Finance Assistant
We are currently looking for a Finance Assistant to join our school in Tunbridge Wells! This is a great opportunity for applicants who are looking for a rewarding career within education.
About Beechwood School
Beechwood is a co-educational independent day and boarding school for boys and girls aged 3 -18, which comprises of a Pre-Prep, Preparatory and Senior School. It is a thriving, happy and purposeful place where excellence and a love of learning are nurtured.
Our students thrive in an exceptionally positive learning environment, and our small class sizes mean that the teaching workload is more manageable. Our students’ excellent behaviour and enthusiasm make every lesson a pleasure.
About the Role and You
Contract type: Permanent, full-time, office-based
Salary: 25-35k per annum, based on experience
Start date: Immediate start available
Your main responsibilities will include:
Accounting:
- Maintain the school’s general ledger (incl. journal processing), preparing, examining, and analysing month end, quarterly and annual reporting.
- Accounts Payable:
- Check all invoices against the appropriate financial authority and budgets.
- Ensure all invoices and payments are coded accurately and all relevant paperwork is completed.
- Processing supplier payment runs and monitoring all periodic payments.
- Accounts Receivable:
- Issue invoices to parents and other parties for the collections of lettings or outstanding debts.
- Follow up on outstanding invoices in accordance with the school’s policy.
- Reconcile all payments received and ensure they are coded accurately.
- Balance sheet and bank reconciliations, and intercompany postings.
- Completing VAT returns.
- Follow all set financial policies and processes.
- Assisting in the preparation of and monitoring of the school’s budgets.
Auditing:
- Support the Finance team with external auditors, taking the lead in facilitating the arrangements for all audit requirements for your school.
- Provide accounting information and schedules in connection with the production of the annual financial statements for the group and respond to Auditors’ queries.
- To provide full audit support to external auditors including maintenance of audit information on an ongoing basis.
Travel:
- Occasional travel within the UK to our partner schools, including monthly visits to our Head Office in High Wycombe, may be required.
General:
- To effectively manage relationships with internal and external service providers and to ensure the necessary service standards are delivered.
- Provide ad hoc reporting as required.
- Provide suitable cover for colleagues’ absences and develop a working knowledge of all the department’s jobs.
- Document processes and work with colleagues to identify, promote and implement improved ways of working.
- Participate in Finance projects, with a particular focus on improving value for money.
- Any other duties as directed by the CFO.
We are looking for someone who has:
- Ability to work with a high level of accuracy, discretion and confidentiality. Ensuring the safekeeping of all monies and records.
- A positive attitude, an eagerness to learn on the job, act on own initiative and continuously improve processes and outputs.
- A collaborative nature with the ability to work as part of a team, in person and in satellite offices.
- Ability to prioritise workload and work to deadlines
- Excellent written and verbal communication and presentation skills
The following would be an advantage to have, or the candidate would need to demonstrate a willingness to learn within a short period of time
- Knowledge of accounting systems and financial management
- Experience using Xero.
- Good knowledge of Excel (Intermediate)
- Working as part of a team
Why Join Us?
Professional Growth: We value your development and offer opportunities for continuous learning.
Collaborative Environment: Join a team of dedicated professionals who are committed to maintaining the highest standards of compliance.
Competitive Compensation: We offer a competitive salary and benefits package, reflecting your skills and experience.
Innovation and impact: Join a forward-thinking organisation where your ideas and contributions truly matter.
We look forward to welcoming you to Beechwood School.
To find out more about this role, please read our Job Description.
How to Apply
To apply to this role, please fill out our Application Form and return it to recruitment@alphaschools.co.uk along with your CV.
We look forward to welcoming you to Beechwood School.
Beechwood School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. Applicants for ALL jobs will undergo appropriate child-protection screening including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check to enhanced level, with costs covered by the company. This role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the Amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2020.
