Job Description

Job Title:

Finance Officer

Responsible to: Bursar

Working Hours: Part time: 30 hours per week, 40 weeks per year (term time plus 5 weeks)

Salary: 20,771 (32,240 FTE)

Start: February 2026

SUMMARY OF THE ROLE

An exciting opportunity has arisen to join the Finance Team of Pitsford School; a co-educational independent school for pupils aged 3 - 18 years old. The school offers a very attractive working environment based in delightful rural parkland setting of some 30 acres close to Northampton city centre.

The Finance Officer will be a key member of the school's accounts team, working closely with the Bursar and liaising frequently with Support and Teaching staff. This is an office-based role working 9am - 3:30pm Monday to Friday, during term time plus 5 additional weeks in school holidays.

JOB PURPOSE

To assist the Bursar in the effective financial management of the School's operations, with primary responsibility for managing all aspects of the accounts receivable function, ensuring the accurate and timely billing and collection of all school fees and related activities.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Student Fee Billing and Invoicing: Prepare and issue all pupils' termly and interim bills accurately, ensuring all extras, bursaries, scholarships, and discounts are correctly applied and invoiced on time to parents. Credit Control and Debt Management: Manage the process for the timely collection of all outstanding fees and extras, including the operation of the school's direct debit schemes. This involves monitoring outstanding balances, sending polite reminders, and liaising with the school's third-party debt collection agency as required. Cash Management and Reconciliation: Be responsible for the collection and accurate recording of all payments into the school's bank accounts, applying cash to the correct customer accounts on SIMS/FMS, and preparing monthly bank reconciliations. Reporting and Analysis: Provide reports, including income reconciliation, debtor reports and debt collection summaries to the Bursar and senior management, enabling timely decision-making and cash flow forecasting. Assist in the preparation of termly and year end management accounts and audit. Stakeholder Communication: Serve as the primary point of contact for all parent billing enquiries, ensuring professional and discreet communication to resolve issues promptly. Liaise effectively with the Registrar to ensure joiners and leavers are accurately billed. Other Income Streams: Ensure that other income streams, such as those from lettings, donations, and school trips, are collected, acknowledged, and recorded appropriately. Leading on Early Years funding arrangements, ensuring accurate records are kept and liaising with the local Council. Support the Bursar with the management of Bursary applications and awards. Compliance and Procedures: Work with the Bursar to establish, maintain, and develop robust financial procedures and operational systems, ensuring compliance with audit and other financial guidelines. You may be required to undertake other duties from time to time, allied to your primary duties as the School may reasonably require All staff at Pitsford School has a part to play in supporting the school's ethos, understanding pupil's safeguarding requirements and promoting the best possible image to parents and prospective parents.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Attributes

Education and Qualifications

Essential

GCSE or equivalent in 5 subjects including English and Maths

Educated to A level or equivalent

Desirable

Relevant financial or accounting qualification (e.g. AAT, part qualified ACCA/CIMA)

Other relevant business or finance qualifications

Experience and Knowledge

Essential

Proven experience in a similar role

Financial, bookkeeping or accounting experience

Desirable

Experience of working in an educational environment

Ability and skills

Strong IT skills, particularly in Microsoft Excel and experience using integrated accounting software/MIS systems (e.g. SIMS, iSAMS or similar) Excellent communication and interpersonal skills: The ability to communicate effectively and professionally with a variety of stakeholders, including parents, staff, and external agencies. Strong organisational skills: High attention to detail, accuracy, and the ability to manage a varied workload and meet strict deadlines in a busy environment. Problem-solving abilities: A pragmatic, solutions-focused approach to problem-solving and the ability to use initiative. Discretion and Confidentiality: The ability to handle sensitive and confidential financial information with absolute discretion.

Safeguarding

Pitsford School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. In addition to the normal pre-employment checks, the post holder will be required to undertake an enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) check.

Other work elements

An awareness of and adherence to school policies and procedures relating to safeguarding, health, safety, and security.

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: From 20,771.00 per year

Expected hours: 30 per week

Benefits:

Canteen Company pension Discounted or free food Flexitime Free parking On-site parking
Experience:

Financial accounting: 1 year (preferred)
Work Location: In person