Finance Assistant

Finance Assistant

Maidenhead Full-Time 28800 - 43200 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Join us as a Finance Assistant, processing invoices and ensuring financial accuracy.
  • Company: Costain is a leading smart infrastructure solutions company improving lives across the UK.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a dynamic work environment with opportunities for personal development and team collaboration.
  • Why this job: Be part of impactful projects while enhancing your finance skills in a supportive culture.
  • Qualifications: 2+ years in P2P functions, strong communication skills, and a passion for customer service required.
  • Other info: We value diversity and are a Disability Confident employer, welcoming all applicants.

The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 £ per year.

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a diligent finance professional looking to continue their career within a FTSE listed construction business with a track record of delivering high profile infrastructure projects. This is a critical role within the P2P function that involves collecting, processing, and presenting accurate financial data. A broad understanding of the Accounts Payable processes is a key component of the role. The role includes exposure to project teams and other central finance functions, providing an excellent opportunity for a varied role with regular challenges. It provides the ability to work with a wide variety of teams from different functional backgrounds and the opportunity for continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

  • Invoice Processing: Ensure invoices are posted timely and accurately while adhering to standard company policies and procedures.
  • Verify accuracy, completeness, and consistency of Purchase Order and other accounting information received from all sources.
  • Match, enter and monitor PO’s and AP invoices including reviews and approvals.
  • Follow up inputs and deliverables from the relevant stakeholders.
  • Action on AP Aged creditors, validation of Debit balances, and reconciliation of supplier accounts.
  • Review, investigate & resolve invoice discrepancies, and maintain strong relationships with suppliers and internal stakeholders.
  • Monitor and resolve queries & invoice processing mailbox.
  • Identify any training requirement to support your role and personal development.
  • Assist AP Processing Supervisor with ongoing transformation and continuous improvement projects.
  • Offer support as team cover to continue delivery of team core activities.
  • Ad hoc tasks relevant to the role as required by the AP Manager, P2P Manager and/or Head of Finance Shared Services.

Qualifications

  • Minimum 2+ years’ experience in a P2P function, preferably in a Shared Services environment.
  • Broad understanding of the P2P accounts payable processes.
  • Collaborating with stakeholders, sites and project accountants and communicating payment insights.
  • Working with Oracle Enterprise One, or similar ERP system desirable.

Skills

  • Attention to detail and accuracy.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Intermediate user of Microsoft Excel.
  • Ability to solve problems.
  • Confidence to challenge current processes and recommend improvements.
  • Demonstrable ability to form effective working relationships with multiple stakeholders.
  • A passion for excellent customer service is essential.
  • Flexibility to take on new challenges as they arise and quick to learn.

Personal Attributes

  • Self-motivated and a self-starter, with the ability to build positive relationships.
  • A positive can-do attitude, especially when faced with challenges and time constraints.
  • Hands on approach to Operational Finance.
  • Ability to work effectively in a team environment and help others to do so.
  • Set and achieve high standards for themselves.
  • Identifies, anticipates, and navigates problems and obstacles to performance in an orderly and calm manner. Responds creatively to personal and team challenges.
  • Communicates openly and honestly with others, listens to differing views and seeks to create a common understanding and agreement to proposed actions.
  • Open to change and integration of finance systems and processes.

About Us

Costain helps to improve people’s lives with integrated, leading edge, smart infrastructure solutions across the UK’s energy, water, transportation and defence markets. We help our clients improve their business performance by increasing capacity, improving customer service, safeguarding security, enhancing resilience, decarbonising and delivering increased efficiency. Our vision is to be the UK’s leading smart infrastructure solutions company. We will achieve this by focusing on blue chip clients whose major spending plans are underpinned by strategic national needs, regulatory commitments, legislation or essential performance requirements. We offer our clients leading edge solutions that are digitally optimised through the following five services which cover the whole lifecycle of their assets: future-shaping strategic consultancy; consultancy and advisory; digital technology solutions; asset optimisation and complex programme delivery. Our culture and values underpin everything we do.

Costain appreciate the time and effort taken when applying for one of our positions but, due to the high volume of responses, we are unable to provide individual feedback on candidates at application phase. We do share individual feedback following an interview.

A Disability Confident employer will generally offer an interview to any applicant that disclose they have a disability and meets the minimum criteria for the job as defined by the employer. It is important to note that in certain recruitment situations such as high-volume, seasonal and high-peak times, the employer may wish to limit the overall numbers of interviews offered to both disabled people and non-disabled people.

Finance Assistant employer: Costain Group PLC

Costain is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture, making it an ideal place for finance professionals to thrive. With a commitment to employee growth, the company offers continuous improvement opportunities and exposure to diverse project teams, ensuring that every day presents new challenges and learning experiences. Located in the heart of the UK's infrastructure sector, Costain not only prioritises employee well-being but also champions a positive impact on society through its smart infrastructure solutions.
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Contact Detail:

Costain Group PLC Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Finance Assistant

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with the Accounts Payable processes, as this is a key component of the Finance Assistant role. Understanding how invoices are processed and the importance of accuracy will help you stand out during discussions.

✨Tip Number 2

Brush up on your Microsoft Excel skills, particularly intermediate functions. Being able to demonstrate your proficiency in Excel during the interview can showcase your ability to handle financial data effectively.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare examples of how you've successfully collaborated with stakeholders in previous roles. Highlighting your communication skills and ability to build relationships will resonate well with the team-oriented culture at Costain.

✨Tip Number 4

Show your enthusiasm for continuous improvement by thinking of suggestions or ideas that could enhance the P2P function. This proactive approach will demonstrate your commitment to the role and align with the company's values.

We think you need these skills to ace Finance Assistant

Attention to Detail
Accounts Payable Knowledge
Invoice Processing
Reconciliation Skills
Stakeholder Management
Problem-Solving Skills
Excellent Written and Verbal Communication
Intermediate Microsoft Excel Skills
Ability to Work in a Team Environment
Customer Service Orientation
Flexibility and Adaptability
Experience with ERP Systems (e.g., Oracle Enterprise One)
Self-Motivated and Proactive Attitude
Ability to Handle Multiple Tasks and Prioritise
Continuous Improvement Mindset

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in Accounts Payable and P2P functions. Use specific examples from your previous roles that demonstrate your attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and ability to work with various stakeholders.

Craft a Strong Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the role and the company. Mention how your skills align with the responsibilities outlined in the job description, particularly your experience with invoice processing and stakeholder collaboration.

Highlight Relevant Skills: Emphasise your proficiency in Microsoft Excel and any experience with ERP systems like Oracle Enterprise One. Provide examples of how you've used these tools to improve processes or solve problems in past roles.

Showcase Your Soft Skills: The role requires strong communication and relationship-building skills. Include examples of how you've successfully navigated challenges in team environments and maintained positive relationships with suppliers and colleagues.

How to prepare for a job interview at Costain Group PLC

✨Know Your P2P Processes

Make sure you have a solid understanding of the Purchase to Pay (P2P) processes. Be prepared to discuss your experience with invoice processing, matching purchase orders, and handling discrepancies. This will show that you are well-versed in the core responsibilities of the role.

✨Demonstrate Attention to Detail

Since accuracy is crucial in finance roles, be ready to provide examples of how you've ensured precision in your previous work. Highlight any specific instances where your attention to detail made a significant difference in your team's performance or in resolving issues.

✨Showcase Your Communication Skills

Effective communication is key when working with various stakeholders. Prepare to discuss how you've successfully collaborated with team members, suppliers, and project accountants in the past. This will demonstrate your ability to build strong relationships and navigate complex situations.

✨Be Open to Continuous Improvement

Costain values innovation and improvement, so come prepared with ideas on how you could contribute to ongoing transformation projects. Discuss any experiences where you've identified inefficiencies and proposed solutions, showcasing your proactive approach to problem-solving.

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