Trust Finance and Payroll Officer

Job Description Location: Congleton based; candidate expected to travel to all trust schools occasionally with notice. Reportsto: Finance Manager Executive Lead: Director of Business Purpose of the Role: Provide a flexible, comprehensive, efficient and effective support service for the trust, working alongside the Finance Manager in the central trust office. Duties and Responsibilities Processing purchase orders, purchase invoices, sales invoices, credit card receipts and statements, BACS payments, and assisting in producing and reconciling financial reports and various other financial procedures. Working with and supporting academy admin teams, including Office Managers, ensuring finance functions are carried out consistently and to a high standard in all settings. Posting journals to adjust spend, internally re-charge for goods and services, capitalize items, and other agreed adjustments. Posting and reconciling the Trust bank accounts on a monthly basis. Assisting the Finance Manager, Director of Business, Headteachers and Office Managers with the annual budget planning process and the annual audit. Reviewing aged debtors and creditors across the Trust and ensuring the required action is taken by the Office Managers or Trust finance team. Administering the Trust’s monthly payroll, working alongside the Trust’s existing payroll provider, Finance Manager and Director of Business. Providing changes to external payroll providers and checking information. Supporting internal and external enquiries and requests related to finance, payroll and pensions. Processing expense, overtime claims and all other payroll changes. Maintaining and improving the payroll system. Producing reports, lists, information and data as required. Keeping abreast of modern administrative procedures and IT systems which could improve efficiency and effectiveness of the organisation. Promoting effective financial management throughout the Trust, striking the right balance of efficiency and compliance/fraud prevention. Continuous learning around the latest finance and payroll best practices to improve workplace efficiency. Undertaking such other duties related to the work of the Trust appropriate to the post as may be assigned by the Finance Manager and wider leadership team. Being aware of and complying with child protection, safeguarding, health and safety, confidentiality and data protection policies and procedures, reporting all concerns to an appropriate person. Maintaining complete confidentiality at all times. General To comply with and assist with the development of policies and procedures relating to child protection, health, safety and security, confidentiality and data protection, reporting all concerns to an appropriate person. To be aware of and support difference and ensure equal opportunities for all. To contribute to the overall ethos and aims of the Trust. To attend meetings within the Trust, at its academies and external events as required. To share expertise and skills with others. To participate in training and other learning activities and performance development as required. To recognise own strengths and areas of expertise and use these to advise and support colleagues. To maintain confidentiality always in respect of school-related matters and to prevent disclosure of confidential and sensitive information. Other duties commensurate with the grade of the post as directed by the Director of Business. Desired Criteria Experience of working in an education setting, desirable but not essential. Evidence of continuing professional development. Experience of finance and payroll procedures and regulations. Experience of salaries/putting through payroll changes. Knowledge of schools and how schools are run. Experience liaising with outside agencies. Working towards or gained a financial qualification. Good standard of general education to include 5. GCSEs (including Maths and English A-C). Willingness to undertake training and development. Good knowledge and understanding of double entry bookkeeping. Using financial accounting software for processing and reporting financial data. Preparing journals and calculations of recharges across budgets. High level of competence using email, databases and working with Microsoft Office general. Experience of handling enquiries from dealing with members of the public. High level of accuracy and confidentiality. Excellent literacy and numeracy skills. A passion for detail and getting the “little things” right for our staff which makes the trust a fantastic place to work. Show versatility to be able to ‘flex’ between various time critical tasks and submitting accurate information to a strict deadline. Present excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to adapt messages to suit the audience being addressed. Numerate. Benefits Access and support with training and CPD including further professional qualifications. Specialist training where required. Flexible and supportive approach to work. Free lunch at school. Free parking. Education Mutual – access to free face to face counselling, physiotherapy, nurse help-line, prescription service whenever you need it. A huge range of discounts, free gifts, perks including shopping, eating out, holidays. The wellness Hub – access to a variety of practical and useful resources. Medical – online GP appointments, prescriptions and advice at a convenient time. Flexible Working We recognise that attracting and retaining the highest quality candidates means offering a flexible working environment. We consider a variety of flexible arrangements, including part‑time roles, job‑sharing, flexible start and finish times, and hybrid opportunities where appropriate. Candidates are encouraged to discuss flexible working from recruitment onwards, in line with the statutory "day one right" principle, and ensuring equal opportunities for all groups of prospective employees. #J-18808-Ljbffr