Finance officer

Balcarras School, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL53 8QF

5 days remaining to apply

Start date details
As soon as possible
Closing date
10 February 2025 at 9am
Date listed
24 January 2025

Job details

Job role: Administration, HR, data and finance
Visa sponsorship: Visas cannot be sponsored
Working pattern: Part time: 25 hours per week. It is anticipated this will be five hours per day over five days per week, however hours could potentially be flexibly distributed across a working week if agreed.
Contract type: Fixed term - 1 year
Actual salary: Point 15-20: £19,657.43—£21,341.89 actual salary

What skills and experience we're looking for

The successful applicant must be able to work independently and part of a team and work well under pressure. They must have an excellent work ethic.

ÞGood standard of general education, including GCSE English and Mathematics (Grade 4/C or above) or equivalent

ÞExperience of working in a customer focused environment

ÞGood understanding of financial processes and systems

ÞExperience of using computerised accounting packages

ÞExcellent administration and communication skills

ÞExperience with using office software, email, and internet

ÞExperience of working in a training or education context (not a limiting factor)

ÞAbility to communicate clearly and accurately at all levels and through a range of mediums

ÞAbility to learn and operate new processes and systems quickly

ÞAbility to organise and prioritise workload

ÞAbility to adapt working practices and be flexible

What the school offers its staff

GITEP is a school centred initial teacher training provider (SCITT). GITEP is a very successful programme, judged Outstanding by Ofsted in 2023 and rated among the top secondary teacher training providers in the country. GITEP SCITT recruits and trains around 80 new teachers each year with the intention they will go on and work in one of our 30+ partner schools in Gloucestershire. GITEP SCITT works in partnership with the University of Bristol, which accredits the Postgraduate Certificate in Education.

The Balcarras Trust is responsible for GITEP, but GITEP is run by the Gloucestershire Association of Secondary Headteachers Limited (GASH). All GASH Ltd staff work for schools. All members of the GITEP staff who are not currently serving teachers are employed by The Balcarras Trust, ensuring consistency of terms and conditions and access to the local government pension scheme.

GITEP SCITT is based at Cheltenham Bournside School. We have our own space within, but separate to, the main school. The space includes an area for meetings and training, and two small offices. There are currently six people based here but it is rare that everyone is there at the same time due to part-time and flexible working arrangements, and the fact that the course leaders spend a lot of time out and about in schools.

GITEP staff enjoy working as part of a team and value building relationships with all our partners, stakeholders, and trainees. It is vital to us to be seen as efficient and professional but also friendly and approachable. We also value flexibility and a willingness to pitch in and help with any tasks which need doing, especially when other members of the team are particularly busy.

Flexible working opportunities

JOB PURPOSE:

To work as part of a team to provide efficient and effective financial and administrative support for Gloucestershire Association of Secondary Headteachers Ltd and GITEP SCITT, ensuring systems are maintained and operated in accordance with procedures and statutory requirements.

PLACE OF WORK:

GITEP SCITT office at Cheltenham Bournside School and remote working from home, as agreed with the GASH Ltd Operations Manager.

MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Maintain effective financial processes and procedures for GASH Ltd and GITEP SCITT, including:

Raising of orders, payments and invoices (sales and purchase)
Preparation and processing of supplier payments
Monitoring expenditure on company credit cards
Banking of cheques/cash received
Creditor and Debtor control
Reconciliation of sales and purchase ledgers
Reconciliation of bank accounts on a monthly basis
Managing the office petty cash
Assist in the production of monthly financial reports and maintenance of budgets
Assist in the preparation of accounts for internal and external audits

ÞAct as the treasurer to the Gloucestershire Association of Secondary School Leaders Association accounts. This is the subscription paid by headteachers to belong to GASSL and pays mostly for Association meetings.

ÞProvide administrative and secretarial support as required for specific tasks, projects, or meetings commensurate with the grading of the post

ÞContribute to the planning and development of systems, procedures and working practices including accurately updating and maintaining relevant financial systems

ÞLiaise closely with both internal staff and external agencies in order to build and maintain effective working relationships

ÞTaking responsibility with all other members of staff for keeping the appearance of areas of work tidy and pleasant to work in, and for reporting any concerns

ÞContribute effectively to the ‘whole team’ working, being flexible in working practice and being able to re-prioritise workload when other team members require support

ÞComply with relevant policies, procedures and financial regulations

ÞEnsure that Health and Safety instructions are followed
Meet weekly with the Finance Manager and regularly with the GASH Ltd Operations Manager, GITEP SCITT Director and other programme managers as required.
Communicate effectively to all enquiries on financial matters and where applicable refer queries to the relevant person, department or external agency
Meet weekly with the Finance Manager and regularly with the GASH Ltd Operations Manager, GITEP SCITT Director and other programme managers as required.

ÞLiaise closely with both internal staff and external agencies in order to build and maintain effective working relationships

ÞTaking responsibility with all other members of staff for keeping the appearance of areas of work tidy and pleasant to work in, and for reporting any concerns

ÞContribute effectively to the ‘whole team’ working, being flexible in working practice and being able to re-prioritise workload when other team members require support

ÞComply with relevant policies, procedures and financial regulations

ÞEnsure that Health and Safety instructions are followed
Contribute to the planning and development of systems, procedures and working practices including accurately updating and maintaining relevant financial systems
Provide administrative and secretarial support as required for specific tasks, projects, or meetings commensurate with the grading of the post
Act as the treasurer to the Gloucestershire Association of Secondary School Leaders Association accounts. This is the subscription paid by headteachers to belong to GASSL and pays mostly for Association meetings.

Commitment to safeguarding

Balcarras School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This role will involve regulated activity with children. We particularly welcome applications from underrepresented groups including ethnicity, gender, transgender, age, disability, sexual orientation or religion. Please also read the Recruitment Selection and Disclosure Policy within “How to apply” which includes our policy on recruiting ex-offenders. All posts are subject to an enhanced DBS check and receipt of two satisfactory references.