At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the Finance Team with processing income, expenditure, and maintaining financial records.
- Company: Join Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service, committed to community safety and welfare.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexitime, 25 days holiday, gym access, and discounts through the Lifestyle Savings platform.
- Other info: Flexible working hours and a commitment to equal opportunities for all applicants.
- Why this job: Gain hands-on finance experience in a supportive team environment with opportunities for growth.
- Qualifications: GCSE Maths and English (Level 4 or above) and experience in accounts payable/receivable required.
The predicted salary is between 22794 - 25100 € per year.
Finance Assistant - Kempston
Salary: Starting salary *GBP*27,694 per annum rising to *GBP*29,540 per annumBasis: Full timePackage: 37 hours per week, Flexitime scheme, Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS), Holiday allowance of 25 days (plus public holidays) on joining.Contractual Hours: 37Region: CentralJob Category: Finance
Job Description
This is an exciting opportunity for a highly experienced administrator, who is detail-oriented, to provide financial and administrative support to the Finance Team.
About the role
You will be responsible for processing all income and expenditure, entering transactions into the financial system (Great Plains), maintaining accurate financial records, and managing office supplies.
Key responsibilities include
- Accounts payable: processing invoices and reconciling the purchase ledger, reimbursement claims and petty cash
- Processing income, sales invoices, and banking in line with our financial procedures
- Maintaining supplier and customer records, responding to queries, and recommending process improvements
- Collating data for financial performance statistics
- Assisting with statutory returns and year-end account closures
- Conducting monthly ledger reconciliations and maintaining Excel spreadsheets
- Responding to stakeholder queries and managing authorised signatories/forms to ensure correct authorisation of invoices and expenses
- Assisting in providing training on financial policies and procedures
About you
You will have in-depth knowledge and experience of accounts payable and receivable, gained through hands-on experience. You will also have:
- Experience of using finance systems and computer/office automation systems, including Microsoft software packages such as Excel, Outlook, and Teams
- A high level of attention to detail and the ability to accurately process invoices/data
- In-depth experience of processing petty cash claims
- The ability to work effectively to deadlines and manage multiple tasks simultaneously
- The ability to work collaboratively with peers, senior staff, and as part of a team
- Good communication and diplomacy skills, both orally and in writing, with the ability to converse at ease with members of the public and provide advice in accurate spoken English
- Maths and English (GCSE Level 4 or above – or equivalent)
For more details on the essential criteria required for the role, please see the attached job description and person specification.
Why work with us
We recognise that you are looking for more than just a career. To promote a positive work/life balance, we provide the following benefits:
- Flexi-time scheme including flexible start and finish times, variable lunch breaks, and flexi-leave days
- Local Government Pension Scheme
- Holiday allowance of 25 days* (plus public holidays) on joining; increasing to 30 days* after 5 years' service and 32 days after 10 years' service (*pro rata if part-time or irregular working pattern)
- Paid training and development opportunities
- Free access to onsite gym facilities
- Free onsite parking
- Instant access to the ‘Lifestyle Savings’ platform, which includes a range of discount cards from well-known and independent retailers
- Eligible to sign up for the ‘Blue Light Card’ with access to thousands of amazing discounts online and on the high street
How to apply
If this role is of interest, please visit our website for further information and to make a formal application. We ask that you include your full career history and reference your skills and experience in line with the job description and person specification within your application and supporting statement.
The selection process will take place on Wednesday 17 September 2025
This post will be exempt from the provisions of Sectionof the Rehabilitation of Offenders ActExceptions) (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2023. Therefore, applicants are not entitled to withhold information about convictions which for other purposes are ‘spent’ under the provision of the Act.
The appointment will be made subject to satisfactory pre-employment clearances, including an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) clearance at the level required for the role.
Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service’s recruitment and selection procedures reflect our commitment to safer recruitment, and to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of Adults, Children and Young People and all staff and volunteers are expected to share this commitment.
Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service is an equal opportunities employer that welcomes applications from all sections of the community.
Finance Assistant - Kempston employer: Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service
At Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer that values work-life balance and employee well-being. With a comprehensive benefits package including a flexitime scheme, generous holiday allowance, and opportunities for professional development, we foster a supportive and collaborative work culture. Our commitment to employee growth and community engagement makes us an ideal choice for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment in the finance sector.
Contact Detail:
Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Assistant - Kempston
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Great Plains, the financial system mentioned in the job description. If you have access to a demo or training version, practice entering transactions and managing records to demonstrate your hands-on experience during the interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Brush up on your Excel skills, especially in areas like data entry, formulas, and pivot tables. Being able to showcase your proficiency in Excel will be crucial, as maintaining spreadsheets is a key responsibility of the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare examples of how you've improved processes in previous roles. The job requires recommending process improvements, so having specific instances ready will show your proactive approach and problem-solving skills.
✨Tip Number 4
Practice your communication skills, particularly in explaining financial concepts clearly. Since you'll be responding to stakeholder queries, being able to articulate your thoughts effectively will set you apart from other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Finance Assistant - Kempston
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in finance, particularly in accounts payable and receivable. Use specific examples that demonstrate your attention to detail and ability to manage multiple tasks.
Craft a Strong Supporting Statement:In your supporting statement, directly reference the skills and experiences mentioned in the job description. Explain how your background aligns with the responsibilities of processing invoices, maintaining financial records, and using financial systems like Great Plains.
Highlight Relevant Skills:Emphasise your proficiency in Microsoft software packages, especially Excel, as well as your experience with financial procedures. Mention any training or certifications that support your application.
Proofread Your Application:Before submitting, carefully proofread your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial for a Finance Assistant role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service
✨Know Your Financial Systems
Familiarise yourself with Great Plains and other finance systems mentioned in the job description. Be prepared to discuss your experience with these systems and how you've used them in previous roles.
✨Demonstrate Attention to Detail
Since the role requires a high level of accuracy, be ready to provide examples of how you've ensured precision in processing invoices or maintaining financial records. Highlight any specific methods you use to double-check your work.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
The position involves responding to stakeholder queries and providing advice. Prepare to discuss situations where you've effectively communicated complex information, both verbally and in writing, especially in a finance context.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your ability to handle multiple tasks and deadlines. Think of examples from your past experiences where you successfully managed competing priorities, particularly in a finance or administrative setting.
