Finance & Payroll Assistant

Finance & Payroll Assistant - Westminster

Finance & Payroll Assistant Required - Full-Time Role
Location: Central London
Start Date: September 2026
Contract: Full-time, 5 days per week
Duration: Permanent / Long-term
Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience

Finance & Payroll Assistant Opportunity

Tradewind Recruitment is working with a high-performing secondary school in Central London to recruit a highly organised and detail-focused candidate for a Finance & Payroll Assistant role.

This is a key position supporting the Head of Finance in the smooth and accurate running of all financial operations. The successful candidate will be responsible for processing financial transactions, supporting payroll administration, maintaining accurate records, and ensuring compliance with school and statutory financial procedures.

The role requires strong attention to detail, confidentiality, and the ability to manage multiple financial and administrative tasks within a busy school environment.

You will play an important part in supporting financial operations across a busy secondary school setting in Central London.

About the School

This inclusive and well-respected secondary school is known for strong leadership, excellent organisation, and a commitment to efficient financial and operational systems.

Located in Westminster, the school provides a structured and supportive environment where finance and administration teams play a vital role in ensuring smooth day-to-day operations. The successful candidate will join a professional and collaborative team focused on accuracy, compliance, and continuous improvement.

It is an excellent opportunity for a Finance & Payroll Assistant to develop their skills within an education setting.

Key Responsibilities

Financial & Payroll Administration

Process purchase orders, invoices, receipts, and payments accurately

Prepare and verify BACS payment runs for authorisation

Reconcile credit card statements and supplier accounts

Support cash handling, banking, and petty cash processes

Assist with payroll processing and checking draft payroll reports

Support pension scheme submissions and year-end audit preparation

Assist with debt collection (e.g. dinner money)

Systems & Records Management

Maintain financial records using Access databases

Manage document storage via DocuWare

Scan, index, and archive financial documentation

Produce financial reports and data extracts

Ensure secure handling of confidential financial information

Administrative Support

Support Head of Finance and wider finance team

Respond to queries from staff, suppliers, and stakeholders

Assist with contracts, procurement, and finance correspondence

Support stock control and purchasing processes

Compliance & School Support

Ensure compliance with financial regulations and procedures

Follow GDPR, safeguarding, and health & safety policies

Support audit preparation and internal controls

Undertake additional duties as required

Candidate Requirements

Essential:

Experience in finance, payroll, or school administration

Strong numerical and organisational skills

High attention to detail and accuracy

Ability to handle confidential information

Experience with finance systems (Access, Excel, or similar)

Full-time availability

Desirable:

Experience in a school or public sector finance setting

Knowledge of payroll or pension processes

Experience supporting audits or financial reporting

Why Join Tradewind Recruitment?

Competitive daily or salary rates

Access to 2,500+ CPD courses via The National College

Dedicated education consultant support

Interview preparation and career guidance

Opportunities across London schools

Flexible payroll options

Eligibility

To apply for this Finance & Payroll Assistant role, you must:

Have relevant finance or payroll experience

Be able to work full-time

Provide full employment history

Supply two professional references

Meet safeguarding and compliance requirements

Apply Now

If you are an experienced Finance & Payroll Assistant looking for a new opportunity in Central London, this is an excellent chance to join a well-structured school environment where accuracy and finance processes are highly valued.

Submit your CV today or contact Tradewind Recruitment for more information. Early applications are strongly encouraged as the school is looking to appoint the right candidate ahead of September
Only candidates based in UK and eligible to work in UK are allowed