Finance Assistant

River Academy is seeking to appoint a Finance Assistant to provide high-quality finance support under the direction of the Hub Finance Officer. This role will support accurate, efficient and compliant financial administration across Maiden Erlegh Trust schools, helping schools operate smoothly and enabling education-related activity to be delivered effectively. The successful candidate will process purchase orders, invoices, goods received notes, deliveries, returns and refunds through PS Financials and related systems. They will also maintain accurate records and reconciliations across purchase orders, trips, events, credit cards, prepaid cards and cashless payment systems.,

• Provide accurate and effective finance administration that supports the smooth running of Trust schools.
• Process purchase orders, invoices and goods received notes through PS Financials.
• Support colleagues, requisitioners and budget holders with order processes and finance queries.
• Maintain accurate financial records, reconciliations and system information.
• Support the financial administration of trips, events, lockers and pupil-related funding.
• Support cashless payment systems, including payment items, login details and parent queries.
• Assist with Pupil Premium, Catch Up Premium, Sports Premium and Free School Meal checks.
• Liaise professionally with colleagues, parents, carers, suppliers and external agencies.
• Support best value purchasing and supplier processes.
• Attend Trust-wide Finance Assistant network meetings and training., Working for our Trust means contributing to something larger by supporting the education and life chances of children and young people every day., River Academy would like all candidates to answer specific questions for the personal statement section. For reference, here is a preview of the questions/headings:
1. I confirm that if I am successful in securing the post, the personal email I have provided on this document can be uploaded to Every to process my onboarding paperwork 2. I confirm that if I am successful in securing the post, the personal email I have provided on this document can be uploaded to National College to receive my induction training 3. I confirm that if I am successful in securing the post, that I consent to processing my DBS check using the personal details provided. 4. Please write your personal statement here


• Has an NVQ Level 2 or equivalent qualification or experience in a relevant discipline.
• Has a high level of numeracy.
• Has experience of finance administration and working in a finance office, including accounts payable.
• Can maintain accurate manual and computerised financial systems.
• Has strong Excel, Word and Google skills.
• Works accurately with financial information and maintains close attention to detail.
• Can organise work effectively, respond flexibly to changing priorities and work well under pressure.
• Communicates clearly and professionally with colleagues, suppliers, parents, carers and other stakeholders.
• Handles student, family and financial information sensitively and confidentially.
• Is self-motivated, reliable, flexible and committed to developing new skills.
  
  River Academy opened in September 2024 with 180 students and seven students in its resource base. From September 2026, student numbers will increase again as the school welcomes its next cohort of Year 7 students. The school is currently oversubscribed, with waiting lists in all year groups, and expects continued high demand for September 2026.
River Academy has a strong focus on calm, purposeful learning environments. Classrooms are quiet, corridors are calm. Students are expected to demonstrate good manners, strong oracy skills, and high standards of personal and academic presentation. Reflecting this focus on consistency and high expectations, River Academy is ranked in the highest decile across all DfE attendance measures, and Sparx homework completion rates consistently exceed 98%., River Academy is a purpose-built secondary school serving the growing need for school places in the Reading area. Located on Richfield Avenue, the site includes specialist teaching facilities across the curriculum, including a hall, activity studio, learning resource centre, drama studio and sports studio. Classrooms are fully equipped with interactive screens and visualisers. The school has high expectations for all students, with a clear focus on academic excellence and participation. When fully open, River Academy will serve students of all abilities and backgrounds, alongside an additional resource base for students with moderate learning difficulties. The school also offers a wide range of extra-curricular opportunities through its after-school Electives programme, available to all students., Maiden Erlegh Trust is a growing community of schools across Berkshire and Oxfordshire, working together to deliver the best possible education for every child and young person. With around 800 staff and 5,000 students across eleven schools, including primary, secondary, special and alternative provision, we are proud of the diversity that shapes our expertise. We Aim High, Be Inclusive and Work Together. These values drive our focus on high-quality education for all through collaboration, inclusion and continuous improvement. Through the Maiden Erlegh Institute, colleagues access high-quality professional learning at every stage of their career, supported by mentoring, leadership opportunities and our annual MET Staff Conference, a day that brings colleagues together to share best practice and learn from one another. Joining our Trust means being part of a community that invests in people and values expertise, playing a direct role in shaping the lives and outcomes of young people.

Further information about working at Maiden Erlegh Trust can be found on our website here. Staff wellbeing and professional development are central to how we work, and colleagues across our Trust benefit from a range of opportunities and schemes designed to recognise their contribution and support their growth. Pension Scheme: Generous employer contributions, with auto-enrolment into either the Teachers Pension Scheme or Local Government Pension Scheme, both Career Average Earning Schemes. Annual Leave: We offer a generous holiday entitlement, which increases with length of service. ME Day: Colleagues may request one additional day's leave each year to attend a special personal event, such as a child's sports day or graduation, or a family celebration. Professional Development: We offer a comprehensive programme of professional learning through the Maiden Erlegh Institute, including opportunities to both attend and deliver CPD. Colleagues also take part in our annual Conference, a full day of workshops, networking and learning for all staff. Colleagues can also access a range of professional development opportunities using Apprenticeship Levy funding, and benefit from professional development networks. Hybrid Working: For eligible roles, we support a flexible approach to working arrangements, balancing remote and office-based work where appropriate. Perkbox: Colleagues have access to Perkbox, which offers a wide range of discounts and wellness resources and receive 25 Perk points each month which can be exchanged for goods and services. Wellbeing and Health: Free flu vaccinations are offered to all staff, and free eye tests are provided to those who are eligible. Employee Assistance Programme: Incorporating discount vouchers, access to 24/7 support and more.