Job Description

Role Overview

The Finance Officer is responsible for finances in Rosemary Works School.

Reporting to the directors, the finance officer undertakes all aspects of day to day

accounting within the school and preparing reports for our accountants at year end.

Main Responsibilities

General

Allocate and account for financial and material resources in line with school policy. Ensure the school complies with all relevant financial legislation, regulations, and best practices. Maintain accurate accounts. Prepare annual estimates of income, expenditure, and cashflow forecasts; report actuals against budget on a termly basis. Maintain effective systems of communication with office staff and Headteacher. Undertake some administrative tasks for the Headteacher and Director. Maintain accurate financial records and filing systems. Support year-end audits and provide information as required. Any other tasks deemed reasonable by the Headteacher or Directors.

Budgeting

Control class budgets. Monitor income and expenditure, presenting management reports to the Board of Directors. Provide monthly budget statements to the Director

Financial Administration

Complete required censuses for external bodies such as the Department of Education and the Independent Schools Council. Ensuring the School always has adequate insurance cover to include employer's liability, buildings and equipment cover, personal accident, travel insurance and all other relevant cover. Negotiate energy contracts ensuring best prices. Manage Bursary Applications, including assessment of parents' income and assets. Liaise with external organisations as required. Liaise with relevant organisations to administer Nursery Funding; childcare vouchers and Tax Free Childcare. Assist with grant or funding applications and related tasks. Preparing financial appraisals of particular projects.

Sales

Support the Directors in determining fees. Set up and maintain accurate client records. Ensure timely billing of pupils, collection of fees. Raise recurring and ad-hoc customer invoices and follow up on outstanding payments. Maintains records of pupils' attendance in Out of School care, and invoice accordingly. Update charges in billing software.

Purchase Ledger

Manage supplier onboarding process. Verify new supplier bank details or change of bank details. Maintain accurate supplier records. Manage Cost-Sharing Agreement transactions Scrutinise and approve payment of invoices and statements of account. Process supplier invoices and bank card transactions. Prepare payment runs and reconcile supplier statements. Handle supplier queries promptly. From time to time, assess suppliers to ensure value for money.

VAT

Manage VAT in accordance with HMRC regulations. Submit quarterly VAT returns to HMRC and ensure proper management of taxation matters.

Banking

Perform weekly bank reconciliations. Process and reconcile petty cash and charge card transactions. Investigate and resolve discrepancies in a timely manner.

Essential Requirements

Previous experience in a finance or accounting role. Familiarity with accounting software (e.g., iFinance, Xero, Sage, QuickBooks). Strong Excel skills and attention to detail. Excellent communication and organisational abilities. Initiative and self-motivation are essential as the sole finance officer. High level of accuracy and confidentiality. Ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines. Team player with a positive, can-do attitude and willingness to learn.

Desirable

AAT qualification or working towards (desirable but not essential). Experience of working in independent school finance Experience of Engage accounting and fees software.

Safeguarding Commitment

Rosemary Works School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All staff and volunteers are expected to share this commitment.

Job Types: Part-time, Fixed term contract
Contract length: 12 months

Pay: 28,000.00-31,000.00 per year

Expected hours: 32 per week

Work Location: Hybrid remote in London N1 5PH