Finance Officer

Be part of our journey… Since relaunching in September 2021 with a new name and a new ethos, Queen Elizabeth School is quickly establishing itself as a centre for excellence. We are on a mission to “empower our students to achieve academic excellence through aspiration and innovation”. With the support of a highly ambitious leadership team and surrounded by colleagues who are passionate about the whole student experience, and with our new sixth form, QE6 opening in September 2023, now is a fantastic time to join our forward thinking school. Whatever their role in the school, all of our colleagues share a passion for learning and working with the next generation. Situated on the Hertfordshire/Bedfordshire border and close to the market town of Hitchin, the school also benefits from being within 5 minutes drive of idyllic countryside locations, yet being 5 minutes from the M1 and London Luton Airport. We are now looking to appoint a Finance Officer. This is an essential role in the school to provide comprehensive finance provision to the school. Find out more about Queen Elizabeth School, from the voices of our school community here https://www.qesluton.co.uk/Choose-QES/. We welcome visits from all prospective staff to Queen Elizabeth School. To arrange a visit or book a telephone conversation to discuss the role further, please contact hr@qesluton.co.uk Key duties Comply with financial reporting requirements and submit statutory returns (monthly, quarterly and yearly returns). Oversee school bank accounts on a day-to-day basis, ensuring money is banked, invoices are paid promptly, money owed is collected, and clear records are kept. Lead on procurement processes. Follow audit guidelines with respect of quotes obtained, the tender process being followed, conducting due diligence, evaluating suppliers, negotiating deals and ensuring value for money. Ensure the effective and efficient operation of the finance department, delegating tasks to finance/office staff where appropriate. Keep records in accordance with the school’s record retention schedule and data protection law, ensuring information security and confidentiality at all times. Ensure policy’s relating to the Finance element of the school are up to date and submitted for presentation to Governors. Ensure the budgeting software is kept up to date so that the Headteacher (with assistance from LMS) can ensure the budget is balanced, and represents an effective use of public funds. Monitor the budget all year round, sharing information with the headteacher so that revisions or changes can be made where they are needed Ensure audit guidelines are followed both within the Business Support team and the wider school community. This includes separation of duties. The successful candidate will Share our values of ambition, integrity, determination and kindness Treat students with dignity, building relationships rooted in mutual respect Hold an absolute c