You will also play a crucial role in maintaining accurate records for audit and offering finance system support to school-based colleagues.

What We're Looking For:

A recognized qualification in financial management (AAT qualification preferable). Experience in clerical and administrative duties with high levels of accuracy. Knowledge of bookkeeping and accountancy procedures. Excellent communication skills and attention to detail. Ability to work methodically and maintain efficient record-keeping systems.

If you are well-organised, motivated, and ready to contribute to our Trust, we want to hear from you! Apply now and be part of a team that values innovation, collaboration, and excellence.

Job Details

Salary:

ESSS Grade

4,

sp

9-10

, 24,404 - 24,790 per annum, pro-rata

(Actual Salary:

11,

637

-

11,82

1

per annum)

Contract Type:

Permanent, Part-time

Working Pattern:

20

hours per week, T

erm

T

ime

O

nly

39 weeks per year

Location:

DCAT Office,

St Joseph's Infant & Junior School, Chichester

Interviews: Wednesday 16th July

What You Need to Succeed

Knowledge of and willingness to learn a range of software applications




Experience of undertaking a range of clerical and administrative duties including data input and retrieval where high levels of accuracy and attention to correct process are required




Working knowledge of bookkeeping and accountancy procedures and practice including account reconciliation and purchasing procedures




Experience of working in a school, academy trust or local government environment particularly in a finance role




Experience using Xero Financial Management




Experience using iCompleat purchase management




Attention to detail with an ability to spot numerical error




Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written




Experience with ICT and ability to learn new systems




Ability to work in an organised and methodical manner




Ability to maintain efficient record keeping systems




Ability to assist with the production of accurate records and reports




Ability to communicate with a range of audiences




Ability to identify work priorities and manage own workload to meet deadlines whilst ensuring that lower priority work is kept up to date




Ability to show sensitivity and objectivity in dealing with confidential issues




Willingness to undertake further training as required - whilst financial experience is desirable, it is not essential as training will be provided.




Understand the statutory requirements of legislation concerning Safeguarding, including Child Protection, Equal Opportunities, Health & Safety and inclusion

Further Information

Safeguarding

This post is covered by the Childcare Disqualification Regulations 2018. The Trust will need to ensure that they are not knowingly employing a person who is disqualified under the 2018 Regulations in connection with relevant childcare provision. Accordingly, shortlisted candidates will be required to demonstrate to the Trust, by completing a self-declaration data-contrast="auto">form as part of the pre-employment checks process, that they have not been disqualified under the 2018 Regulations. If the preferred candidate is found to be disqualified under the 2018 Regulations, the offer of employment will be subject to the application by the preferred candidate to Ofsted for a waiver and the receipt of a waiver from Ofsted.



All staff will be expected to hold or be willing to obtain Enhanced DBS check or Enhanced check for Regulated Activity with the Disclosure &; Barring Services (previously the Criminal Records Bureau). For further information about what is required in this process please go to www.gov.uk/disclosure-barring-service check (http://www.gov.uk/disclosure-barring



service-check).





This Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All school based staff have the responsibility for promoting the safeguarding and welfare of children. All school staff should be aware of the school's Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy and work in accordance with this document at all times.

Additional Information

Work Permits: we may be able to obtain a Work Permit for this post but this is subject to meeting the requirements of the UK Border Agency's Points-based Immigration System.



Due to the restrictions we cannot guarantee that individuals that meet the requirements of the Points-based Immigration System will be issued with clearance to obtain work permits.

How to Apply

Deadline for applications: Friday 4

th

July 2025, 9am - email to hr@dcat.academy

Shortlisting Date: Tuesday 8

th

July

Interview Date: Wednesday 16

th

July

Conversation



For a confidential discussion about the role please contact Rachel Bryan, Finance Manager. Please email via rbryan@dcat.academy to arrange.



Application Form



Completed application forms - a CV will not be accepted - must be submitted via email to hr@dcat.academy.



Shortlisting



We assess all applications against the Person Specification criteria using the evidence you provide in your application.



Interviews



The interviews will be held at DCAT offices or remotely using alternative technology if required.



Offer of Employment



We will make a verbal offer of employment by telephone and an offer letter in writing will be emailed. Any offer is made conditional subject to all required pre-employment checks. Each candidate will be telephoned with the outcome. Requested feed-back will be available by arrangement.



Receipt of Application



Applications are acknowledged (by email) within three working days of receipt. If you do not receive an acknowledgement within this time, please contact the HR Team at hr@dcat.academy.



Safer Recruitment



We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment.



Data Protection Act 1998



You should be aware that the information you have provided will be stored on the DCAT HR secure database and will be used to process your application. It will not be passed to any other organisation and will comply with new GDPR regulations. DCAT's Staff Privacy Notice is published on the DCAT website.



Job Reference: SCHO00524