Finance Assistant

• NWAT-Finance-Assistant-job-pack

Please apply via the link provided

Are you an organised and detail-oriented finance professional looking for a flexible part-time role where your work makes a real difference?

We are looking for a part-time Finance Assistant to join our friendly and supportive central team at our office in Chester city centre.

This is an exciting opportunity to play an important role in supporting the financial operations of our growing family of schools.

As our Finance Assistant, you will play a key role in supporting the Trust’s financial operations, ensuring transactions, payroll and financial records are processed accurately and efficiently. Working closely with schools and the central finance team, you’ll help deliver a high-quality finance service across the Trust.

We’re looking for someone who is organised, reliable and able to manage multiple tasks with accuracy and attention to detail. You’ll enjoy working collaboratively, building positive relationships with colleagues and schools, and providing excellent customer service.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Processing

• Process central Trust income and expenditure transactions accurately and promptly.

• Maintain financial records within the Trust's finance system.

• Support debtor and creditor reconciliations, including central and inter-school cross charging.

Payroll and Pension Administration

• Prepare and submit monthly payroll information for schools.

• Administer payroll changes for the central team.

• Post payroll journals for the central team and schools.

• Support pension administration and respond to routine pension enquiries.

• Liaise with schools and payroll providers to resolve payroll queries.

• Maintain accurate payroll and pension records.

Purchasing and Supplier Administration

• Set up and maintain supplier records.

• Process and reconcile Trust credit card transactions.

• Ensure expenditure is correctly coded, supported by appropriate documentation, and that eligible VAT is reclaimed.

• Follow up outstanding receipts and supporting evidence.

School Support and Debtors & Creditors

• Monitor outstanding debtor balances and support debt recovery across the Trust.

• Resolve supplier queries and support the timely processing of invoices and payments.

• Act as the first point of contact for routine finance queries from School Business Managers.

• Provide guidance on Trust finance systems and procedures, escalating complex issues where appropriate.

Month-End, Audit and General Responsibilities

• Obtain financial information from schools for month-end reporting and audit.

• Prepare working papers and supporting documentation for internal and external audits.

• Maintain accurate financial records and ensure the confidentiality of financial information.

• Undertake any other duties appropriate to the level and responsibilities of the role, as reasonably required.

Person Specification

Essential

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build positive working relationships with schools, colleagues and external providers.

• Experience of working in a finance or accounting environment.

• Good understanding of financial administration processes.

• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines.

• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy.

• Good IT skills, including Microsoft Excel and financial management systems.

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team while maintaining confidentiality.

Desirable

• Experience of payroll and/or pension administration.

• Experience of month-end finance processes, journals or reconciliations.

• Experience of working within an academy trust, school or public sector environment.