Finance and Payroll Officer (Deputy to Head of Finance and Payroll)
Are you ready to take the next step in your finance career? A leading
sixth form collegein
Boltonis seeking a dedicated
Finance and Payroll Officerto join their small, dynamic finance team on a permanent basis. This is an excellent opportunity for an ambitious individual looking to gain a professional accounting qualification while making a meaningful impact. In this role, you’ll take ownership of key finance and payroll functions and act as deputy to the Head of Finance and Payroll, offering valuable exposure to senior financial management and a clear path for career progression.
Location:Bolton
Salary:Competitive, based on experience (£35k to £37.4k)
Contract:Full-time, Permanent, Full Year
Key Duties/Responsibilities:
- Manage the end-to-end payroll process for teaching and support staff
- Accurately process payroll adjustments, overtime, and deductions, ensuring prompt and correct payments.
- Ensure correct application of salary scales, incremental progression, and statutory pay entitlements (e.g., maternity, sick pay).
- Conduct thorough payroll reconciliations to ensure data accuracy before processing payroll runs.
- Liaise with HR to verify contract details, new starters, leavers, and any contractual changes affecting payroll.
- Assist in the preparation of monthly management accounts, including variance analysis and financial commentary.
- Support budget monitoring and forecasting, identifying key financial trends and potential risks.
- Assist in year-end financial processes, including the preparation of audit schedules and liaising with external auditors.
- Complete month-end routines, ensuring all financial transactions are accurately recorded and reconciled.
- Understand and analyse the Trial Balance, identifying discrepancies and ensuring accounts are correctly maintained.
- Oversee the sales and purchase ledger processes, ensuring accurate and timely processing of invoices and payments.
- Maintain robust system controls to ensure integrity and efficiency in ledger management.
- Liaise with internal and external stakeholders to resolve queries related to sales and purchase ledgers.
- Provide leadership and oversight in the absence of the Head of Finance and Payroll.
- Supervise finance team members as required, providing guidance and support in their duties.
Key Skills/Experience:
- Minimum Level 3 AAT qualification
- Ambition to progress to a professional accounting qualification (e.g. CIMA)
- Experience in finance and/or payroll, preferably within a school/college/university
- Strong mathematical skills and attention to detail
- Able to work independently and as part of a team
- Able to take on leadership responsibilities when required
Benefits:
- Gain valuable experience in a senior finance role
- Opportunity to complete Level 4 AAT and progress to CIMA
- Support for further development and career progression
- Work within a friendly and supportive environment
- Retail and wellbeing discounts
- Pension contribution at 23.4%
If you’re ready to take the next step in your finance career, we’d love to hear from you!
If you're interested, click "Apply Now" or forward your CV directly to Amy on Amy.Rowley@hays.com
If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career.
- Amy RowleyA
Secondary SchoolinBoltonis seeking an experienced and highly motivatedSchool Business Managerto join their leadership team on a temporary basis initially, with the potential for a permanent role. This is a key strategic role, reporting directly to the Executive Headteacher and working closely with the Senior Leadership Team (SLT) to ensure the smooth and efficient operation of all non-teaching functions within the school.Location:Bolton
Rate:Up to £25.86/hour DOE
Start Date:January 2026 or ASAP
Hours:Full-time
Key Duties/Responsibilities:
- Lead and manage the Finance, IT, HR, Administration, Site, and Cleaning teams, ensuring high-quality support services for all stakeholders
- Oversee all financial operations, including budget monitoring, invoicing, purchase ordering, reconciliations, petty cash, and service level agreements
- Manage all aspects of HR, including performance reviews, absence management, wellbeing support, and formal meetings
- Lead recruitment processes from advertising and interviewing to onboarding, contracts, and induction
- Ensure efficient administration across the school, including trips, health & safety compliance, admissions, and appeals
- Provide accurate reporting and data analysis to SLT to support strategic decision-making and improve student outcomes
- Oversee site management, including health and safety audits, fire safety protocols, risk assessments, and contractor liaison
- Develop and implement school policies and initiatives, including staff wellbeing programs and social events
- Manage first aid compliance, training, and incident reporting
Key Skills/Responsibilities:
- Experience in finance, HR, and operational managementwithin an educational setting is essential
- Relevant qualifications (Eg. CSBM/DSBM, AAT, CIMA, ACCA, CIPD) would be beneficial
- Strong understanding of financial regulations within education
- Highly organised, proactive, and able to manage multiple priorities.
- A strong communicator with excellent leadership and interpersonal skills.
- Committed to supporting the school’s vision and improving outcomes for students.
Why Join Us?
- Potential for a permanent role
- Competitive rates, paid weekly
- Be part of a forward-thinking leadership team and Multi-Academy Trust
- Access to Hays' free CPD Library, with 1000s of relevant courses
- Play a pivotal role in shaping the success of a large secondary school.
- Enjoy a supportive environment with opportunities for professional development.
If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or forward your CV directly to Amy on amy.rowley@hays.com
If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career.
- Amy Rowley