Finance Assistant - Richmond

Finance Assistant – College – Full-time - Richmond

At Clarus Education we are working with a FE College, based in Richmond, who are currently looking to appoint a Finance Assistant. Please continue to read to find out more!

The postholder will:

• Be first point of contact for Accounts Receivable queries responding to requests and taking payments at the Finance desk, invoicing and collection of tuition, high needs and other fees, from the College’s students, LAs, sponsors and customer sales invoices
• Maintain accuracy of student/sponsor records in the College’s finance system and liaise with Admissions/Funding regarding student related bursaries and fees
• Work closely with students, a range of external customers and sponsors, the management accountant, Funding and a range of budget holders and managers

DUTIES

• Produce and issue invoices to the College’s students and other customers using the College’s finance system.
• Set up payment plans for students who have agreed to settle fees by instalment.
• Process, upload and match payments that are received through various payment methods into the finance system.
• Prepare and input students fee amendments into the Student database.
• Produce and issue reminders to students with overdue accounts.
• Produce and issue reminders and statements to other customers and sponsors in line with credit terms.
• Process changes in status of student debtors and changes in status of students.
• Raise credit notes/debit notes as required for customers.
• Carry out reconciliation of the finance system with student database to agreed deadlines
• Carry out control account reconciliation in line with month end targets
• Deal with student, parent and sponsor financial queries on invoices
• Respond to emails from students and parents or sponsors owing fees
• Highlight appropriate refunds for students in relation to overpaid tuition fees
• Maintain and develop technical knowledge of student database receivable module and provide assistance and training to college users in the invoicing procedure
• Ensure cash receipts and other adhoc receipts are correctly recorded and account for
• Manage and reconcile the petty cash.
• Manage emergency student cash advances.
• Organise banking of cash.

• Account for cash from college F&B outlets
• Maintain accurate record and have regular credit control meetings with management accountant
• To take an active role in Student Enrolment process at various periods during the Academic year.
• Effectively communicate with various stakeholders, staff and external customers and report as required.
• Undertake any other duties as required by the management accountant and Director of Finance.

GENERAL

• To participate in relevant training and staff development opportunities where appropriate.
• To take an active part in the Appraisal and Mentoring processes.
• To comply with all relevant Health and Safety regulations and assist the college in the implementation of its own Health and Safety Policy.
• To comply with and actively promote within their section the College’s Equal Opportunities Policy.
• To participate in all necessary enrolment duties.
• To carry out all other duties as may be reasonably required.

Qualifications

• Good standard of general education (GCSE at Grade C/4 or equivalent including Maths and English)
• Studying for AAT or CCAB

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

• Understanding of basic principles of accounting
• Experience in general administrative role
• Experience in Accounts Receivable role
• Experience of computerised accounting systems and automating procedures
• Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office software including ability to use Excel to an Intermediate level
• Knowledge and experience of using a system/database
• Good communication skills including the ability to resolve difficult situations with staff or customers effectively
• Experience of working on own initiative
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team
• Ability to work under pressure and to tight deadlines
• Ability to prioritise workload effectively
• Excellent attention to detail
• Analytical and problem-solving skills

Apply for this Finance Assistant role by sending your CV to Clarus Education. You will be contacted by your personal consultant (if shortlisted)!

For this position, you must have a recognised Level 3 British Sign Language Qualification and also an Enhanced DBS Certificate on the Update Service or be willing to obtain one.

We are dedicated to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expect all staff to share this commitment. You will have a safeguarding responsibility if appointed.

The successful candidate will be subject to enhanced clearance through the Disclosure and Barring Service and employment will be subject to references.

This post is not exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.

Please note this role is not suitable for applicants who do not have the Right to Work in the UK. We do not offer sponsorship.

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Finance Assistant – College – Full-time - Richmond