Detail-Oriented Finance Officer

We are looking for a motivated and detail-oriented Finance Officer to join our friendly and supportive Finance Team. This is an excellent opportunity for someone with strong financial administration skills who enjoys working in a varied role, supporting the effective financial management of our schools and helping to ensure the smooth delivery of trips, events, fundraising and day-to-day finance operations. The successful candidate will be highly organised, accurate and proactive, with excellent communication skills and a commitment to delivering a high-quality service to staff, students and parents. The successful candidate will:

• process and maintain accurate financial transactions within Access Finance, including journals, income, expenditure and banking, ensuring correct coding and robust audit trails.
• reconcile multiple income streams, bank accounts and financial records, supporting monthly and year-end processes to ensure accuracy and compliance.
• support the Finance Manager with financial reporting, process improvements, compliance with financial regulations and the delivery of ad hoc finance projects.
• hold AAT level 4 or equivalent accountancy qualification
• administer charity, fundraising, Gift Aid and bursary transactions, ensuring funds are accurately recorded, processed and reported.
• manage the financial administration of school trips, visits and events, including budgeting, payments, refunds, reconciliations and financial reporting.
• process exam-related income, payments and refunds, maintaining accurate records and supporting financial reporting requirements.
• provide excellent customer service by responding to finance-related enquiries from parents, staff and students, resolving issues efficiently and professionally.
• be flexible, confident and friendly individual who can build strong relationships across the Trust
In return, you'll enjoy:
• Caring Environment: Our positive ethos prioritises staff well-being and recognition.
• Empowerment: Work alongside ambitious, dedicated colleagues who are committed to developing the whole child.
• Exceptional Students: Engage with children who love being at school, exhibit exceptional behaviour and have a strong attitude towards their learning.
• Professional Environment: Join a stimulating and collaborative workplace in a school Ofsted labelled as 'exceptional' in October 2024
• Professional Growth: Access extraordinary professional development and support to enhance your skills.
• Flexible Work Options: We value work balance through the availability of flexible working, our 'Time for you Tuesdays', commuted INSETs and Employee Assistance Programme
About Us - The Downs School and Sixth Form is a successful, oversubscribed, and highly regarded secondary school located in the beautiful Downs area of West Berkshire. Praised in our recent Ofsted for the exceptional behaviour of our students, we are judged by ALPS to be red hot, reflecting our commitment to high-quality teaching, learning, and student outcomes. Application Details - We encourage early applications, as we reserve the right to close this vacancy if sufficient applications are received. We welcome pre-arranged visits to the school. Please apply via TES and for more information, please contact recruitment@thedownsschool.org, Closing date: 17 July 2026, 8am The Downs School (Summit Education Trust) is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. Successful applicants will be subject to social media checks, an Enhanced Disclosure Check through the DBS and provide evidence that they have a right to work in the UK.

In return, you'll enjoy:
• Caring Environment: Our positive ethos prioritises staff well-being and recognition.
• Empowerment: Work alongside ambitious, dedicated colleagues who are committed to developing the whole child.
• Exceptional Students: Engage with children who love being at school, exhibit exceptional behaviour and have a strong attitude towards their learning.
• Professional Environment: Join a stimulating and collaborative workplace in a school Ofsted labelled as 'exceptional' in October 2024
• Professional Growth: Access extraordinary professional development and support to enhance your skills.
• Flexible Work Options: We value work balance through the availability of flexible working, our 'Time for you Tuesdays', commuted INSETs and Employee Assistance Programme
About Us - The Downs School and Sixth Form is a successful, oversubscribed, and highly regarded secondary school located in the beautiful Downs area of West Berkshire. Praised in our recent Ofsted for the exceptional behaviour of our students, we are judged by ALPS to be red hot, reflecting our commitment to high-quality teaching, learning, and student outcomes.