Finance Assistant

Finance Assistant

Full-Time 30000 - 40000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
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Academy of St Martin in the Fields

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support financial operations, maintain accurate bookkeeping, and process payments.
  • Company: Join a renowned orchestra with a passion for the performing arts.
  • Benefits: Hybrid work model, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
  • Other info: Dynamic environment with a focus on accuracy and compliance.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in finance while supporting the arts you love.
  • Qualifications: Two years' experience in finance, strong attention to detail, and Excel skills.

The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.

The Finance Assistant will play a key role in supporting the smooth running of the Academy’s financial operations. Working closely with the Finance Manager, the postholder will be responsible for maintaining accurate bookkeeping, processing payments and invoices, reconciling accounts (including foreign currency), and ensuring compliance with internal controls and HMRC requirements. The role also involves preparing player payments, supporting VAT returns and audits, and providing finance-related assistance to colleagues across the organisation. This is an excellent opportunity for someone with strong attention to detail, good technical skills, and an interest in the performing arts to contribute to the success of one of the world’s most renowned orchestras.

Person Specification

  • Essential
  • A minimum of two years’ experience in a similar role
  • Ability to work with a high degree of accuracy and detail in a calm, professional manner
  • Able to meet deadlines and manage a busy workload and work independently
  • Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office, particularly Excel
  • Experience using Sage 50 accounting software or similar packages
  • Experience of dealing with foreign currency transactions
  • Able to communicate financial information to non-finance specialists
  • An understanding of accounting processes and procedures
  • Desirable
    • AAT Level 4 qualification or equivalent
    • Working knowledge of VAT partial exemption
    • An understanding of how performing arts organisations operate
    • Previous experience of working in the charitable finance sector

    Interested applicants should submit a CV with covering letter to Philip Knight, Finance Manager at philipknight@asmf.org. Closing date for applications: 9am, Monday 27 October 2025. We are an equal opportunities employer.

    Finance Assistant employer: Academy of St Martin in the Fields

    Join a prestigious organisation located in the heart of London, where your role as a Finance Assistant will not only support the financial operations of one of the world's most renowned orchestras but also offer you a vibrant work culture that values creativity and collaboration. With opportunities for professional growth, a commitment to employee development, and a hybrid working model, this position is perfect for those looking to make a meaningful impact in the performing arts sector while enjoying the unique advantages of working in a dynamic city environment.
    Academy of St Martin in the Fields

    Contact Detail:

    Academy of St Martin in the Fields Recruiting Team

    StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

    We think this is how you could land Finance Assistant

    ✨Tip Number 1

    Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance sector and let them know you're on the hunt for a Finance Assistant role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.

    ✨Tip Number 2

    Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your technical skills. Since this role involves using Sage 50 and Excel, make sure you can confidently discuss your experience with these tools. We recommend doing some mock interviews to practice articulating your knowledge.

    ✨Tip Number 3

    Show your passion for the performing arts! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, share why you’re excited about working in this field. It’ll help you stand out as someone who genuinely cares about the organisation's mission.

    ✨Tip Number 4

    Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to connect with us directly.

    We think you need these skills to ace Finance Assistant

    Bookkeeping
    Payment Processing
    Account Reconciliation
    Foreign Currency Transactions
    Compliance with HMRC Requirements
    VAT Returns
    Audit Support
    Attention to Detail
    Microsoft Excel
    Sage 50 Accounting Software
    Communication of Financial Information
    Understanding of Accounting Processes
    Ability to Meet Deadlines
    Independent Work

    Some tips for your application 🫡

    Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your relevant experience in finance, especially any roles where you've maintained accurate bookkeeping or processed payments. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!

    Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about the role and how your background fits with our needs. Don’t forget to mention your interest in the performing arts – it’s a big plus for us!

    Showcase Your Technical Skills: Since we’re looking for someone with good technical skills, make sure to highlight your proficiency in Microsoft Excel and any experience with accounting software like Sage 50. We love seeing those details!

    Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates!

    How to prepare for a job interview at Academy of St Martin in the Fields

    ✨Know Your Numbers

    Brush up on your financial knowledge, especially around bookkeeping and accounting processes. Be ready to discuss your experience with Sage 50 or similar software, as well as any foreign currency transactions you've handled.

    ✨Showcase Your Attention to Detail

    Prepare examples that highlight your ability to maintain accuracy in your work. Think of specific instances where your attention to detail made a difference, whether it was catching an error in a report or ensuring compliance with HMRC requirements.

    ✨Communicate Clearly

    Since you'll need to explain financial information to non-finance colleagues, practice simplifying complex concepts. During the interview, demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively by using clear, straightforward language.

    ✨Understand the Organisation

    Research the performing arts sector and the specific organisation you're applying to. Familiarise yourself with their mission and how finance plays a role in supporting their operations. This will show your genuine interest and help you connect your skills to their needs.

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