Purchase Ledger & Procurement Clerk

We are looking to recruit an experienced Purchase Ledger & Procurement Clerk. In this role, you will be responsible for managing the purchase ledger, including placing orders, recording the receipt of goods and services, checking for accuracy against original order & managing creditor reports. 

Supporting the Finance team, helping to provide a smooth and efficient financial service.

This position requires strong verbal and written communication skills as well as strong numeracy and a keen eye for detail. The ability to juggle multiple tasks, often with short deadlines, is also essential.

Key Responsibilities

The responsibilities outlined below are not exhaustive but are indicative of the requirements of this role.

 Purchase Ledger

• Managing the purchase ledger, including placing orders, recording the receipt of goods and services, checking for accuracy against original order & managing creditor reports.
• Reconciliation of supplier accounts and work with the Head of Finance where issues require resolution.
• Prepare the payment runs and payment files on our accounts system. Once approved, the setup of payment in the bank and ensure timely approvals made.
• Credit card reconciliation and petty cash management. Reconciliation of the School Amazon account
• Use of Parentmail system to manage tea and school club payments from parents.
• Accurate processing of information in line with financial regulation
• Ensuring that the financial and booking elements for school trips are correctly costed, organised & billed to parents in conjunction with teaching staff.

Procurement

• Manage the ‘orders@’ email account
• Raising of PO’s where staff require 
• Deal with enquiries from suppliers, developing good working relationships with them.
• Processing invoices from suppliers, matching with purchase orders and ensuring correct approvals have been met.

Skills and Experience:

Essential

§ Strong Purchase Ledger & Procurement knowledge and experience

§ GCSE grade A*-C in Maths and English, or equivalent qualification

§ Excellent written and oral communication skills including robust IT skills

§ Ability to work on own initiative and good organisational skills

§ Good knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook

§ Able to deal with complexity and a wide variety of tasks

§ Highly numerate and a logical and methodical approach to their work

§ Understand the sensitive nature of the area of the involved work, maintaining confidentiality and being discrete

§ Strong attention to detail

Skills and Experience:

Desirable

• Qualified to AAT Level 2 is desirable but not essential
• Good knowledge of Sage
• Customer Service experience
• Knowledge of challenges facing an independent school.

Person Specification

• A commitment to Sherfield and its values and ethos as a co-educational day and boarding school.
• To set an example of personal integrity and professionalism
• Able to form good working relationships with colleagues, and to relate appropriately to pupils.
• Commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion
• Highly organised, with the ability to work independently and seek advice when required
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to communicate in accurate spoken and written English
• An understanding of the importance of training
• The ability to establish productive working relationships and work as part of a team 
• Willingness to think and work flexibly 

Additional benefits and information

• Competitive Salary
• Annual holiday entitlement of 25 days plus statutory bank holidays
• Contributory pension scheme, as well as a death in service benefit
• Parking on site
• Complimentary school meals in term time and when the school’s kitchen is open during school holiday periods
• Use of on-site gym
• In-house training

Personal data

§ In line with GDPR, we ask that you do NOT send us any information that can identify children or any of your Sensitive Personal Data (racial or ethnic origin, political opinions, religious or philosophical beliefs, trade union membership, data concerning health or sex life and sexual orientation, genetic and/or biometric data) in your application documentation.

§ Following this notice, any inclusion of your Sensitive Personal Data in your CV/application documentation will be understood by us as your expressed consent to process this information going forward. Please also remember to not mention anyone’s information or details (e.g. referees) who have not previously agreed to their inclusion.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

§ Education in Motion is committed to diversity within our team, organisational practices, policies and culture. We recognise that people with different backgrounds, skills, attitudes and experiences bring fresh ideas and perceptions, and it encourages and leverages these differences to make our work more relevant and approachable. Education in Motion will not discriminate or tolerate discriminatory behaviour on any grounds such as, but not limited to, race, gender, disability, nationality, national or ethnic origin, religion or belief, marital/partnership or family status, sexual orientation, age or socioeconomic background.

§ Education in Motion strives to be an inclusive workplace where everyone feels a sense of belonging, has a voice, can raise concerns, and feels comfortable and confident. We expect everyone who works within to share this commitment and to act accordingly, as we aspire to best serve the Education in Motion mission and the community.

Safer Recruitment Practice

§ Education in Motion is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all applicants to share the same. We follow safer recruitment practices which are aligned to the recommendations of the International Task Force on Child Protection.

§ We hold ourselves to a high standard of effective recruiting practices with specific attention to child protection, and applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service.

Qualifications, Identification, Health and Background Checks

§ Please note that you may be required to submit documentation providing proof of your identity and qualifications as part of Education in Motion’s safeguarding procedures. You may also be required, if an offer is to be made, to undergo a pre-placement medical assessment and relevant background checks as part of the school’s recruitment and safeguarding procedures.