School Admin & Finance Officer

Location: Redbridge

School Type: Primary School & Nursery (Co-educational)

Contract: Full-Time, Term-Time Only + 2 Weeks (36 hours per week)

A welcoming, vibrant primary school in the London Borough of Redbridge is seeking a meticulous, proactive, and numbers-savvy School Admin & Finance Officer to join their friendly school business team. Combining operational office duties with essential financial administration, this key non-classroom role is perfect for a multi-skilled professional who takes pride in keeping school operations smooth, compliant, and fiscally sound.

About the Role

In this dual-focus role, you will be a vital operational engine for the school. Balancing day-to-day administrative coordination with core bookkeeping and financial processing, you will work closely with the Headteacher and School Business Manager to manage budgets, process purchasing orders, maintain accurate pupil records, and deliver exceptional support to staff, parents, and visitors.

• Start Date: Immediate or upcoming term

• Environment: A high-performing, community-focused primary school dedicated to creating a warm, nurturing, and high-achieving environment for young learners

• Culture: A collaborative, supportive operational setting backed by an experienced School Business Manager, dedicated administrative colleagues, and an approachable leadership team

Key Responsibilities

• Financial Administration: Process purchase orders, invoices, and expense claims using school financial software (e.g., FMS, SIMS Finance, Access Education); assist with monthly bank reconciliations, petty cash, and audit preparations.

• Income & Payments: Oversee online payment platforms (e.g., ParentPay, SchoolGateway) for school meals, nursery fees, wraparound care, and educational trips, following up gently on outstanding arrears.

• General School Administration: Manage front-office queries, draft parent communications, assist with pupil admissions and attendance logging on the MIS (e.g., SIMS, Arbor), and maintain pupil records.

• Compliance & HR Support: Maintain secure personnel files, record staff absence data, and assist with basic payroll input and safeguarding record compliance.

• Resource & Event Support: Order office and classroom supplies, liaise with contractors/vendors, and coordinate administrative preparation for school events, photos, and medical visits.

Requirements

• Proven experience in financial administration, bookkeeping, or dual admin/finance support (prior experience within a primary school, educational setting, or local authority environment is highly advantageous).

• Proficiency in school financial software (e.g., SIMS Finance, FMS, Access) and school MIS systems (SIMS, Arbor, Bromcom) alongside strong Excel/Google Sheets skills.

• Excellent numerical accuracy, high attention to detail, and sound understanding of basic accounting principles.

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with a welcoming, patient, and professional approach when interacting with young children, parents, and staff.

• Understanding of school data protection guidelines (GDPR), financial controls, and child safeguarding principles.

Salary & Benefits

• Pay Scale: Outer London Support Staff Scale (Grade 4/5 depending on financial experience, pro-rata for term-time plus 2 weeks).

• Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS), generous holiday pro-rata allowance, ongoing financial training/CPD opportunities, and access to staff wellbeing programs.

How to Apply

If you are an organized, detail-oriented professional with a passion for school finance and administration, we would love to hear from you. Please submit your application as soon as possible for consideration.