Job description

Finance / Accountancy Officer – Schools Finance – 3 Month Contract

Location: Colwyn Bay, Conwy

Rate: £18.62 per hour (Umbrella)

Contract: Temporary (3 Months)

Hours: 37 Hours per Week

Working Pattern: Hybrid Working – Minimum 3 Days Office-Based and 2 Days Remote Working

Pay: Bi-weekly

Summary

This temporary role within Corporate Finance (School Support) is crucial for providing financial and accountancy support to schools within the local authority. The Finance / Accountancy Officer will collaborate with Headteachers, Governing Bodies, and the Principal Accountant (Schools) to ensure effective budget management, financial reporting, forecasting, and compliance with financial regulations. This position is vital for helping schools optimize their financial resources and maintain financial integrity.

Responsibilities

Schools Finance Support
- Assist the Principal Accountant (Schools) in delivering Service Level Agreements.
- Provide financial management and budget monitoring support to schools.
- Offer financial advice and guidance to Headteachers and Governing Bodies.
- Help schools maximize the effective use of financial resources.

Budget Preparation & Monitoring
- Assist in preparing annual budgets for primary, secondary, and special schools.
- Support budget forecasting and financial planning processes.
- Monitor budget performance and identify variances.
- Aid schools in interpreting financial reports and budget information.

Financial Reporting
- Assist with year-end financial processes and account closure activities.
- Support the production of final accounts and maintain financial reporting systems.
- Produce financial reports and management information as required.

School Support & Stakeholder Engagement
- Visit schools to provide financial advice and support.
- Assist Headteachers and Governing Bodies in understanding budget information.
- Resolve financial queries and operational finance issues.
- Build effective working relationships with schools and education stakeholders.

Financial Systems & Reconciliations
- Maintain financial reporting systems for schools.
- Perform monthly reconciliations with authority ledgers.
- Ensure the accuracy and integrity of financial data.
- Monitor and maintain financial records and databases.

Payments & Financial Administration
- Support creditor payment processes and review financial transactions for compliance.
- Process and monitor orders and payments.
- Investigate financial queries related to school budgets and expenditure.

Compliance & Financial Governance
- Maintain up-to-date knowledge of financial regulations, VAT, and local government procedures.
- Ensure compliance with financial controls and audit requirements.
- Maintain accurate audit trails for financial transactions.

Customer Service & Support
- Respond to enquiries from schools, contractors, suppliers, finance staff, and other council departments.
- Provide clear and professional financial advice.
- Deliver a high standard of customer service.

Team Working
- Collaborate effectively as part of the Schools Finance Team.
- Support wider Corporate Finance activities as required.
- Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives.
- Undertake other duties appropriate to the grade and role.

Requirements

Requirements:

Essential
- AAT Qualification (or equivalent), part-qualified, or significant relevant finance/accountancy experience.
- Experience in a finance, accountancy, or budget support environment.
- Strong numerical and analytical skills.
- Experience with computerized financial systems and advanced Microsoft Excel skills.
- Ability to work independently and meet deadlines.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to provide financial advice and support to a range of stakeholders.

Desirable
- Previous Local Authority finance experience.
- Knowledge of school funding and education finance.
- Knowledge of local government accounting procedures.
- Ability to communicate through the medium of Welsh.

Finance Accountancy Officer