Job Title: Central Business Services Team - School Support Officer

Location: Walsall

INCREASING OPPORTUNITIES, IMPROVING OUTCOMES

As one Trust we share a common purpose.  We call it our social mobility and social justice mission to change our communities through the very best equitable education.  When we get this right, it enables our children and young people to fulfil their potential, thrive in the world of work, and make a positive contribution to the local, national and international community.

Put simply, our common purpose is to increase opportunities and improve outcomes for our students.  We are particularly committed to students who are under-served and under-resourced.  We prioritise those who have special educational needs and disabilities, or who are more likely to face discrimination for whatever reason.

It is this common purpose that fuels everything we do. We deliver impactful,  sustainable and ethical continuous school improvement in our schools to ensure the children and young people in the communities we serve learn in the very best and most inclusive schools. 

We are deeply rooted in the communities we serve (which are the education investment areas of the West Midlands). We adopt a pioneering spirit and look to lead the sector with innovative solutions to the problems our students and families face.

Want to make a difference to young people?

Are you ready to embark on a rewarding journey within an educational community that values increasing opportunities, improving outcomes for our students. We are looking for a Central Business Services Team - School Support Officer to join our team.

Purpose of Job:

• Financial administrative link between Central Team and Schools.
• Provision of Quality and Timely information to support all Schools within our Trust with Financial transactions
• Ensuring the accuracy and timeliness of transactions in accordance with the Trust Finance Handbook

Reporting to Business Services Team Leader, you will undertake: 

Key responsibilities: 

•        Responsible for direct school support across financial systems

• Resolving queries from schools and 3rd parties in an accurate and timely fashion

• Raising requisitions and purchase orders across the Trust

• Facilitating purchases on credit card and online business accounts

• Raising items on Parent Payment online platforms across the Trust

• Supporting regular reporting to schools

• Supporting school staff in using the financial system and accessing financial information

• Investigating queries and providing appropriate scrutiny

• Supporting the development and training of the Finance Apprenticeship team

• Dealing with staff, parent, customer and supplier enquiries as appropriate

• Liaising with all schools including travel to individual school sites where required

• Any other duties required that are commensurate with the grading of the post

Pay range:  Grade 5 (SCP9-17) (£27254 - £31,022FTE)

Qualifications and Skills: 

•        Good communication skills

• Knowledge of Office administration systems and workflows to national qualifications level 3.

• Very computer literate with strong excel spreadsheet skills

• A team player providing team support for colleagues

• Strong numeracy skills

• Enthusiastic and Self-motivated with experience in a similar role of managing workload to deadlines

• Positive attitude and willingness to be flexible

• High level professional conduct in all areas of work

For full details of the post please see attached Job Description and Person Specification

Why The Mercian Trust?

As one Trust we share a common purpose.  We call it our social mobility and social justice mission to change our communities through the very best equitable education.  When we get this right, it enables our children and young people to fulfil their potential, thrive in the world of work, and make a positive contribution to the local, national and international community.

Put simply, our common purpose is to increase opportunities and improve outcomes for our students.  We are particularly committed to students who are under-served and under-resourced.  We prioritise those who have special educational needs and disabilities, or who are more likely to face discrimination for whatever reason.

It is this common purpose that fuels everything we do. We deliver impactful, sustainable and ethical continuous school improvement in our schools to ensure the children and young people in the communities we serve learn in the very best and most inclusive schools. 

We are deeply rooted in the communities we serve (which are the education investment areas of the West Midlands). We adopt a pioneering spirit and look to lead the sector with innovative solutions to the problems our students and families face.

Want to be a part of something extraordinary? Find out more:  The Mercian Trust - Home

Benefits: 

Financial, Health and Lifestyle

• discounts on everyday purchases (Eden Red)
• a comprehensive free of charge health plan (UK Health Care)
• a cycle to work scheme via Halfords
• access to the Blue Light Card

For further benefits including education sector leading CPD: The Mercian Trust - What we can offer you

The Mercian Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people and vulnerable adults, and all appointments are subject to enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) checks and satisfactory references.

 The Mercian Trust is also committed to promoting equality, challenging discrimination and developing community cohesion. We welcome applications from all sections of the community. 

Please take time to read our policies attached to this advert.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications. Please apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment. Previous applicants need not apply.