Job Description

The Finance Assistant role primarily supports the trust's Financial Controller and Academy Finance Managers with a range of finance and administrative tasks. Responsibilities include: processing supplier invoices and payments; preparing sales invoices; managing payroll inputs such as overtime and expenses; maintaining financial systems; and assisting with general accounting tasks like bank reconciliations and month-end preparations. Additionally, the role involves updating asset and contract management systems, supporting procurement processes, and contributing to staff wellbeing initiatives. The Finance Assistant ensures accuracy, compliance and efficient financial operations across the trust.

The role is based at our Training and Development Centre, Inskip Drive, Hornchurch, RM11 3UR and is Full-time, however, flexible working options will be considered.

The job pack, application form and details of how to apply can be found on our website: oliveacademies.org.uk/finance-assistant Please send your completed application forms to June Macdonald, Administration Officer: june.macdonald@oliveacademies.org.uk

Information about the School

Based in the heart of Thurrock, our academy specialises in alternative provision and supporting the social and emotional educational needs of young people. Olive AP Academy - Thurrock supports up to 94 pupils for whom traditional teaching methods have not worked. Students, ranging in age from 11 to 16, join us following permanent exclusion from a mainstream school or due to having medical needs that prevent them from attending a mainstream setting. Our academy is a nurturing, inclusive community where students are able to grow and develop. We strive to ensure success for all our learners academically, socially and morally. We build a curriculum around the needs of our students and are proud that our Year 11 students leave with qualifications on par with their mainstream peers and transition into education, training or employment. Having a working beauty salon, kitchen and hospitality area, construction area, science laboratory and fitness suite onsite allows for a hands-on approach to the curriculum and the development of transferable skills for the future. Alongside our ever-growing curriculum, we offer our students additional qualifications in non-traditional subjects such as sailing, climbing, extreme mountain biking, bushcraft and first aid. All students receive therapeutic support and this can range from a set or personalised programme, counselling, speech and language intervention or small group activities around self-worth and wellbeing. We pride ourself on encouraging positive mental health and wellbeing and are pleased to have received a National Wellbeing Award, which acknowledges the support we provide for staff, students and families. Working in alternative provision can be challenging, but joining the Olive family is one of the most rewarding and positive career developments you will make. If you have the experience and enthusiasm to support us on our journey, I would love to hear from you. Thank you for your interest. Collette Hunnisett Executive Headteacher