Finance Officer – Progressive School in Stevenage

Job Title: Finance Officer Location: Stevenage, Hertfordshire School Type: 11–18 Secondary School & Sixth Form Contract Type: Full-Time, Permanent Start Date: ASAP Salary: Competitive (Fringe local authority pay scale, depending on experience) Role Overview A progressive secondary school in Stevenage is seeking a meticulous, self-motivated, and organized Finance Officer to join their central finance team ASAP. Working alongside the School Business Manager, you will take day-to-day responsibility for maintaining accurate financial records, processing transactions, and supporting budget management across all departments. This is a brilliant opportunity for a detail-oriented finance professional looking to deliver high-quality financial administration within a supportive educational environment. Key Responsibilities Process purchase orders, supplier invoices, sales ledger transactions, and BACs payment runs efficiently. Perform daily banking procedures, petty cash allocations, and routine bank reconciliations using school finance systems (e.g., FMS, PS Financials, Civica). Assist the School Business Manager with monthly budget monitoring, variance analysis, and departmental expenditure reports. Manage parent payment portals (e.g., ParentPay, SchoolGateway) for catering, school trips, and learning materials. Maintain robust financial records, ensuring full compliance with audit requirements, internal controls, and procurement regulations. Key Requirements Relevant accounting or finance qualification (e.g., AAT Level 3/4) or equivalent practical finance experience. Prior experience in finance administration, ideally within a school, college, or local authority setting. High level of numerical accuracy, strong organizational skills, and proficiency in Microsoft Excel. Excellent communication skills to interact professionally with staff, budget holders, suppliers, and auditors. Legal right to work in the UK. School Highlights & Benefits Welcoming working environment with a dedicated administrative and leadership team. Access to ongoing training, professional development, and structured career progression pathways. Great Hertfordshire location with excellent road (A1M) and rail connections into London and Cambridge, plus free on-site staff parking. Local Government Pension Scheme enrolment, competitive salary, and staff wellbeing support packages. Application To apply for this Finance Officer role at a progressive school in Stevenage, starting ASAP, please submit your updated CV as soon as possible.