Finance Assistant

FINANCE ASSISTANT CANDIDATE INFORMATIONFinton House School holds a special place in thehearts of all those who have been here, either as apupil, a parent or as a member of staff. It is aunique school combining a warm child-centricenvironment with a high focus on wellbeing andvalues while also achieving outstanding academicresults. This is in the context of a non-selectiveentry, increasingly rare for Prep schools in thearea, and a specific objective to include childrenwith special education needs who can thrive in amainstream environment. Inclusion is part of thefabric of Finton House, together with a focus onbuilding an understanding of our roles in theCommunity around us and our duty to contribute.All this is down to the culture, care andcommitment of our highly experienced staff whoget the best out of every child from those thatneed early support in specific areas to the moreable who should be stretched. Working here is deeply rewarding and often agreat deal of fun - after all, happiness is the key toa successful education. Everyone works hard tomaintain the school’s success and outstandingreputation, while in the knowledge that protectionof their own wellbeing is taken very seriously.HeadmasterWELCOME FROM THE HEADMASTERBen Freeman 2Finton House is a thriving independent co-educational prep school for 340 children aged4-11. Located near Wandsworth Common in SouthWest London, Finton House is a non-selective,inclusive school where children are prepared tothrive in an ever-changing world. The school’scommitment to pastoral care is as strong as itscommitment to providing an outstandingeducation, and its academic achievements at 11+speak for themselves: at Finton House, every childcan shine bright. Finton House was founded in 1987 as a charitabletrust on the principles that there should be noacademic selection for entry into Reception andthat all the children, including those with specialeducational needs, should enjoy a completelyinclusive, nurturing environment. These principlesunderpin the educational experience. The schoolhas a strong reputation for nurturing mixed abilitycohorts of children to experience the joy oflearning and develop their skills, knowledge andwellbeing. The impact and success of a Fintoneducation is evident in the number of childrenwaiting for a place to join in Reception or for anoccasional vacancy in all Year groups, and theremarkable success of pupils being awardedplaces and scholarships into a wide range ofselective independent senior schools.The school motto “Open Hearts and GuidingHands” sums up the warm and caringrelationships that the school promotes in anurturing learning environment, in order toprovide the most complete education.ABOUT FINTON HOUSE33SELIFLFIBEEKINDNESSCOMUCATINMNIOCURIOSTYIMORALITYRESILIENCETESRCPEFINTON HOUSE GOALS45The Finance Assistant supports theFinance Manager in the effective and efficientoperation of the School’s finance function. Therole provides core transactional andadministrative finance support across billing,ledger processing, banking, payroll assistance andaudit preparation.This is an excellent opportunity for an early-career finance professional seekingexposure to a broad range of finance activitieswithin a well-run and financially healthyindependent school.JOBPURPOSE6School Fee Billing & Income ProcessingPrepare and reconcile data to support the generation of termly schoolfee billing.Maintain accurate pupil billing records within the School’s finance andMIS system.Collect and process Direct Debit mandates for new joiners.Prepare termly and monthly Direct Debit files in accordance with agreedtimetables.Reconcile fee income and investigate discrepancies.Support credit control processes where required.Purchase Ledger & PaymentsProcess supplier invoices accurately and in a timely manner.Manage purchase ledger records and supplier statements.Process staff credit card returns and expense claims.Process supplier Direct Debits.Prepare and assist with the weekly supplier payment run.Ensure appropriate documentation and authorisation is in place.Fixed Assets (as required)Maintain and update the Fixed Asset Register.Record additions, disposals and depreciation schedules.Assist with periodic asset verification exercises.Payroll Support (as required)Assist with the preparation of payroll data e.g. joiners and leavers, clubspay spreadsheet, variable payments etc.Support payroll reconciliations and reporting.Maintain payroll-related records in line with statutory requirements.KEYRESPONSIBILITIESBudget & Management Accounts SupportProvide support to budget holders in reviewing actual expenditureagainst budget.Assist with data preparation for monthly management accounts.Respond to routine financial queries from staff.Audit & ComplianceAssist in the preparation of year-end audit files and schedules.Support documentation collation for external auditors.Ensure finance processes comply with School policies and internalcontrols.GeneralMaintain high levels of confidentiality at all times.Contribute to continuous improvement of finance processes.Undertake ad hoc finance-related duties as reasonably required by theFinance Manager or Bursar.788The duties and responsibilities outlined may be subject to changebased on the school's needs and priorities. We reserve the right tomodify or amend the job description at any time, in consultationwith the employee, to better align with our school's goals andobjectives. Finton House Educational Trust is committed to safeguarding andpromoting the welfare of children and young people. Applicantsmust undergo child protection screening, including checks with pastemployers and Disclosure and Barring Service. Details of all checksare to be found in our Recruitment, Selection & DisclosuresProcedure which is available on the school's website.SAFEGUARDINGEssentialAAT Level 2 or 3 (or working towards).Strong numerical and analytical skills.Experience of accounting software.Good working knowledge of Excel.High level of accuracy and attention to detail.Organised with the ability to meet deadlines.Discreet and able to handle confidential information.Good communication skills, ability to work with non-financecolleagues.DesirableExperience working in a school or charitable environment.Experience of Direct Debit processing.Understanding of basic payroll processes.PERSONSPECIFICATION930 days’ holiday (full time equivalent) Finton House operates a generous defined benefit pension scheme forall employees. Support staff are enrolled into Scottish Widow with anemployer contribution of 7.5%All permanent employees benefit from Life Insurance covering Deathin Service to a value of 2 times salary.All permanent employees benefit from Income Protection insuranceshould the employee fall ill, providing support during long term illness.Employees have the option to buy into the group medical insuranceprovided through Aviva. This covers a wide variety of treatmentincluding optical and dental.Permanent employees benefit from a staff discount on fees for allchildren attending Finton of 65% (pro rata).Lunch is provided to all employees during term time, alongside accessto refreshments throughout the day.The School participates in both a Cycle & Technology Scheme allowingemployees to benefit from favourable purchase terms and taxefficiencies.All employees have access to an industry leading Employee AssistanceProgramme offering employees and their dependents access towellbeing resources including counselling and legal advice.Staff Loans are available for training courses and travel support.Finton operates a lively social life with regular staff events alongsidetraditional mentoring and support.BENEFITSFinton House Educational Trust is an equal opportunities employer and iscommitted to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children andyoungpeople. Applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screeningappropriate to the post. The appointment is subject to satisfactory pre-employment checks in accordance with the relevant statutory guidance, includingan enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check, satisfactoryreferences, proof ofidentity and qualifications, a review of their social media presence and asatisfactory medical report.