Finance Accountancy Officer

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.
    

Required Skills:

Person Specification Qualifications Essential AAT Qualification (Association of Accounting Technicians) equivalent qualification part-qualified status or significant relevant experience. Desirable Accounting or Finance qualification. Further professional accountancy studies. Knowledge Essential Financial management and accountancy principles. Computerised financial systems. Spreadsheet and database management. Financial reporting processes. Financial regulations and controls. Desirable Local Government accounting procedures. School funding and education finance. VAT and financial compliance requirements. Experience Essential Experience working within a finance or accountancy role. Experience preparing and monitoring budgets. Experience using financial systems and spreadsheets. Experience producing financial reports. Experience advising stakeholders on financial matters. Experience working to deadlines and managing priorities. Desirable Previous Local Authority experience. Schools Finance experience. Experience supporting education establishments. Experience working with Governing Bodies or Senior Managers. Skills & Competencies Essential Excellent accountancy and numeracy skills. Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities. Advanced Microsoft Excel skills. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Ability to explain financial information clearly. Ability to prepare and maintain spreadsheets and databases. Strong organisational skills. Ability to work independently with minimal supervision. Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines. Desirable Welsh language skills. Experience designing financial reporting tools and spreadsheets. Additional Information Job Title: Finance / Accountancy Officer Department: Corporate Finance (School Support) Location: Colwyn Bay Conwy Contract Length: 3 Months 37 Hours per Week Hybrid Working Minimum 3 Days Office-Based and 2 Days Remote Rate: 18.62 per hour (Umbrella) Pay is provided on a bi-weekly basis AAT qualification (or equivalent experience) is essential Previous Local Authority or Schools Finance experience is highly desirable Strong Excel and financial systems experience is essential Knowledge of school budgets education finance and local government finance is advantageous

Employment Type : Full Time
Experience: years
Vacancy: 1