Finance Officer
Location: Kendal, Cumbria, LA9 6SA
Salary: £27,236.60 pro rata per annum
Contract: Permanent
Hours: 24 hours per week
Advertising End Date: 27th November 2026
Benefits - We Are Offering:
As well as knowing that what we do is making a positive difference to people’s lives, you will receive fair pay and have access to a wide range of rewards and benefits as one of our employees:
• 33 days holiday (pro rata including bank holidays) increasing with long service.
• Pension contributions into NEST Scheme.
• Opportunities to undertake qualifications related to the role.
• Private Health Care scheme funded by Oaklea.
• Free access to round the clock employee assistance program for advice and support
• Long service award scheme
• Access to foundation and bespoke training and development
The Oaklea Group comprises a registered Charity ‘The Oaklea Trust’ and a CIC ‘Right2Work’ Our mission is to support people and communities to learn, grow, and thrive, with kindness at the core of everything we do.
We're looking for a dedicated Finance Officer to join our team in Kendal.
The main focus of the role is to take ownership of the day-to-day banking and purchase ledger functions within the Finance Department, ensuring transactions are processed accurately, supplier accounts are maintained effectively, and key reconciliations are completed on time.
Following training and induction, you will manage these areas independently and become a trusted member of the finance team.
The role also has responsibility for a small number of customer accounts, including invoicing, cash allocation and credit control activities, while supporting the wider finance function.
This role would suit someone with experience in bank reconciliations, purchase ledger or accounts administration who enjoys taking ownership of processes, working accurately and building positive relationships with customers, suppliers and colleagues.
Key Responsibilities:
• Take ownership of daily banking, purchase ledger and assigned sales ledger activities, ensuring transactions are processed accurately and on time.
• Maintain accurate purchase ledger and assigned sales ledger balances, allocate cash effectively and resolve supplier and customer queries in a timely manner.
• Prepare supplier payment runs and monitor invoice approval workflows to ensure suppliers are paid in line with agreed terms.
• Assist with monthly Balance Sheet reconciliations.
• Collaborate with managers to ensure accurate document processing.
• Assist with prepayments, and intercompany transactions.
• Provide general support to the finance team and operational teams with day-to-day duties.
Skills and Experience:
• Previous experience in a similar finance role undertaking banking, purchase ledger and sales ledger tasks.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to prioritise own workload independently and meet deadlines.
• Able to manage routine finance processes independently and identify issues requiring escalation.
• Clear communication skills with both finance and non-finance colleagues
• Able to work independently and as part of a team
• Quick learner with strong analytical thinking
• Competent user of Microsoft Excel, particularly for reconciliations, data analysis and the use of formulas.
• AAT qualified, studying towards AAT, or able to demonstrate equivalent practical experience.
• An Enhanced DBS will be required for each successful candidate (Paid for by Oaklea, T&Cs apply)
• If you are looking for a fun and rewarding role then this could be the opportunity you have been waiting for.
We’re looking for an enthusiastic team member who will fit into a small and busy team, have fun, make friends and to learn and develop as an individual.
Why join us
• Be part of a small, collaborative, and supportive finance team
• Work for an amazing charity that’s making real change in communities
• Make a meaningful contribution while developing your finance career
• A great environment where your ideas and input are valued
If you're ready to bring your finance skills into a role with purpose, we'd love to hear from you.
Apply now and help us make a difference.
*T&C's apply based on contract
