Business Support officer - new to education

[Mancborn]

I've been offered a job as an assistant Business Support officer. Ive never worked in a school before and Im really excited about it. However, despite having worked in a busy financial environment for the last 25 years (nhs and same job since leaving school) Im really nervous that there is so much to learn and I am doubting my ability. Its an academy trust. Ive been reading up on the website looking at policies, procedures etc and there are lots of abbreviations and words Im not familiar with. Im becoming stressed out about the whole thing. Am I being too hard on myself? The school know my background and I know I wont hit the ground running but I really want to do my best for the school. Has anybody got any advice, what can I read up on, what to expect, what support and training I should expect? Its a part time position too finishing at 1.30pm. Im guessing I would be expected to work later than that?! Thanks in advance.

What are your key responsibilities from your job description? That should give an indication of what training you should expect.

You shouldn't be expected to work later than 1:30 if that is when you're contracted until!

You'll learn in the job, honestly,and a good office shouldn't mind you asking for questions as you work.

Get a file or note book and not things down for you to refer to if you feel overwhelmed.

It will be fine, and it is lots of fun and can be 100 miles a hour at times!

Pumpkintopf The responsibilities are purchase and sales ledger, debit card reconciliation, procurements (never done that before!), purchase orders, keeping the website up to date (another task Ive never done). I guess Im just feeling overwhelmed and worried that by the time I get into the swing of things it'll be the summer holidays! Thanks JoyceDivision..I will jot everything down. I do like a fast paced office but where I know what Im doing!!

Think i just need a kick up the bum..leaving a job after 25 years service and going to a new job in a different environment is daunting to say the least!

I would say you go in and try to figure out priorities - ask what your priorities should be if you can’t figure it out as you come from a different background.
The one thing you will find hard different will be the relentless pace set by the bell. Anybody with teaching responsibility is under a lot of time pressure and will only have time for you at very specific times. Make sure you know how to find out who is free when.
Most people in schools are really nice and helpful.

Thank you QueenofCBA. I am excited by it. Im used to interruptions too but thats because I know what Im doing in my current role and its easy for me to pick up where I left off. Its going to be a big change for me. Just need to have confidence in myself.

You'll be fine!
What jargon are you worried about?
It will be busy, you'll never be bored, but it'll be fun and enjoyable too.

Ohhgreat..Its all the abbreviations..theres lots!!! Are you a business support officer? What do you like the best and the least? Any tips? Thank you for the encouragement!

School business manager here. Happy to answer questions if it helps. There are lots of SBMs over on Twitter.

What finance software do they use? Is it a primary school? Who has overall responsibility for finance?

Hi DellaPorter.

Thanks for your message. JD mentions HCSS..is that the finance software? Its a primary school MAT.

How would you train somebody in my position? Ive downloaded the financial handbook to study..any other tips? Is SIMS easy to pick up? Thanks in advance!!

Hi op, based on your job description I'd say you should ask your line manager to set up a training plan with you to cover the bits you don't know, and discuss at that point what your priorities and targets should be. To be honest, a decent line manager should be planning on doing that anyway without you needing to ask. Good luck in your new job!