London, UK
Finance officer
at The London School of Architecture
The London School of Architecture (LSA) is seeking a dynamic and experienced finance officer to join its operations team in London.
Are you a skilled finance professional with a passion for education and a keen eye for numbers? As the finance officer, you will play a crucial role in overseeing the financial operations and HR administrative functions of our prestigious institution, ensuring its continued success and growth.
You will be responsible for the school’s day-to-day financial matters and longer term financial planning and analysis, working closely with both the chief executive and the financial trustees.
This is a part-time opportunity working 15 to 20 hours per week (exact days and times can be discussed with the successful candidate).
The role is based at the LSA’s student hub in Hackney.
Responsibilities
Bookkeeping and accounts:
- in collaboration with the LSA’s outsourced bookkeeping and payroll service, take responsibility for preparation of annual budget, forward income and cash forecasts, management accounts and year end accounts
- produce monthly variance report on P&L and cash and management accountant’s commentary
- monitor expenditure and bought ledger process
- prepare invoices for students and donors; process invoices from faculty and other contractors
Student finance:
- arrange salary sacrifice, including processing invoices and tracking payments
- process student expenses and manage workshop budget allocation for each student
- manage the collection process including student debt and donations
- manage the relationship with the student loan company and other student finance bodies
- serve as the first point of contact for student enquiries on tuition fees and student finance
- process bursary and hardship fund applications for discussion at the bursaries committee
Financial planning and strategy:
- work with the chief executive/head of school on financial planning and analysis of strategic projects and integrate these with the school’s broader budget
- update financial information for funding applications and monitor expenditure for grants and funding awarded
- prepare a quarterly financial report for the board of trustees
Audit and regulatory returns:
- coordinate the annual audit with the chair of the audit and risk committee
- prepare and submit financial regulatory returns/forecasts, e.g for the office for students
HR responsibilities:
- production of routine HR paperwork such as contracts of employment, probationary reviews with support from outsourced HR provider
Experience and skills
Essential:
- proven experience in a similar finance role
- experience of working within an education environment
- ability to work in liaison with the financial trustees (treasurer and chair of the audit and risk committee)
- experience of preparing annual budgets, forecasts, management accounts, end of year accounts
- understanding of P&L
- ability to produce variance reports
- familiar with auditing and reporting regulatory financial returns
- ability to produce financial reports for the board of trustees
- experience of presenting to senior management/executives
- ability to manage own workload and work with minimal supervision
- strong knowledge of Excel and good all-round IT skills
Desirable:
- ACA qualification
- payroll and personal tax knowledge
- understanding and/or experience of student finance
- knowledge of financial planning for strategic projects
- experience of the HR function is desirable but not essential as Redway HR will be available to provide training and support
Behaviours required:
- excellent interpersonal skills to interact with colleagues and students effectively, building strong working relationships
- collaborative approach able to develop relationships with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders
- demonstrates confidentiality and works with integrity
- a positive, resourceful and engaging approach
- able to operate professionally, calmly and objectively even under pressure
- a willingness to work flexibly as part of the team
Application process
To apply for the finance officer position, please submit your resume and a cover letter via the apply for job button below outlining your relevant experience and explaining your interest in joining The London School of Architecture.
We look forward to receiving your application and reviewing your qualifications. Thank you for your interest in The London School of Architecture.
The London School of Architecture is an equal opportunity employer.