School Accountant

What skills and experience we're looking for

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced School Accountant to join our highly regarded two form entry primary school and nursery for 10 hours per week. (Hours can be worked flexibly across two days)

This role is key in supporting the effective financial management of the school, assisting the School Business Manager and senior leadership team with high-quality financial support.

You will act as a trusted finance professional, contributing to the school’s financial stability and supporting strategic decision-making through accurate reporting, robust controls, and strong financial governance. This is a broad, hands-on role, covering financial operations, management accounts and compliance.

Candidate Profile

• Qualified accountant
• Strong experience in management accounting and financial compliance
• Previous experience in a finance role within an education or public sector environment.
• Excellent attention to detail and ability to work to tight deadlines
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work across all levels
• Highly organised with the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively
• Knowledge of school funding, financial compliance, and education finance regulations.

What the school offers its staff

This is a role which can be worked flexibly to suit you.

We offer term time only working so you will not need to work during school holiday periods.

Training for the financial systems we use can be provided.

Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme is automatic.

Interviews will be held as applications are received, so please do not delay in submitting your application. Further information is available on our website www.st-catherines.barnet.sch.uk/school/vacancies.

Further details about the role

Key Areas of Responsibility

Financial Management & Reporting

• Maintain accurate budget monitoring records, providing regular updates and forecasts to the Headteacher and Governing Board.
• Support in planning, managing, and monitoring the school’s budget to ensure financial sustainability and best value for money, using Access Education Budgets.
• Produce multi-year budget forecasts, including scenario planning to assess financial risks, funding changes, and pupil number fluctuations.
• Monitor income and expenditure against approved budgets on a regular basis, identifying variances and recommending corrective actions where required
• Monitor payroll reports, ensuring reconciliation with budget and staffing information.
• Keep up to date with changes in school finance regulations, funding, and local procedures.

Financial Operations and Compliance

• Ensure all financial transactions are recorded promptly, accurately, and in compliance with LA and school procedures.
• Operate and maintain the school’s financial management system, Arbor Finance.
• Process invoices, payments, credit card expenditure and income.
• Prepare monthly bank reconciliations and VAT returns and maintain accurate records for audit purposes.
• To lead and support in the closure of accounts process at year end.
• Liaising with external bodies, such as local authorities, to ensure compliance with statutory reporting requirements.

Commitment to safeguarding

St Catherine’s Catholic Primary School is committed to promoting and safeguarding the welfare of children. We are dedicated to implementing our safeguarding policies and procedures in the interests of all children and staff.