About this role
Be part of our journey…
Since relaunching in September 2021 with a new name and a new ethos, Queen Elizabeth School is quickly establishing itself as a centre for excellence. We are on a mission to “empower our students to achieve academic excellence through aspiration and innovation”. With the support of a highly ambitious leadership team and surrounded by colleagues who are passionate about the whole student experience, and with our new sixth form, QE6 opening in September 2023, now is a fantastic time to join our forward thinking school.
Whatever their role in the school, all of our colleagues share a passion for learning and working with the next generation.
Situated on the Hertfordshire/Bedfordshire border and close to the market town of Hitchin, the school also benefits from being within 5 minutes drive of idyllic countryside locations, yet being 5 minutes from the M1 and London Luton Airport.
We are now looking to appoint a Finance Officer. This is an essential role in the school to provide comprehensive finance provision to the school.
Find out more about Queen Elizabeth School, from the voices of our school community here https://www.qesluton.co.uk/Choose-QES/.
We welcome visits from all prospective staff to Queen Elizabeth School. To arrange a visit or book a telephone conversation to discuss the role further, please contact [email protected]
Key duties
Comply with financial reporting requirements and submit statutory returns (monthly, quarterly and yearly returns).
Oversee school bank accounts on a day-to-day basis, ensuring money is banked, invoices are paid promptly, money owed is collected, and clear records are kept.
Lead on procurement processes. Follow audit guidelines with respect of quotes obtained, the tender process being followed, conducting due diligence, evaluating suppliers, negotiating deals and ensuring value for money.
Ensure the effective and efficient operation of the finance department, delegating tasks to finance/office staff where appropriate.
Keep records in accordance with the school’s record retention schedule and data protection law, ensuring information security and confidentiality at all times.
Ensure policy’s relating to the Finance element of the school are up to date and submitted for presentation to Governors.
Ensure the budgeting software is kept up to date so that the Headteacher (with assistance from LMS) can ensure the budget is balanced, and represents an effective use of public funds.
Monitor the budget all year round, sharing information with the headteacher so that revisions or changes can be made where they are needed
Ensure audit guidelines are followed both within the Business Support team and the wider school community. This includes separation of duties.
The successful candidate will
Share our values of ambition, integrity, determination and kindness
Treat students with dignity, building relationships rooted in mutual respect
Hold an absolute commitment to exceptional standards
Be a consummate professional
Be a team player with an understanding that excellence can only be achieved by working together
QES staff all benefit from
Working in a state of the art building with outstanding IT, sporting and performance facilities
Excellent opportunities for progression- we will always seek to promote from within in the first instance
Outstanding professional development opportunities, both from our internal CPD programme and through our partnership organisations
Season ticket loan
Use of our on site fitness suite
Bike to Work Scheme
Ample staff parking and excellent transport links
Subsidised staff accommodation available
Start date: As soon as possible
Salary: £36,441 to £38,879 Actual (Point 28 to Point 31)
Job Role: Permanent, Full time
Hours: Full time, TTO (part time hours will be considered)
Recruitment Timeline:
Position advertised: 19 May 2026
Closing date for applications: 31 May 2026
Final Shortlisting: TBC
Interviews: TBC
We reserve the right to interview and appoint a suitable candidate before the deadline date.
Safeguarding
Queen Elizabeth School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff to share this commitment. Applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service. We are an equal opportunities employer.
The Department for Education (DfE) has set out statutory guidance ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’ for schools and colleges on safeguarding.
Safeguarding is defined in paragraph 4 as: “Protecting children from maltreatment; preventing impairment of children’s health or development; ensuring that children grow up in circumstances consistent with the provision of safe and effective care; and taking action to enable all children to have the best outcomes.”
The definition of 'children' includes everyone under the age of 18.