School Accountant

Overview

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced School Accountant to join our highly regarded two form entry primary school and nursery for 10 hours per week. (Hours can be worked flexibly across two days) This role is key in supporting the effective financial management of the school, assisting the School Business Manager and senior leadership team with high-quality financial support. You will act as a trusted finance professional, contributing to the school’s financial stability and supporting strategic decision-making through accurate reporting, robust controls, and strong financial governance. This is a broad, hands-on role, covering financial operations, management accounts and compliance.

Key Areas and Responsibilities

Financial Management & Reporting

Maintain accurate budget monitoring records, providing regular updates and forecasts to the Headteacher and Governing Board.
Support in planning, managing, and monitoring the school’s budget to ensure financial sustainability and best value for money, using Access Education Budgets.
Produce multi-year budget forecasts, including scenario planning to assess financial risks, funding changes, and pupil number fluctuations.
Monitor income and expenditure against approved budgets on a regular basis, identifying variances and recommending corrective actions where required
Monitor payroll reports, ensuring reconciliation with budget and staffing information.
Keep up to date with changes in school finance regulations, funding, and local procedures.

Financial Operations and Compliance

Ensure all financial transactions are recorded promptly, accurately, and in compliance with LA and school procedures.
Operate and maintain the school’s financial management system, Arbor Finance.
Process invoices, payments, credit card expenditure and income.
Prepare monthly bank reconciliations and VAT returns and maintain accurate records for audit purposes.
To lead and support in the closure of accounts process at year end.
Liaising with external bodies, such as local authorities, to ensure compliance with statutory reporting requirements.

Candidate Profile:

Qualified accountant
Strong experience in management accounting and financial compliance
Previous experience in a finance role within an education or public sector environment.
Excellent attention to detail and ability to work to tight deadlines
Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work across all levels
Highly organised with the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively
Knowledge of school funding, financial compliance, and education finance regulations.

Salary

Salary from £8427 to £8939 per year

Location

St Catherine's Catholic Primary School
Vale Drive
Barnet
Hertfordshire
EN5 2ED

Supporting documents

Deadline and how to apply

Interviews will be held as applications are received, so please do not delay in submitting your application. Final closing date 1^st September 2026.

All application forms and other relevant information are available on our website, www.st-catherines.barnet.sch.uk/school/vacancies. Completed application forms can be returned via email to the school office office@stcatherines.barnetmail.net.

St Catherine’s Catholic Primary School is committed to promoting and safeguarding the welfare of children. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act and as such all candidates will be subject to an enhanced DBS check.

Job reference: