Finance Officer (Maternity Cover) - Term Time

Laleham Gap School, Ramsgate

• Ref:KCC886-7073-300S
• Posted:13/01/2026
• Pay:KSD £26,393-£27,713 (Actual £24,185-£25,394)
• Start Date:ASAP
• App Close Date:03/02/2026 at 12:00
• Interviews:10 February 2026

Advert

Finance Officer – Fixed Term (Maternity Cover)

Term Time + Training days and additional 2 Weeks in the holidays | 37 Hours per Week Salary: Kent Scheme D £26,393 – £27,713 Actual Salary: £24,185.16 – £25,394.73 Contract Length: 1 Year

Laleham Gap School is a place where individuality is celebrated, creativity thrives, and every child is supported to reach their full potential. Our community is built on acceptance, ambition and a deep belief that every pupil can Learn, Grow and Succeed. In April 2023, Ofsted recognised this commitment, judging us Outstanding in all areas.

We are now seeking a dedicated and skilled Finance Officer to join our vibrant school community on a fixed-term basis to cover maternity leave. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who wants to make a meaningful contribution behind the scenes, ensuring our resources are managed effectively so that our children continue to flourish.

About the Role

As our Finance Officer, you will play a key part in supporting the Assistant School Business Manager and ensuring the smooth running of the school’s financial operations. Your work will directly support our mission to provide exceptional education and wellbeing for every child.

Key Responsibilities

• Monitor and manage school budgets, producing clear monthly financial reports for leaders and governors.
• Maintain accurate accounting systems for both the main school account and voluntary fund.
• Support the preparation of the annual budget, analysing financial data to inform planning.
• Ensure compliance with KCC Financial Regulations and audit requirements.
• Process orders, payments and payroll information with precision and attention to detail.
• Manage the School Voluntary Fund, including organising the annual external audit.
• Maintain the school’s Asset Register and oversee contracts, licences and insurance.
• Reconcile accounts and authorise petty cash in line with financial controls.
• Supervise the Finance Assistant to ensure deadlines and standards are met.
• Provide general administrative support as part of the wider school team.

About You

We are looking for someone who brings both expertise and heart to the role.

You will have:

• Significant experience in a finance role and strong understanding of financial procedures.
• Excellent communication skills, able to present financial information clearly to a range of audiences.
• A proactive, solution-focused approach with strong organisational and time-management abilities.
• High levels of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Strong IT skills, including confidence with financial software and spreadsheets.
• Knowledge of financial regulations, data protection and school policies (or willingness to learn).
• Emotional resilience and a positive attitude, aligned with our values and safeguarding culture.

Why Join Laleham Gap School?

Laleham Gap is more than a workplace — it’s a community. Our children inspire us daily with their creativity, individuality and determination. Staff across the school work collaboratively, with honesty, integrity and a shared commitment to achieving the highest standards.

We prioritise wellbeing, personal development and professional growth. You will be welcomed warmly and supported by a team that takes pride in making a real difference.

Information about the school

Laleham Gap is a Communication and Interaction Special School. We have pupils aged from 4 to 18 years of age. Most of our pupils have a diagnosis of Autism. All pupils have an EHCP. Most pupils will achieve some GCSEs or equivalent at age 16. Laleham Gap is a new, high quality and well-resourced environment and the opportunity to work with an established, experienced and highly motivated team.

Laleham Gap School (Learn, Grow, Succeed) Strives to be the best school that it can be, so that all pupils have the tools to reach their full potential. We are focused on meeting the needs and interests of the individual child, ensuring that progress is made in all areas. This means we are accepting of all pupils from where they are and how they develop. Children are always at the heart of our decision making.

The school seeks to appoint highly motivated and enthusiastic individuals who will continue the excellent support for the pupils that parents and carers expect.

Please visit our website for more information about the school and our achievements.

Laleham Gap School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. We expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The post is subject to an enhanced Disclosure Application to the Disclosure and Barring Service and check against the ISA Barred List for children. Please see our Child Protection Policy at https://www.lgs.kent.sch.uk/policies/

Please note as part of Keeping Children Safe In Education requirements, Laleham Gap will carry out online searches for all shortlisted candidates.

What we can offer you:

Comprehensive induction with a range of activities including vision and aspiration from the Headteacher, a comprehensive range of safeguarding procedures and expectations, a full Handbook detailing routines and expectations.

All staff are encouraged to embark upon a an extensive choice of CPD options

SLT open door policy

In a new school building that is warm, clean and hygienic

Fantastic coastal location, affordable housing, a place of natural beauty and a more relaxed way of life.

Outstanding Ofsted rating across all areas 2023

Friendly and supportive colleagues

Working with a team that all have the same goals and ambitions for our pupils and working collectively to achieve great outcomes.

Staff gym, free tea and coffee, annual subsidised Summer party, a healthy celebratory environment regarding annual events including summer fair, family fun afternoon, sports day, national celebration days.

Staff quotes:

The pupils! I defy anyone to pop in for half a day and not love our pupils and want to stay

The best wellbeing support in a school I have ever seen, for both staff and pupils.

A truly wonderful workplace and I feel blessed to be part of it.

Wonderful staff each and everyone -I feel cared for, valued, and listened to.

Job Contact Information

• Name:Mr Les Milton
• Address:Ozengell Place, Ramsgate, Kent, CT12 6FH
• Telephone: 01843 570598
• Email: secretary@lgs.kent.sch.uk

Documents

Below are documents that have been added to this vacancy.

• Safer Recruitment
• Job DescriptionPersonSpecification