Finance officer

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Job description

This role will play a key part in supporting the Interim Finance Manager in maintaining the school's financial health through accurate data analysis, preparation of annual accounts, budgets, payroll administration, billing and treasury functions. The ideal candidate will collaborate across departments to ensure financial compliance, provide valuable insights to stakeholders through analytical reporting and support change initiatives. This role provides an excellent opportunity for growth within a collaborative finance team. The successful candidate will gain exposure to various areas of financial management, including compliance, payroll, and audit preparation, with opportunities to develop their expertise in school finance.

Summary of Major Responsibilities

Financial Reporting and Data Analysis

• Assist the finance manager in preparing annual accounts, budgets, monthly management accounts and quarterly VAT returns
• Analyze and interpret financial data for budget holders and other team members
• Ensure the accuracy and reliability of financial data by regularly reviewing inputs from the Purchase Ledger Controller and the bookstore
• Produce analytical reports on financial data to provide insight and comparative benchmarks to the relevant stakeholders

Payroll Administration:

• Support the Payroll Controller with compiling monthly payroll and maintaining accurate records
• Produce analytical reports on payroll data

Fees and Billing:

• Support Fees Controller with invoicing, including data verification, parent/staff communications and aged debtor ledger oversight
• Liaise with other departments to ensure the accurate billing for extra-curricular activities and services

Other accounts office duties:

• Provide support to colleagues within the finance office during periods of absence or peak workload, ensuring continuity of service
• Other tasks as necessary to support the smooth operation of the finance department.
• Reconcile internal financial data with external systems (e.g.payment gateways, expense management software)
• Oversee payment systems including credit merchants, expense platforms and procurement platforms
• Liaise with external auditors and prepare the necessary reports and reconciliations to meet audit requirements

Essential Qualifications/Experience:

• Demonstrable experience working in a finance/business environment
• Accountancy qualification (ACA, ACCA or CIMA)
• Knowledge of financial regulations and compliance standards
• Proficiency with technology is essential. Specific experience with MS applications such as Excel and Power BI is a plus
• Experience in using financial/accounting systems
• Strong attention to detail, critical thinking and problem-solving skills
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Dedication to collaborating with colleagues, budget holders and other stakeholders
• A demonstrable awareness of and commitment to diversity and inclusion and to safeguarding in education

Desirable Qualifications/Experience:

• Specific MS Dynamics Business Central experience a plus

This position description is current at the date shown but following consultation may be changed to reflect or anticipate changes in the role that are commensurate with the job title and salary.

The American School in London is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all trustees, employees and volunteers to share this commitment. All new appointments will be subject to appropriate checks: Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS enhanced), Disqualification by Association Self-Declaration, Declaration of Criminal Record, checks against the Teaching Regulation Agency (TRA) Prohibition List (Teacher Status Checks) including Identity, Address, Date of Birth, a Full Employment History, Right to Work in the UK, overseas checks where applicable, at least 2 references (one with current or most recent employer, where appropriate) and original documentation of Qualifications (where appropriate). For positions in Senior Management a Prohibition from Management Check (s128 Directive) will also be undertaken.

All posts involving direct contact with children are exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. However, amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975 (2013 & 2020) provide that certain spent convictions and cautions are 'protected'. These are not subject to disclosure to employers and cannot be taken into account. Guidance and criteria on the filtering of these cautions and convictions can be found on the Ministry of Justice website. Shortlisted candidates will be asked to provide details of all unspent convictions and those that would not be filtered, prior to the date of the interview. You may be asked for further information about your criminal history during the recruitment process. If your application is successful, this self-disclosure information will be checked against information from the Disclosure & Barring Service before your appointment is confirmed.

ASL is dedicated to fostering courageous global citizenship in a diverse and inclusive school environment. In our international community, we aspire for the cultures and backgrounds of our employees to mirror those of our families and student body, and we enthusiastically welcome applications from candidates who bring diverse life experiences, perspectives and skills. Educators with knowledge of global education and prospective applicants for any position who are committed to diversity and inclusion are particularly welcome to apply. The American School in London will not discriminate against an applicant or employee based on race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, sex, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, maternity or parental status, or any other legally recognized protected basis under local law.

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