Finance Apprentice

Finance Apprentice (based at Ivybridge Community College) - Join the WeST Family

Westcountry Schools Trust (WeST) is a tight-knit family of 31 schools - 8 secondary and 23 primaries - working together across the Southwest. We are ambitious for every child and committed to delivering excellence through collaboration, innovation and shared values.

We are seeking a motivated and organised Finance Apprentice to join our finance team based at Ivybridge Community College. The post is offered on a permanent basis. However, the role is designed around the completion of a finance apprenticeship pathway and candidates will be expected to fully engage with and successfully complete the required training and qualifications to progress within the position. This is an exciting opportunity for someone who is looking to begin or develop a career in finance while gaining practical experience across a busy and supportive Trust environment. The role will support specific WeST schools and the Trust as a whole, working within the Academy Trust Handbook and WeST Financial Procedures and Regulations to help ensure financial processes, deadlines and audit requirements are met.

As Finance Apprentice, you will work as part of the Finance Team, providing administrative and finance support to both the WeST Central Finance Team and local school finance teams. Through training, guidance and supervision, you will develop the skills, knowledge and confidence needed to build a successful career in finance.

This role will involve supporting a range of finance and administrative activities including maintaining the Trust's finance systems, processing purchase and sales invoices, assisting with the ordering of goods and services, supporting supplier communications, undertaking bank and account reconciliations, assisting with payment processing, supporting VAT returns and procurement activities, reviewing financial records and reconciliations, supporting inter-school charge transfers, and contributing to the continuous improvement of finance processes across the Trust. You will also provide general support to colleagues within both central and local finance teams, helping to ensure accurate and efficient financial administration.

We're seeking someone who is:

• Keen to develop a career in finance and committed to ongoing learning and professional development.
• Organised, methodical and able to prioritise tasks and meet deadlines.
• Able to work accurately and maintain confidentiality at all times.
• A confident communicator with excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Self-motivated, able to use initiative and work effectively as part of a team.
• Computer literate, with a good working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications.
• Able to follow direction and work collaboratively with colleagues across multiple schools and teams.
• Committed to safeguarding, Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) and supporting Trust policies.
• Aligned with WeST's values of collaboration, aspiration, integrity, compassion and respect.

Whilst the indicative working pattern is full time, all year round, we are happy to discuss flexible working.

Please note that this vacancy may close early if we identify and appoint a suitable candidate before the advertised closing date, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible.

Procedures

All appointments are subject to pre-employment checks. That means:

• We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. A copy of our Child Protection Policy & Safeguarding Policy is attached.
• Your identity will be confirmed by sight of original, official documents such as a Birth Certificate, Passport etc. in line with the Asylum and Immigration Act 1996.
• Original documents relating to all the qualifications you have listed on your application form must be supplied.
• Your employment history will be thoroughly examined and clarification will be sought where there are gaps or other discrepancies arising from information provided either by you as the candidate or your referee.
• References will be used to check dates of employment and your relevant experience. A minimum of two written references will be taken up and these references will be requested before the interview.
• References should cover the last 3-5 years’ work history, as a minimum.
• An online search of shortlisted candidates will be conducted in accordance with Part Three ‘Safer Recruitment’ of Keeping Children Safe in Education statutory guidance.
• The identity of referees and information relating to disclosures will be verified.
• You will be required to provide details of any relevant unspent or spent convictions in accordance with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) (Amendment) Order 1986.
• An enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check will be requested. Please note that it is an offence to apply, offer or accept to do any work with children (paid or unpaid) if disqualified from working with children. Applicants will be challenged where inconsistencies exist. Please be aware that a firm offer of appointment will only be made after receipt and verification of all satisfactory checks. Westcountry Schools Trust will carry out these checks and should you fail these checks, our offer of employment will be withdrawn.

Further details about the Trust can be found on our website (www.westst.org.uk) and on My New Term (https://mynewterm.com/trust/Westcountry-Schools-Trust/142688)