Finance Assistant / Finance Apprentice

University Schools Trust, East London, London, E14 8AQ

21 days remaining to apply

• Start date details

  ASAP

• Closing date

  14 August 2026 at 12pm (midday)

• Date listed

  24 July 2026

Job details

• Job role:
  • Administration, HR, data and finance
• Visa sponsorship: Visas cannot be sponsored
• Working pattern: Full time
• Contract type: Permanent
• Full time equivalent salary: 27,009.00 - 33,384.00

Finance Assistant / Finance Apprentice job summary

Join University Schools Trust

University Schools Trust (UST) is a unique partnership of leading universities and sector organisations committed to delivering exceptional educational opportunities for young people across London. We are passionate about developing talented staff and creating opportunities for professional growth and career progression.

motivated individual to join our finance team. This is a flexible recruitment opportunity that allows us to appoint either an experienced Finance Assistant or an aspiring Finance Apprentice, depending on the skills, qualifications and experience of the successful candidate.

About the Role

You will play a key role in supporting the Trust's finance function, helping to ensure that financial processes are delivered efficiently, accurately and in line with agreed procedures. Working closely with the Finance Manager and Financial Controller, you will gain exposure to a wide range of finance activities including accounts payable, income processing, reconciliations, procurement support, financial administration and audit preparation.

Key responsibilities include:

Processing purchase orders, invoices and staff expenses.

Supporting payment runs and financial transactions.

Reconciling supplier statements and financial records.

Assisting with income collection and debt monitoring.

Maintaining accurate financial records and systems.

Supporting procurement processes and value for money initiatives.

Assisting with audit requirements and internal controls.

Supporting finance-related queries across the Trust

Finance Assistant Route

Candidates with relevant finance or administrative experience may be appointed as a Finance Assistant on Scale 4. This is a permanent position and would suit someone who has experience working in an office, administration or finance environment and is looking to develop their career within education finance.

Finance Apprentice Route

Candidates who demonstrate strong potential but have limited finance experience may be appointed as a Finance Apprentice and supported to complete a finance apprenticeship programme while earning the London Living Wage. The apprenticeship route is designed to provide structured training and practical workplace experience within a supportive team environment.

fixed-term contract for the duration of the apprenticeship programme. Subject to successful completion of the apprenticeship, satisfactory performance and the continued availability of the role, there may be an opportunity for the position to become permanent.

We are looking for someone who:

Has GCSE English and Maths (Grade 4/C or above) or equivalent.

Has excellent organisational and communication skills.

Demonstrates accuracy and attention to detail.

Can work effectively as part of a team.

Is confident using Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel.

Can manage competing priorities and meet deadlines.

Is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.

Experience of working in finance, schools or using financial systems would be advantageous but is not essential for candidates applying through the apprenticeship route.

Why Join UST?

A supportive and collaborative working environment.

Excellent professional development opportunities.

Access to apprenticeship training and qualifications.

Opportunity to build a rewarding career within education finance.

Further information about the job

The candidate will be required to undergo a full enhanced DBS check and must be eligible to work in the UK.

Visas cannot be sponsored.

If you're interested in teaching or training to teach in England as an international citizen, we can help you understand your next steps.

Commitment to safeguarding

Our organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all staff, volunteers and trustees to share this commitment.

Our recruitment process follows the keeping children safe in education guidance.

Offers of employment may be subject to the following checks (where relevant):
childcare disqualification
Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)
medical
online and social media
prohibition from teaching
right to work
satisfactory references
suitability to work with children

You must tell us about any unspent conviction, cautions, reprimands or warnings under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975.

Applying for the job

This school accepts applications through their own website, where you may also find more information about this job.

CVs will not be accepted for this application.

About University Schools Trust, East London

• Type: Multi-academy trust
• Website: University Schools Trust, East London website
• See more jobs: teaching-vacancies.service.gov.uk/organisations/university-schools-trust-east-london

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