JOB DESCRIPTION
Authority: West Berkshire Council / Department: Education
Job Title: Finance Officer / Location: Thatcham Park CE Primary School
Contract: Permanent/part-time 15 hours per week term time only / Grade/Salary Range:Grade F £19,939-£23,166
JOB PURPOSE
  • To provide an effective and efficient financial support service within the school for the School Business Manager, Headteacher, Governors and Local Authority.
  • To be responsible for the day-to-day management and organisation of financial tasks, working as a member of the whole school administration team.
  • To promote the aims and objectives of the school, within its strong Christian ethos.

DESIGNATION OF POST AND POSITION WITHIN THE SCHOOLS STAFFING STRUCTURE
MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
  • To promote equality as an integral part of the role and to treat everyone with fairness and dignity.
  • To recognise health and safety is a responsibility of every employee, to take reasonable care of self and others and to comply with the Schools Health and Safety policy and any school-specific procedures / rules that apply to this role.
  • To promote the welfare of children and to support the school in safeguarding children though relevant policies and procedures.
  • Remain up to date with regard to Financial regulations and arrangements and advise the School Business Manager and Finance committee of all relevant changes.
  • In conjunction with the SBM/Headteacher, prepare a detailed budget of expenditure delegated to the school in accordance with any guidelines provided by the Local Authority and input details onto financial systems.
  • Monitor the budget and provide the SBM/Headteacher with projected over and under spending and with the SBM/Headteacher identify options available for varying expenditure.
  • Under the guidance of SBM, reconcile LA Agresso Report every month, highlighting any discrepancies and reporting to SBM/Headteacher. Dealing with any subsequent queries relating thereto.
  • Monitor all expenditure and arrange for invoices to be paid. Prepare, maintain and reconcile reports, records and accounts as required in conjunction with the school’s accounting systems.
  • To undertake ‘housekeeping’ of the accounts, such as preparation andprocessing of Purchase Orders, checking outstanding orders, management and reconciliation of bank account.
  • The administration and reconciliation of the Imprest Account in accordance with LA guidelines and procedures and reconcile on a regular basis.
  • Assist with preparation/coding of timesheets and submission to payroll in a timely manner.

Negotiate and monitor contracts in conjunction with the SBM.

  • Ensure proper collection, reconciliation and banking of any monies received by the school, either from the Authority or from other sources ie lettings, ensuring safe storage of all monies on site.
  • Administer arrangements for Lettings, liaising with relevant personnel as necessary.
  • Provide Budget holders with termly reports, monitoring expenditure, ensuring budget limits are not exceeded.
  • To undertake end of year procedures on the schools’ FMS system in accordance with the LA financial regulations and guidelines.
  • To manage the School Fund including proper collection, reconciliation and banking of monies and the preparation of Fund for Annual Audit.
  • Take up CPD opportunities and attend all relevant training courses.
  • Undertake any other duties in connection with the administration of the scheme of financial delegation as may become necessary and as discussed and agreed with the SBM/Headteacher.
  • Any duties which reasonably fall within the purview of the post, which may be allocated by the Headteacher after consultation with the postholder

SCOPE OF JOB (Budgetary/Resource control, Impact)

PERSON SPECIFICATION
Job Title: Finance Officer / Department: Education
Authority: West Berkshire Council / Location: Thatcham Park CE Primary School
KEY CRITERIA / ESSENTIAL / DESIRABLE
Qualifications And Training /
  • Holds an accountancy qualification inAccountancy & Finance or has significant relevant work experience
  • Willing to attend Level 1 Child Protection Training
  • Ability to use the LA accounting package (FMS)
/
  • Trained in SIMS
  • Qualified First Aider

Competence Summary
(Knowledge, abilities, skills, experience) /
  • Familiar with accounting software
  • Computer literate including Access, Excel, Word and Internet/Email applications
  • An excellent level of numeracy skills

Work-related Personal Requirements /
  • Efficient, enthusiastic, team member
  • Respects confidentiality
  • Self-motivated and able to work without supervision
  • Able to work to tight deadlines with good time management skills
  • Able to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing
  • Patient, tactful and diplomatic

Other Work Requirements /
  • Flexible and willing to work outside usual hours when required
/
  • Holds a full driving licence