About Long Close School - Upton Court Road, Slough, Berkshire, SL3 7LU
We are delighted to welcome you to Long Close School, where we welcome children from 2 – 16 years. With over 80 years of teaching heritage, our school is firmly established as the first choice amongst parents looking to give their child the best possible start to their education. Proud of our reputation for delivering academic excellence, both at 11+ and GCSE stages, our children thrive with small class sizes and experienced teachers delivering an outstanding education.
About St Mary's - 13 St. Andrews Road, Henley on Thames, Oxfordshire, RG9 1HS
St. Mary’s School is a co-educational day school, for children from 3 to 11 years old, set in a beautiful residential area in Henley-on-Thames. Small classes of around 16 children, which allow the individual child to flourish and high academic standards to be achieved in a friendly, caring, enthusiastic and stimulating environment.
Proud of our reputation for delivering academic excellence – the attainment of St. Mary’s pupils is above national age-related expectations in all subjects, and our more able pupils are challenged and stretched with a range of classroom work and additional activities.
The schools now have an exciting opportunity for an experienced
School Finance Assistant to join our fantastic team. We welcome applications for full-time, part-time, or shared service arrangements.
About Cognita
Cognita is a global leader in independent education. Founded in 2004, we are a growing community of 100+ schools in 16 countries - in Europe, North America, Latin America, Asia and the Middle East - serving more than 85,000 students. Each of our schools are proudly unique, however our collective purpose is to create an environment where everyone can, ‘Thrive in a rapidly evolving world’.
About The Role
As a School Finance Assistant, you will play a key role in ensuring the smooth day-to-day running of the school’s financial operations. Reporting to the Operations Manager, you’ll support the wider leadership team and Pod Finance Manager in delivering accurate, timely, and compliant financial processes across procurement, payroll, invoicing, and parent payment systems. From raising purchase orders and processing bookings on Cognita Connect to preparing payroll documentation and assisting with month-end close, you’ll be involved in the full finance cycle. You’ll also provide vital administrative support across the school, helping staff with queries and contributing to general office efficiency. This is a home for someone who thrives on accuracy, organisation, and collaboration, and who is ready to make a real impact in a fast-paced educational environment. You’ll also have opportunities to develop your skills and explore pathways into Operations or the wider finance function.
This is full-time, permanent role with a June 2025 start date. You will be based at Long Close and will also be expected to travel to St Mary's as needed.
To View a Full Job Description, Click Here .
Who we are looking for:
You are a reliable, detail-oriented professional with experience in a school or similar financial setting. You’re confident using Microsoft Office and ideally familiar with systems like Netsuite, ISAMs, ParentPay, or the Barclaycard portal. You manage competing priorities with ease, communicate clearly, and have a natural flair for organisation. You're approachable, discreet, and always professional. If you're looking for a role where you can grow and make a difference, we’d love to hear from you.
Benefits At Cognita
- Competitive salary depending upon qualifications and experience
- Free lunch provided during Term Time
- 25 Days Annual Leave
- Free parking on site (subject to availability)
- School fee discount
- Exclusive third-party discounts
- Professional Development
How To Apply
Complete this application before the closing date. The Closing Date for Applications is:
Sunday 15th June 2025 .
Cognita Schools are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff, volunteers and other third parties to share this commitment. Safer recruitment practice and pre-employment background checks will be undertaken before any appointment is confirmed.
We are an equal opportunities employer committed to diversity and treating all employees with dignity and respect regardless of background.
Early applications are encouraged, we reserve the right to interview and appoint prior to closing date for the right applicant.
