Job Description

• Schools' Choice
• Address: 2 Friars Bridge Road, Ipswich, Suffolk IP1 1RR
• Salary: £34,000 per annum (pro rata for part time)
• Hours: 37 hours per week, Part time and Flexible hours available, Minimum 3 days per week if part time
• Contract: Permanent
• Reference: 0736

As a Senior Finance Officer, you will support the delivery of professional and technical services to our customers within the finance team.

You will work in our highly valued, customer focussed finance helpline and managed service team for over 300 customers across the eastern region and beyond.

Key objectives of the role

• Provide advice, support and guidance to school and academy finance staff, via telephone or remotely and onsite provision when required.
• Answer varied customer enquiries.
• Conduct further investigation/analysis of customer enquiries and requirements to contribute to customer resolution.
• Resolve customer problems/issues as assigned, seeking advice from team leader as required.
• Undertake appropriate action to bring customer query/requirements to resolution.
• Manage a portfolio of customers.
• Monitor customers’ financial position through production of management accounts and reporting information.
• Bookkeeping and accounting for transactions.
• Manipulate and interpret data.
• Variance analysis.
• Assist in the implementation of identified technical/professional actions to meet customer requirements.

Key Skills

• Partnership working - You network effectively to build and use key relationships to deliver business goals.
• Curious - You identify issues and look for solutions.
• Customer focussed - You anticipate and meet customers’ needs.
• Commercial Awareness - You understand the impact of the service on business need.
• Visibly demonstrate Vertas vision and values
• Take ownership for own continuous professional development.

What you will need

Essential:

• AAT qualified or working towards that qualification.
• Previous experience working in an accounting and finance environment.
• Experience of a range of finance systems.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office packages, particularly Excel and Outlook.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
• The ability to assimilate information quickly.
• The ability to travel to other locations.

Desirable:

• Experience in the preparation of final accounts.
• Familiarity with the financial work of schools and academies.
• Experience in using finance packages, including Arbor, PSF and SAGE.

How to apply

To apply, please send your CV (Curriculum Vitae) by email to julie.dorling@schoolschoice.org

Closing date: 1.00 pm, 29 May 2026.