Paula Brown

Highly organised and adaptable School Office Manager with over 20 years of experience in administrative support, HR, and financial reconciliation within educational settings. Proven ability to manage complex HR processes, including recruitment and safeguarding checks, and lead office teams through system migrations. Skilled in financial administration, parent communication, and utilising various MIS systems to ensure smooth operations and compliance.

Eager to leverage extensive experience to enhance administrative efficiency and support the strategic goals of a forward-thinking school.

School Office Manager - Woodfield Primary School - Wolverhampton

(2023-03 - 2026-08)

• Processed orders, managed invoices, and reconciled accounts against school budgets.
• Oversaw the Parentpay platform for school lunches, after-school clubs, trips, and events.
• Provided financial breakdowns to the Senior Leadership Team (SLT) for all trips and activities, ensuring budgets were not overspent.
• Prepared the school census for Autumn, Spring, and Summer terms.
• Managed administrative duties for new students and in-year transfers from Wolverhampton City Council, facilitated school tours for prospective parents to showcase offerings, and updated the Management Information System (MIS) for new admissions.
• Served as the main point of contact for parents, pupils, and external agencies, ensuring a professional and welcoming environment.
• Completed the production of adverts, drafted job descriptions, selected interviewees, and attended relevant interviews as a safer recruitment-trained individual.
• Conducted all relevant checks, obtained references, and processed Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) searches for new employees, while managing the Single Central Register and adhering to General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) requirements.
• Issued offer letters and contracts, and provided necessary information to Payroll.
• Led and trained front-desk clerical staff to ensure smooth and efficient daily operations at all times.
• Spearheaded the office team through the migration of our MIS system from SIMS to Bromcom.
• Processed and managed staff absences under the Management of Attendance policy, producing weekly figures for the SLT and Governors.
• Attended all return-to-work interviews and absence monitoring meetings.
• Managed the preparation of probation documentation for new non-educational staff, ensuring accurate records and adherence to procedures.
• Prepared the weekly newsletter using Microsoft Sway and distributed it to parents, Governors, and staff, also placing the link on the school's website.
• Collaborated with catering and site staff to coordinate day-to-day events and larger school functions.

Executive PA to the Director of Secondary - Windsor Academy Trust

(2021-11 - 2023-03)

• Provided PA support and Project Managed the build of a new school.
• Facilitated internal moves and transitions.
• Supported the Executive in all aspects of business administration, ensuring the smooth running of the office.
• Prioritised tasks effectively, ensuring timely completion of projects.
• Scheduled meetings to ensure optimal business operations.
• Maintained confidentiality whilst handling sensitive information.
• Handled financial records with diligence, ensuring accuracy in reporting.
• Managed executive diaries for optimised scheduling and time management.
• Kept files organised and up-to-date for accurate record-keeping.
• Drafted documents and reports for management review.
• Created expense reports with matching receipts.
• Documented conferences, meetings, and appointments with verbatim reports.

HR Lead and PA to Headteacher - Kingswinford Academy (part of Windsor Academy Trust)

(2019-10 - 2021-11)

• Supported the Headteacher and senior management with daily administrative tasks at Kingswinford Academy.
• Managed HR staffing matters, including sickness, absences, and disciplinary meetings.
• Led recruitment advertising, completed pre-recruitment checks, and prepared staffing documentation.
• Reconciled payroll variances and supported staff appraisals with structured reviews.
• Led induction processes for new staff and maintained consistent onboarding records.
• Managed the SIMS database for staffing records and completed termly school censuses.
• Oversaw the school website and parent communications, including accurate staffing lists.
• Maintained accurate Single Central Register data for safeguarding compliance.
• Undertook an internal move to become Executive PA to the Director of Studies.

PA to Headteacher and Office Manager - Bedstone College

(2006-08 - 2019-10)

• Assisted the Headteacher with all correspondence, communications, and emails directed to parents and Governors.
• Participated in six Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) inspections, providing assistance with inspector requirements before and during their week-long visits.
• Solely responsible for the construction of the College's new Single Central Register on our new MIS system.
• Managed the full HR recruitment lifecycle, from advertising positions through to interviewing and onboarding new staff members.
• Processed all requisite safer recruitment checks.
• Ensured the College met safeguarding and welfare requirements for the recruitment of all staff and Governors in all six inspections.
• Organised all parental consultation evenings.
• Handled incoming calls professionally, ensuring excellent customer service delivery.
• Assisted in event planning, contributing to the success of Speech Day events.
• Took detailed, accurate meeting minutes, collating and promptly distributing them to relevant staff for swift action.

PA to Chairman - Chapel Ash Securitites

(1992-01 - 1998-01)

• Planned intricate travel itineraries to support punctual attendance at off-site meetings and events.
• Processed expense claims for prompt reimbursement of out-of-pocket costs.
• Proofread and edited correspondences and reports to maintain work accuracy.
• Handled confidential documents to strengthen the protection of sensitive information.
• Updated family diaries with daily appointments, reminders, and key notes.
• Coordinated family insurance arrangements for vehicles, home, and vacation needs.

PA to Senior Partner - Woolley Beavan Solicitors - Wolverhampton

(1985-01 - 1987-01)

• Coordinated solicitor and client meetings to support clear case discussions.
• Drafted legal documents and verified their accuracy and completeness.
• Conducted initial client interviews to gather case details and key facts.
• Protected confidentiality and privileged communications for all sensitive matters.
• Organised and managed case files for easy access and complete documentation.
• Coordinated communication between client legal teams and external stakeholders.
• Maintained client files with discretion and the highest confidentiality standards.
• Actioned client instructions to ensure matters progressed effectively.

PA to Partner - Foster Baxter Cooksey Solicitors

(1985-01 - 1987-01)

• Managed complex partner diaries across emails and client meeting schedules effectively.
• Produced accurate property transaction documents by transcribing audio recordings.
• Oversaw billing ledger reconciliations and managed partner invoicing to match records.

Junior Secretary - Elliott & Co Solicitors

(1984-01 - 1985-01)

• Performed audio typing and produced accurate property transaction documents.
• Assisted with billing, ledger balances, and partner invoicing.
• Liaised with clients, mortgage lenders, and other solicitors.
• Opened, managed, and closed property files on case management systems.

GCSE - English & English Literature - Ely House Girls' School (1976-01 - 1982-01)

GCSE - Maths - Ely House Girls' School (1976-01 - 1982-01)

GCSE - History & Geography - Ely House Girls' School (1976-01 - 1982-01)

GCSE - RE and Art - Ely House Girls' School (1976-01 - 1982-01)

Diploma - Secretarial - Waulfruna College (1982-01 - 1984-01)

A Level - Law - Waulfruna College (1982-01 - 1984-01)