Finance Assistant (School Trips)
Salary: LPT5 £28,434 – £30,464 (FTE)
Hours: 22 hours per week, term time only plus one week (40 weeks per year)
Contract: Permanent (subject to successful probation)
Reporting to: Finance Manager
Join Our Friendly Finance Team
Guildford County School, a thriving and high-performing Specialist Music College, is seeking a Finance Assistant to join our dedicated Finance Team. This is an excellent opportunity for an organised, detail-oriented individual to play a key role in supporting the financial management of school trips and wider finance operations.
Working within a supportive team of four finance staff, you will help ensure the smooth operation of the Finance Office, providing high-quality financial administration and excellent customer service to staff, students, and parents.
About the Role
The successful candidate will take primary responsibility for the financial administration of school trips and activities, ensuring budgets are effectively managed and payments are processed accurately and on time. The role also includes supporting wider finance tasks, including income processing and reconciliation work.
Key responsibilities include:
School Trips and Activities
• Work closely with trip leaders to plan trips, prepare budgets, and monitor cashflow.
• Set up trips on the school’s financial systems and maintain accurate records.
• Provide regular reports and reconciliations for trip leaders.
• Collect payments via the school’s online system and follow up outstanding balances.
• Respond to parent queries regarding payments and trip arrangements.
• Liaise with suppliers to ensure instalment schedules are met.
• Process refunds and insurance claims where required.
• Maintain accurate records of all trips and complete reconciliations once trips are finished.
• Arrange petty cash, foreign currency or Caxton card top-ups for trips where needed.
Catering and Payment Systems
• Monitor and follow up overdrawn lunch balances.
• Process catering refunds and adjustments.
• Manage refund processes for student leavers.
• Support accurate recording of catering income.
General Finance Duties
• Assist with month-end and year-end financial procedures.
• Support the preparation of audit schedules and financial records.
• Maintain banking records and support reconciliation processes.
• Assist with annual Gift Aid submissions.
• Support colleagues within the Finance Team, including purchase order and invoice processing when required.
• Provide support to students, parents, and staff regarding payment queries.
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About You
We are looking for someone who is highly organised, accurate, and able to manage competing priorities in a busy environment. You will be confident working independently while also contributing positively to a team.
Why Join Guildford County School?
• Be part of a friendly and supportive Finance Team
• Work in a well-regarded, vibrant school environment
• Opportunity to develop skills and contribute to continuous improvement
• A varied and rewarding role with meaningful impact on student experiences
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Safeguarding and Equal Opportunities
Guildford County School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All staff are expected to share this commitment. This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references.
We want to attract the broadest range of talented people to be part of Learning Partners Academy Trust. We aspire to have a diverse and inclusive workforce and particularly welcome suitably qualified applicants from a wide range of backgrounds to join our trust.
Closing Date: Wednesday, 6th May, 9am
We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if a suitable candidate is found.