FINANCE AND PAYROLL OFFICER (DEPUTY TO HEAD OF FINANCE AND PAYROLL)

Are you ready to take the next step in your finance career? A leading sixth form college in Bolton is seeking a dedicated Finance and Payroll Officer to join their small, dynamic finance team on a permanent basis. This is an excellent opportunity for an ambitious individual looking to gain a professional accounting qualification while making a meaningful impact. In this role, you’ll take ownership of key finance and payroll functions and act as deputy to the Head of Finance and Payroll, offering valuable exposure to senior financial management and a clear path for career progression.
Location: Bolton
Salary: Competitive, based on experience (£33k to £35k)
Contract: Full-time, Permanent, Full Year

KEY SKILLS/EXPERIENCE:

• Minimum Level 3 AAT qualification
• Ambition to progress to a professional accounting qualification (e.g. CIMA)
• Experience in finance and/or payroll, preferably within a school/college/university
• Strong mathematical skills and attention to detail
• Able to work independently and as part of a team
• Able to take on leadership responsibilities when required

BENEFITS:

• Gain valuable experience in a senior finance role
• Opportunity to complete Level 4 AAT and progress to CIMA
• Support for further development and career progression
• Work within a friendly and supportive environment
  If you’re ready to take the next step in your finance career, we’d love to hear from you!
  If you’re interested, click “Apply Now” or forward your CV directly to Amy on
  If this job isn’t quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career.
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• Manage the end-to-end payroll process for teaching and support staff
• Accurately process payroll adjustments, overtime, and deductions, ensuring prompt and correct payments.
• Ensure correct application of salary scales, incremental progression, and statutory pay entitlements (e.g., maternity, sick pay).
• Conduct thorough payroll reconciliations to ensure data accuracy before processing payroll runs.
• Liaise with HR to verify contract details, new starters, leavers, and any contractual changes affecting payroll.
• Assist in the preparation of monthly management accounts, including variance analysis and financial commentary.
• Support budget monitoring and forecasting, identifying key financial trends and potential risks.
• Assist in year-end financial processes, including the preparation of audit schedules and liaising with external auditors.
• Complete month-end routines, ensuring all financial transactions are accurately recorded and reconciled.
• Understand and analyse the Trial Balance, identifying discrepancies and ensuring accounts are correctly maintained.
• Oversee the sales and purchase ledger processes, ensuring accurate and timely processing of invoices and payments.
• Maintain robust system controls to ensure integrity and efficiency in ledger management.
• Liaise with internal and external stakeholders to resolve queries related to sales and purchase ledgers.
• Provide leadership and oversight in the absence of the Head of Finance and Payroll.
• Supervise finance team members as required, providing guidance and support in their duties.