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Finance officer

Finance officers often act as line managers to accounting or finance assistants and can work across one or more schools with various school staff.

What’s involved

Finance officers will have oversight of the basic accountancy functions at the school such as:

  • Contributing to the development and maintenance of financial systems and processes
  • Production and analysis of figures for the accountants for departmental heads
  • Auditing accounts
  • Invoices
  • Expenses claims
  • Payroll

Skills and experience you will need

  • Accounting and finance
  • Good communication (both written and spoken) and interpersonal skills
  • Organisational and time management skills
  • Budget management

Entry requirements

It is up to schools and local authorities (LAs) to decide what qualifications and experience applicants need to have, so it is important to check locally. Some may employ people on the basis of their experience and potential alone. Others may require a qualification.

The following qualification is available for those not yet employed in the role:

  • Level 2 Award in Support Work in Schools

However, this award is solely theory-based, without requiring a placement in a school, so it is important to check with the school or LA whether they would accept the qualification.

You’ll often need GCSEs, including maths and English. A levels in maths, business studies or economics may also be useful.

Some employers may ask for a relevant degree, or an accounting or bookkeeping qualification, like those offered by the Association of Accounting Technicians or or the  Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA).

You could get into this job through an apprenticeship.

 

Training and development

There are qualifications and training available for those in this role. The Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT) has developed a number of courses applicable to this role. For more information visit: AAT Accounting Qualifications

If you need more help speak to the person responsible for your career development or your Union Learning Representative.

Useful links

Have a look at the finance role profiles under the administrative & management job family to find out more about the different levels you could work at.

AAT

ACCA