HITCHIN GIRLS’ SCHOOL
JOB DESCRIPTION
FINANCE OFFICER
Grade:
H7
Hours:
Part time, 15 hours per week (over 2 or 3 days), with additional time
required to support year end as necessary.
Start:
September 2012
Responsible to:
Director of Finance & Resources
Job purpose:
To be responsible for monthly, quarterly and annual management and statutory accounting and
bookkeeping reports and tasks. To provide bookkeeping and accounting support and guidance
to staff.
The post holder will work closely with the Director of Finance & Resources and the Finance
Manager to ensure reports and statutory returns are produced and submitted within required
timescales.
Key Responsibilities and Tasks:
 To prepare financial reports and information as required for the Governors,
Headteacher and Director of Finance & Resources.
 To prepare and review the monthly management accounts.
 The preparation of reconciliation reports, VAT returns and any other financial return,
within the required timescales.
 To prepare Department for Education returns and year end accounts.
 To undertake forward budget planning, including preparation of annual forecasts and
budgets, in consultation with the Director of Finance & Resources and in line with
financial guidelines associated with Academy status.
 To liaise with Auditors, providing all information as required and dealing with any
queries.
 To verify monthly payroll reports from the payroll provider
 To verify reports and returns for the two staff pension schemes (TPS & LGPS)
 To provide guidance regarding the chart of accounts and month/year end close
procedures.
 To provide support and guidance to the Finance staff relating to accounting and
bookkeeping best practice relevant to the school.
 To follow agreed procedures to ensure compliance with all relevant policies and
processes.
 To maintain confidentiality at all times in respect of school-rated matters and to prevent
disclosure of confidential and sensitive information.
 To carry out any other duties as may from time to time be requested.
These responsibilities may be amended at any time in the future by the Headteacher in order to
respond to the changing demands and needs of the School, national initiatives and statutory
legislation.
Person Specification – Finance Officer
The successful candidate will need to be able to demonstrate that they:

have at least 3 years recent relevant financial management experience, including the
production of monthly reports, annual financial accounts, statutory corporate financial
returns and budget planning and monitoring.

Is AAT or part-qualified, or has considerable accounting experience.

are able to work with a high degree of accuracy

are able to present and communicate information in a logical, clear and concise format

are highly motivated and organised

are able to work effectively both individually and as part of a team

can interact well with students and staff.

have the ability to identify priorities and ensure deadlines are met

are resilient and able to cope well under pressure

have a willingness to learn and a flexibility of approach to problems.

are willing to contribute to the broader life of the school

are highly proficient in the use of computers and office and financial software

have a sense of humour
July 2012