Finance Officer

Joining our Finance team, the Finance Officer will assist in the day-to-day operations of the Accounts Receivable and Accounts Payable teams. You will process purchase invoices, bursary payments, expense claims and journals on a timely basis, ensuring adherence to financial procedures.

The Finance Officer will maintain the Purchase Ledger database, including setting up new accounts and keeping addresses and bank details up to date, and make sure that supplier queries are resolved in a timely, efficient manner. You will also reconcile supplier statements, following up and resolving any differences and make sure that Purchase Orders are used in line with financial regulations, liaising with budget holders where procedures are not followed. Understanding the VAT implications of transactions processed and ensuring that VAT is correctly treated on all invoices and expense transactions, you will set up and carry out the weekly payment runs periodically and ensure remittance advices are dispatched promptly.

The Finance Officer will also generate sales invoices from invoice requisitions and update the sales ledger with cash receipts. You will chase outstanding debts and course fees via letter, email, and telephone, and maintain records of chasing activity. You will receive cash, credit card, and cheque payments, prepare them for banking, and update the finance system in accordance with Finance operating procedures.

We’re looking for an experienced Finance Officer, someone with experience of working in a busy high-volume Accounts Payable/Accounts Receivable function. With excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, you will be comfortable dealing directly with customers and handling queries and have experience of using purchase order processing and an online approvals system.

A strong team player, capable of managing deadlines and handling multiple tasks simultaneously, you will have good attention to detail, excellent organisation skills and the ability to work accurately, calmly and effectively. An AAT or equivalent financial qualification is desirable, as is an understanding of VAT and its application to invoices and expense transactions.

This role is based at Merton College, with the option of hybrid working on successful completion of probationary period.

Subject to a cost of living review from 1 August, the successful candidate will be eligible for any subsequent increase in salary.

Closing date for the return of completed applications is 17th May 2024

The benefits package includes generous annual leave of 27 days plus up to 8 additional days over Christmas/New Year as well as an additional 5 days Wellbeing leave to enhance employees’ physical and mental health. There is an excellent pension scheme that receives a significant financial contribution from the employer (Teachers Pensions or Local Government Pension Scheme), subsidised sports facilities and professional development and training plus a salary sacrifice cycle to work scheme.

As part of our due diligence checks on prospective employees, successful candidates will be subject to an enhanced DBS check, satisfactory references, an online search and proof of eligibility to work in the UK.

As outlined in the Public Sector Equality Duty of the Equality Act 2010, we are committed to equality of opportunity for all staff and applications from individuals are encouraged regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnerships.

The South Thames Colleges Group is made up of Carshalton College, Kingston College, Merton College and South Thames College, which merged on 1 August 2017. South Thames Colleges Group is one of London’s largest providers of post-16 education and training and is an ongoing and significant contributor to its local communities. We aim to put students’ success at the heart of everything we do.

We are looking for hard-working and collaborative people who can join our team and help challenge our students to achieve and progress.

When you click on ‘Apply’, you will be forwarded to the application page which sits on a platform hosted by an external partner called Blue Octopus who support STCG throughout the recruitment process.