Finance Officer LBS

Job Description

3 months contract with a Local Authority

Job title: Finance Officer LBS (Accounts Payable)

Job Purpose

To provide effective accounts payable and financial administration support by ensuring the accurate and timely processing of funding and supplier payments. The post holder will be responsible for maintaining financial records, reconciling accounts, supporting schools with payment-related queries, and ensuring compliance with financial regulations, procedures, and audit requirements. The role plays a key part in supporting efficient financial operations and delivering high-quality finance services.

Key Responsibilities

Payment Processing

• Process funding payments, supplier invoices, and other financial transactions accurately and within agreed timescales.
  
• Ensure all payments are supported by appropriate documentation and approvals.
  
• Monitor payment schedules and ensure deadlines are met.
  

Account Reconciliation

• Reconcile financial accounts and payment records regularly.
  
• Investigate and resolve discrepancies, outstanding items, and payment issues.
  
• Ensure all financial information is accurate and up to date.
  

Financial Administration

• Maintain accurate financial records, databases, and documentation.
  
• Update and manage SAP records and financial information.
  
• Support the preparation of reports, reconciliations, and management information.
  

School and Stakeholder Support

• Act as a point of contact for schools regarding funding payments and financial queries.
  
• Liaise with internal departments and external stakeholders to resolve payment issues.
  
• Build positive working relationships through professional and effective communication.
  

Compliance and Control

• Ensure all activities comply with financial regulations, policies, and procedures.
  
• Support internal and external audit requirements.
  
• Maintain confidentiality and security of financial information.
  
• Assist in implementing and maintaining effective financial controls.
  

Continuous Improvement

• Identify opportunities to improve payment processing and financial administration procedures.
  
• Support process improvement initiatives within the finance team.
  
• Contribute positively to team objectives and service delivery standards.
  

Essential Experience

• Minimum 2 years' experience in a finance, accounts payable, or similar financial administration role within a local authority or school setting.
  
• Minimum 1 year's experience using SAP financial systems.
  
• Experience processing payments and maintaining financial records.
  
• Experience reconciling accounts and resolving financial discrepancies.
  
• Experience working with large volumes of financial data.
  
• Experience providing support and guidance to customers or stakeholders.
  

Essential Qualifications

• Minimum 5 GCSEs (or equivalent) including:
  
• English
  
• Mathematics
  

Desirable Qualifications

• AAT Level 2 or Level 3 qualification (or equivalent).
  
• Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or related qualification.
  

Skills and Knowledge

• Intermediate Microsoft Excel skills, including formulas, spreadsheets, data validation, and reporting.
  
• Strong numerical and analytical skills.
  
• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy.
  
• Good organisational and workload management skills.
  
• Ability to work to deadlines and manage competing priorities.
  
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
  
• Knowledge of accounts payable processes and financial procedures.
  
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive financial information.
  
• Proficiency in SAP and financial management systems.
  

Desirable Experience and Knowledge

• Experience working with school funding or education finance processes.
  
• Knowledge of local authority finance procedures.
  
• Experience reconciling large volumes of financial data.
  
• Knowledge of financial controls, governance requirements, and audit procedures.
  
• Experience preparing financial reports and management information.
  

Additional Information

• Location: 160 Tooley Street, London, SE1 2QH, United Kingdom.
  
• Working Pattern: Hybrid working – 3 days remote and 2 days office-based per week.
  
• Working Hours: 35 hours per week.
  
• Pay Rate: £24.54 per hour (Limited Company/Umbrella).
  
• Contract Type: Temporary/Agency Contract (subject to assignment details).
  
• Reporting To: Finance Manager / Senior Finance Officer.
  
• Department: Finance / Education Finance.
  
• Systems: SAP, Microsoft Excel, and other financial management systems.
  
• Key Stakeholders: Schools, suppliers, internal finance teams, and external partners.
  
• Compliance Requirements: Adherence to financial regulations, internal controls, audit requirements, GDPR, and organisational policies and procedures.
  
• Performance Expectations: Timely and accurate processing of payments, effective account reconciliation, maintenance of financial records, and delivery of high-quality customer service.
  
• Working Environment: Fast-paced finance environment requiring strong attention to detail, accuracy, and the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
  
• Development Opportunities: Ongoing exposure to education finance, local authority financial processes, SAP systems, and financial controls.
  
• We operate on a bi-weekly payment schedule.
  

· Closing date: Soon – early applications are encouraged

Requirements
Accounts Payable, SAP, School Funding, Education Finance, Finance