Finance Operations Officer

Overview

Finance Operations Officer Jobs in High Wycombe, England, United Kingdom at Alpha Schools

Title: Finance Operations Officer

Company: Alpha Schools

Location: High Wycombe, England, United Kingdom

Are you an organised finance professional looking to join one of the UK's largest independent school groups? Alpha Schools is seeking a Finance Operations Officer to support our growing central finance team based at our Head Office in High Wycombe.

About Alpha Schools

Founded in 2003, Alpha Schools has quietly grown to be one of the largest operators of independent schools in the UK. We aim to encourage intellectual curiosity and productive learning habits in both our students and staff.

About the Role and You

Contract type: Permanent, full-time, office-based

Salary: 35k per annum, based on experience

Start date: Immediate start available

Your main responsibilities will include:

Central Finance Operations

·        Support the delivery of an efficient and effective central finance function across the Group.

·        Coordinate and process financial transactions in accordance with Group policies and procedures.

·        Support the continued centralisation and standardisation of finance processes across all schools.

·        Maintain accurate financial records and ensure data integrity within the Group's finance systems.

·        Assist with finance administration and operational activities across multiple entities.

Income & Working Capital Management

·        Monitor and manage outstanding debtor balances across the Group.

·        Coordinate credit control activities to improve cash collection and reduce aged debt.

·        Produce and analyse aged debtor reports, highlighting key risks and recommending appropriate actions.

·        Support schools in resolving outstanding account queries and payment issues.

·        Assist in developing consistent debt recovery processes across the Group.

School & Stakeholder Support

·        Act as a finance contact for allocated schools and provide support on operational finance matters.

·        Build effective working relationships with school leaders and central departments.

·        Respond to finance-related enquiries from parents, suppliers and internal stakeholders.

·        Support the onboarding of newly acquired schools into the Group's central finance function.

Transaction Processing

·        Support the processing of sales and purchase ledger transactions where required.

·        Assist with billing, invoicing and supplier invoice processing to ensure timely and accurate financial records.

·        Support payment processing and account reconciliations as part of the wider finance team.

Reporting & Continuous Improvement

·        Produce routine finance reports and management information.

·        Identify opportunities to improve finance processes, controls and efficiencies.

·        Support finance projects, system developments and continuous improvement initiatives.

·        Undertake other duties appropriate to the role as required.

Person Specification

Essential

·        Experience working within a finance or accounts environment.

·        A good understanding of finance processes.

·        Excellent organisational skills with strong attention to detail.

·        Strong communication and customer service skills.

·        Confidence using Microsoft Excel and finance systems.

·        The ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.

Desirable

·        Experience within education or multi-site organisations.

·        Experience of billing, sales ledger or credit control.

·        Knowledge of Xero or similar accounting software.

·        AAT qualified or studying towards an accounting qualification.

Why Join Us?

At Alpha Schools, we are committed to creating an environment where both pupils and staff flourish. When you join our team, you will benefit from:

·        Wellness programme

·        Life assurance (x3 annual salary)

·        28 days’ holiday (including Bank Holidays), increasing by 1 day per year of service (up to 33 days)

·        Refer a Friend Scheme

·        Company Pension

·        Company Sick Pay

·        Onsite Parking

If you’re excited by this opportunity and feel this role aligns with your skills and experience, we’d love to hear from you.

We look forward to welcoming you to Alpha Schools.

Alpha Schools is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All applicants will undergo appropriate child-protection screening, including checks with past employers and an enhanced DBS check (covered by the candidate). This role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the Amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2020.