Finance Officer in Cambridge - Ann Pettengell

This is a fabulous opportunity to work for an award-winning educational establishment, with an outstanding reputation. As the Finance Officer, you will deal primarily with purchase ledger and expenses payments, but you will also be involved in many other areas outlined below. The role will also work closely with the HR Officer in relation to such areas as payroll, pensions and benefits.

PLEASE NOTE: This is a full-time role working 37.5 hours per week - 40 weeks per year (34 weeks term time, plus an additional 6 weeks outside of term time). Ideally the working hours will be spread across 5 days (Monday to Friday), with daily working times to be agreed with line manager. Start date will be no later than January 2026.

The successful candidate will possess excellent numeracy and organisational skills, a methodical approach and a proactive nature. Previous experience in finance (particularly purchase ledger) is essential, and you will be expected to demonstrate a high level of IT competence, the ability to manage your own workload, and a commitment to ongoing professional development. Eager to develop and engage with the wider responsibilities of the department and contribute to its ongoing success, you will be someone who values collaboration and is keen to play a full and active role within the close-knit team.

Specific duties include, but are not limited to:

• Processing purchase invoices and maintaining the purchase ledger system
• Banking and bank reconciliation for the school’s main bank account
• Maintaining the petty cash
• Carrying out suspense account reconciliations
• Carrying out basic payroll entry
• Running the school’s Direct Debit system
• Taking fee payments via the school’s credit card facility
• Assisting with billing as directed including raising manual invoices
• Archiving finance data in accordance with data retention guidelines
• Other ad-hoc projects as directed by the Finance Director or Bursar

Other Bursary and HR Department Responsibilities and Duties:

• Assisting with the lettings process including raising the letting invoices
• Booking staff training courses as required and managing the evaluation process
• Processing staff expenses
• Administering employee benefits schemes, such as Childcare Vouchers, Cycle to Work, Private Healthcare etc.
• Administering the school trips management system in conjunction with trip leaders
• Collate, prepare and submit accurate and timely monthly payroll, and pension data
• Provide administration support for recruitment when needed
• Provide support to HR Officer and Finance Director as needed during busy time with Joiners, Movers, Leaver’s process

Overall, the successful applicant will wish to play a full part in the life of a highly energetic, caring and successful school and is likely to possess some, or all of the following characteristics and experience:

• Previous experience in a busy Finance Department (in an education setting would be ideal but not essential)
• AAT or equivalent qualifications
• Excellent literacy and numeracy skills
• Substantial proficiency in the use of IT applications, in particular accounting systems and MS Excel
• High levels of accuracy, attention to detail and a commitment to delivering high quality results
• A logical and pro-active approach
• The ability to prioritise for self and others, and be able to work on own initiative as well as in a team
• Excellent communication, interpersonal and presentation skills, able to relate well to all staff, both teaching and support
• An understanding of the responsibilities involved in handling sensitive and/or confidential information
• A desire to learn new skills
• A respect for colleagues and an understanding both of education in general and of the school’s specific ethos and aims

To apply for the role of Finance Officer, please send a covering letter together with a copy of your CV in MS Word

Ann Pettengell Ltd is acting as an Employment Agency for this vacancy.