Business Support Assistant

Business Support Assistant - Secondary School

Location: Farnworth, Bolton

Salary: £100-£130 per day, depending on previous experience

Start Date: ASAP

Duration: Temporary, until October half-term

Tradewind Recruitment is currently seeking an experienced Business Support Assistant to join a busy and welcoming secondary school in Farnworth, Bolton, starting ASAP. This is a temporary position running until October half-term, providing an excellent opportunity for an experienced school administrator or education-based support professional who is available immediately and confident working within a busy school environment. The successful candidate will provide essential administrative support to the school's Business Manager, assisting with a range of business, operational and general administrative tasks to help ensure the smooth day-to-day running of the school.

Previous School or Education Experience is Essential

Only applicants who have previously worked within a school or education setting will be considered for this position. We are specifically looking for candidates with a genuine understanding of school administration and the requirements of working within an educational environment. Previous experience within a secondary school, primary school, academy, college or other education setting is essential. Experience using school-based systems such as SIMS, Bromcom, Arbor, ScholarPack, Integris or similar Management Information Systems (MIS) would be highly advantageous.

The Role

As a Business Support Assistant, you will work closely with and provide administrative support to the school's Business Manager. This will be a varied role involving general administration, record keeping, correspondence, data management and operational support. You will play an important part in helping the Business Manager maintain effective administrative processes across the school.

Key Responsibilities

• Providing day-to-day administrative support to the Business Manager
• Assisting with general business and operational administration
• Maintaining accurate records, databases and documentation
• Preparing correspondence, reports, spreadsheets and other administrative documents
• Managing and updating information on school systems and databases
• Using school MIS platforms such as SIMS, Bromcom, Arbor or similar
• Supporting with pupil and staff records where required
• Assisting with general school office administration
• Processing and maintaining administrative paperwork
• Responding to emails, telephone calls and general enquiries
• Liaising professionally with staff, parents, pupils, suppliers and external organisations
• Supporting the Business Manager with the organization and administration of meetings
• Assisting with purchasing, invoices, orders and general financial administration where required
• Maintaining accurate electronic and paper filing systems
• Supporting compliance and administrative processes
• Handling confidential information appropriately and in line with school policies and data protection requirements
• Providing additional administrative support to the wider school leadership and office team when required
• Helping to ensure the smooth and efficient running of the school's administrative and business functions

About You

• Previous experience working within a school or education setting - essential
• Previous experience in school administration, preferably within a secondary school or academy
• Experience supporting a Business Manager, School Business Manager, senior administrator or school leadership team would be advantageous
• Strong administrative and organisational skills
• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy
• Good IT skills and confidence using Microsoft Office
• Experience using a school MIS such as SIMS, Bromcom, Arbor, ScholarPack, Integris or similar
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• The ability to manage confidential and sensitive information appropriately
• The ability to work independently and use initiative
• A good understanding of confidentiality, safeguarding and data protection within education
• Previous experience with school finance administration, purchasing, invoices, procurement, attendance, admissions, pupil data, compliance or general school business administration would be particularly beneficial

Please note: candidates without previous experience working within a school or education setting will not be considered.

If you have previous school administration experience, are confident supporting senior school staff and have experience using systems such as SIMS, Bromcom or Arbor, we would be keen to hear from you.