Finance Assistant

Finance Assistant

Dunfermline Full-Time 20000 - 24000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Join us as a Finance Assistant, handling invoices and financial data in a dynamic team.
  • Company: Birlinn Limited is a top Scottish publisher, known for diverse literary and academic titles.
  • Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, competitive salary, and the chance to grow in a creative environment.
  • Why this job: Be part of a vibrant culture while making an impact in the publishing industry.
  • Qualifications: 3 Highers or equivalent, bookkeeping experience, and strong Excel skills required.
  • Other info: Flexible hours between 30 to 37.5 per week; perfect for students seeking real-world experience.

The predicted salary is between 20000 - 24000 £ per year.

Hours: We can consider 30 to 37.5 hours per week

Location: Hybrid

Salary: Dependant on skills, qualification & experience. (£25k - £27k)

Company Description: Birlinn Limited is one of Scotland’s leading independent publishers, based in Edinburgh and publishes Scottish interest, literary, sports, children and academic titles. It was founded in 1992 by our managing Director, Hugh Andrew. Compass Independent Publishing Services Limited (CIPS Ltd) is a sales agency selling titles from a range of publishers into bookshops across the UK and Irish market and is also administered from Edinburgh.

An opportunity has arisen within Birlinn Limited for a Finance and Administration Assistant, a role which also provides financial support to Compass Independent Publishing Services Limited.

Role Description: This is a role for a Finance Assistant at Birlinn Limited located in the central Edinburgh Area. The Finance Assistant will be responsible for tasks such as:

  • Analysing financial data
  • Processing and managing invoices
  • Handling finance-related responsibilities
  • Communicating effectively with team members and external stakeholders

Tasks & scope of the job:

  • Accounting
  • Processing and maintenance of Sales and Purchase ledger invoices
  • Credit control
  • Banking & cashflow maintenance, including monthly bank reconciliations
  • Assist preparation and reconciliation of quarterly VAT returns
  • Assist preparation of accounts information for annual financial statements and tax return
  • Events cash administration and reconciliation
  • Assist with Royalties administration
  • Project costing preparation and review
  • Administer Alba wholesale
  • Expense processing & analysis
  • General Admin
    • First point of contact for all finance queries
    • Maintaining accounting files
    • Dealing with incoming & outgoing mail
    • Document copying / scanning
    • Other duties as required to support FD/FC/FM

    Key Skill requirements:

    • Ability to work on own initiative and to deadlines
    • Excellent attention to detail
    • Confident with MS Office, with strong Excel skills
    • Basic accounting knowledge with ability to calculate and interpret financial information
    • Prioritising skills and the ability to work within a small team
    • Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate with relevant parties

    Qualifications:

    • 3 Highers or Equivalent
    • Bookkeeping experience and a solid understanding of accountancy and the finance function
    • Attention to detail and accuracy
    • Experience with Sage 50 or other financial software and tools
    • 2 acceptable References

    Should this role be of interest, please apply with your most up to date CV.

    Finance Assistant employer: Birlinn Limited

    Birlinn Limited is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture in the heart of Edinburgh, where creativity and collaboration thrive. With flexible hybrid working options and a commitment to employee growth, we provide opportunities for professional development alongside competitive salaries. Join us to be part of a passionate team dedicated to publishing excellence, while enjoying the unique charm and cultural richness of Scotland's capital.
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    Contact Detail:

    Birlinn Limited Recruiting Team

    StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

    We think this is how you could land Finance Assistant

    ✨Tip Number 1

    Familiarise yourself with the specific financial software mentioned in the job description, such as Sage 50. Having hands-on experience or even completing a short online course can give you an edge and show your commitment to the role.

    ✨Tip Number 2

    Brush up on your Excel skills, particularly in areas like data analysis and financial modelling. Being able to demonstrate your proficiency in Excel during an interview can significantly boost your chances of landing the job.

    ✨Tip Number 3

    Prepare to discuss your previous bookkeeping experience in detail. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've managed invoices, reconciled accounts, or handled credit control, as this will showcase your relevant skills.

    ✨Tip Number 4

    Research Birlinn Limited and Compass Independent Publishing Services to understand their values and mission. Tailoring your conversation to align with their goals during the interview can help you stand out as a candidate who is genuinely interested in the company.

    We think you need these skills to ace Finance Assistant

    Attention to Detail
    Strong Excel Skills
    Basic Accounting Knowledge
    Financial Data Analysis
    Invoice Processing
    Credit Control
    Bank Reconciliation
    VAT Return Preparation
    Project Costing
    Expense Processing
    Interpersonal Skills
    Communication Skills
    Time Management
    Experience with Sage 50 or Similar Software

    Some tips for your application 🫡

    Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience and skills that align with the Finance Assistant role. Emphasise your bookkeeping experience, attention to detail, and proficiency in MS Office, especially Excel.

    Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that specifically addresses the key responsibilities mentioned in the job description. Explain how your background in finance and administration makes you a suitable candidate for Birlinn Limited.

    Highlight Relevant Qualifications: In your application, clearly state your qualifications, such as your Highers or equivalent, and any specific training related to accounting or finance software like Sage 50.

    Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial for a Finance Assistant.

    How to prepare for a job interview at Birlinn Limited

    ✨Know Your Numbers

    As a Finance Assistant, you'll be dealing with financial data daily. Brush up on your accounting principles and be prepared to discuss how you've applied them in previous roles. Familiarise yourself with key financial metrics relevant to the publishing industry.

    ✨Excel Skills are Key

    Since strong Excel skills are essential for this role, make sure you can demonstrate your proficiency. Be ready to talk about specific functions or tools you've used in Excel, such as pivot tables or VLOOKUP, and how they helped you in your past work.

    ✨Showcase Your Attention to Detail

    Attention to detail is crucial in finance. Prepare examples of how you've ensured accuracy in your work, whether through double-checking invoices or maintaining meticulous records. This will show that you understand the importance of precision in financial tasks.

    ✨Communicate Effectively

    You'll need to interact with team members and external stakeholders, so practice articulating your thoughts clearly. Think of instances where you've successfully communicated complex financial information to non-financial colleagues, as this will highlight your interpersonal skills.

    Finance Assistant
    Birlinn Limited
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    • Finance Assistant

      Dunfermline
      Full-Time
      20000 - 24000 £ / year (est.)

      Application deadline: 2027-06-06

    • B

      Birlinn Limited

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