Finance Assistant

Department: Finance

Salary: £25,775 per annum

Contract Type: Permanent Full time 37 hours per week

Reference: REC2401 | Closing Date: Sunday, 3rd May 2026

The Opportunity

You will be an important part of friendly Finance team that supports the smooth running of the College's financial operations. Working within a supportive and experienced finance department, you will deliver a responsive and efficient service by carrying out a range of financial and administrative tasks.

Your main focus will be dealing with the college cash and banking, counting and reconciling cash and debit card takings, managing and reconciling control accounts, posting bank transactions and reviewing and testing cross-college cash controls. You will spend the majority of your time either counting, reconciling and banking cash or posting and reconciling takings within the College’s finance system.

Your work will also involve other areas of cashier or accounts work such as petty cash reconciliations, management of the college PDQs and foreign travel cards.

This is a varied role that give you the chance to work closely with both internal teams and external stakeholders, so a positive and professional approach to customer service is essential.

You will review and test processes and help ensure financial processes, especially in relation to cash and receipts run smoothly and in line with policy.

You will join a team that values accuracy, teamwork and a shared commitment to high standards. You will also support the wider goals of the College by promoting equality, safeguarding and continuous improvement. With access to relevant training and development, you will have the opportunity to build on your skills and grow within a busy and well-organised environment.

This is a great opportunity to build your experience in a busy, professional finance environment while working as part of a supportive and knowledgeable team. You will develop a strong understanding of cash and receipt management and postings, giving you a well-rounded foundation in finance operations.

About You

For this role, we are looking for someone who has excellent account reconciliation skills, who can maintain control accounts and who can manage and monitor unreconciled transactions within the college. You will have the ability to communicate clearly and professionally with colleagues across the College, as well as with external customers and suppliers. A helpful and professional attitude is key to supporting the team, enforcing college procedures and delivering a reliable and customer-focused service.

We are looking for someone who is organised, accurate and confident working with financial information. You will bring at least twelve months of experience working in an office environment, ideally within a finance department, which will have given you a solid understanding of financial processes and day-to-day administrative duties.

You should be comfortable using finance systems and Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, and be open to learning new systems and processes. You will hold AAT Level 2 or an equivalent qualification, which will support your ability to carry out tasks such reconciliations and account postings with confidence and accuracy.

You will need to manage your time effectively, meet deadlines and stay calm under pressure. Flexibility is also important, as you may be asked to support a range of tasks depending on the needs of the team. Most importantly, you should be someone who takes pride in their work, contributes to a positive team environment and is keen to support the smooth and efficient running of the College's finance function.

Below is a list of some of the key skills, qualifications and experience we are seeking for this exciting opportunity.

Required

• Four GCSEs at A–C (or equivalent), including English and Maths, or a Level 2 NVQ

• Completion of AAT Foundation Certificate in Accounting (Level 2) or equivalent

• At least 12 months experience of working in an office environment or involvement in cash handling.

• Proficient in Microsoft Word Excel

Preferred

• Experience working within a finance department

• Experience of working in a cash environment

Reasons to join us

• We offer substantial annual leave entitlement (Up to 47 days per year including bank and public holidays)

• Holiday purchase scheme to buy additional annual leave days

• Local Government Pension Scheme – with a generous 19.2% employer contribution!

• We invest in our people through funded CPD opportunities, regular staff development training and paid volunteering days

• Career advancement opportunities with tailored support for staff to progress

• Free Barnsley College courses to support your professional and personal development (subject to approval)

• 24/7 access to same day appointments with a GP

• Exclusive discounts and cashback for retail, dining and leisure as part of YouatWork

• Access to health cash plans as members of the Westfield Health Scheme or Health Shield

• Discounted college gym membership with onsite facilities

• Supporting employee mental health through access to free counselling services and the Foundations App

• Discounts schemes for greener travel including Northern Rail, Trainline and Cycle to Work

• Free Microsoft Office 365 for personal use on up to five machines

• Access to discounted hair and beauty therapies at our onsite salon

• On site subsidised Starbucks and food outlets offering a variety of dining options

• Free breakfast provided daily for all staff members

• Our shared purpose - We believe in transforming the lives of both our learners and staff

The Barnsley College Advantage

When you join us, you can expect to benefit from “The Barnsley College Advantage”. This is the advantage of:

• Being supported to achieve your personal and professional goals

• A range of flexible working opportunities

• Autonomy, Empowerment and Accountability

• Short- and Long-Term development commitments

• Access to experiencing work in a range of areas

• Working in a Value and Behaviour led organisation

• Reward and Recognition

• Having your voice heard at every level

• Comprehensive Wellbeing Support

Closing date for applications is Sunday, 3rd May 2026. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early depending on the level of interest.

Barnsley College is committed to creating a dynamic and diverse workforce and welcomes applications from all candidates regardless of their gender, disability, age, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or faith. Disabled applicants who meet the minimum essential criteria will be guaranteed an interview. The College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be required to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure from DBS.

Please be aware that it is a Criminal offence to apply for this post if you are barred from engaging in regulated activity in connection to children.