Job Description

Do you enjoy working with numbers we are seeking to appoint an enthusiastic person to work as a Finance Assistant (commence ASAP) within in a small but busy team.This is an exciting opportunity for someone wanting to launch their career in Finance or looking to support their AAT qualification training, in a practical setting.

This role will join our Finance Department to support the Finance Manager to assist with various administrative duties within the Finance Office. The post offers an excellent opportunity to work in a strong administrative department, in our highly successful academy, which holds good Ofsted status.

The Department has a strong team-working ethos, is very supportive and excellent schemes of work for all courses are in place. There is also an excellent academy wide support and development programme for all new staff.

Personal Qualities

The successful applicant should have a minimum level of qualifications, including level 2 in Mathematics and English at a minimum C grade [or grade 4] at GCSE or equivalent.Original copies will need to be seen at interview stage.

Responsibilities of the Post Holder

The main duties and responsibilities of the postholder will be in accordance with the Finance Assistant job description and training will be provided.

Wider Contribution

Full time support staff may also have opportunities to contribute to the extra-curricular programme.This is very wide ranging and can often enable staff to contribute particular skills and interests where they meet academy needs.Applicants should indicate if they have particular interests, and this would be discussed at the time of interview.

Remuneration and Working Time

The hours of work required for the role are 18 hours per week, (39 weeks - term time plus inset days).Ideally, Wednesday - Friday 9am - 3pm, however, there may be some flexibility on start and end times.

The annual salary for this post will be in accordance with the Academy Support Staff Pay Scale, Band 2, Points 11-16, and the actual starting salary is £10,729.89 per annum, equivalent of Points 11, including an allowance for holiday pay.Salaries are reviewed by national negotiation with effect from 1st April each year.

We can offer you:

A highly supportive and friendly working environment
Opportunities for Financial training, development and accreditation.
Cycle-to-work Scheme
Electric Vehicle Scheme
24/7 Free Employee Assistance Programme (offering individual support, information and advice including financial, legal and home-life and work-related issues)
CPD opportunities and Internal Promotion
Up to 25% Gym Membership
Free staff car park
Essex Working Well Wellbeing Service (health and wellbeing support and guidance)
Access to Workplace Health Champions
Access to Mental Health First Aiders

Application Process
If you are interested in the position and wish to discuss the post prior to application, please email Mrs. Dorcas Ologunde, Director of HR at d.ologunde@plume.essex.sch.uk, to arrange a telephone conversation. We are very proud of our academy and what we can offer new members of our collaborative team. The Director of HR will be pleased to discuss the post and provide more information about the post and the academy in general.

To apply please complete the Online Plume Academy application form (https://recruit.sampeople.co.uk/Jobboard/Vacancy/Details?campaignRef=SCH-PT-0174).This must be completed and submitted by the closing date and time stated (unaccompanied CV's or third party application forms will not be accepted).

Closing Date: Monday 2nd November 2026 at 12 noon.

Interview Date: Interviews are likely to take place later that same week.

Plume Academy remains fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff, volunteers and trustees to share this commitment.

Information about the School

Work at a place where you feel valued and recognised. An environment where imagination and creativity counts. Work with us.

Currently the third largest secondary school in Essex as a single academy trust and growing, we are focused on enhancing our future structure and have roles where we are seeking people who can bring fresh perspectives and new variety for the benefits of our students. At Plume Academy you will find the space to develop your talents, the freedom to contribute and the opportunity to grow as part of our welcoming and inclusive family. Employing over 250 staff, from teaching and learning to management and administration, you will find opportunities at every level, across both of our campuses.

Our people share a determination to push boundaries, think differently and achieve more. As an employee, you’ll play a crucial part in assisting with our continual development. In return, we will support, nurture and reward you with benefits from training and development to responsibility recognition.

Plume had a successful Ofsted inspection in November 2023 and was judged a ‘good’ Academy. Ofsted acknowledged the high quality of teaching and excellent relationships in the Academy.

Plume Academy is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment. All appointments are therefore subject to satisfactory DBS and Immigration Checks, demonstration of ability, together with the receipt of references.

If you would like to telephone the HR Department prior to completing the application form, they would be pleased to discuss the role in further detail and arrange a visit to the academy.

We look forward to hearing from you!