Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies 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 independent publisher in Scotland, based in vibrant Edinburgh.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, competitive salary, and the chance to grow in a creative environment.
- Why this job: Be part of a passionate team, contribute to exciting projects, and make a real impact.
- 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 balancing studies and work.
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.
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, and 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
- 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
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 practical knowledge.
✨Tip Number 4
Research Birlinn Limited and Compass Independent Publishing Services to understand their values and the types of publications they handle. This knowledge will help you tailor your conversation and demonstrate your genuine interest in the company during the interview.
We think you need these skills to ace Finance Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience and skills that match the job description. 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 why you are interested in the Finance Assistant role at Birlinn Limited. Mention your understanding of the publishing industry and how your skills can contribute to their financial operations.
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. This will help demonstrate your suitability for the role.
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 handled financial tasks in the past. Be ready to explain any relevant experience with invoicing, bank reconciliations, or VAT returns.
✨Showcase Your Excel Skills
Since strong Excel skills are crucial for this role, make sure to highlight your proficiency during the interview. You might even want to mention specific functions or tools you’ve used in previous roles that could be beneficial for managing financial data.
✨Demonstrate Attention to Detail
Attention to detail is key in finance. Prepare examples of how you've ensured accuracy in your work, whether it’s through double-checking invoices or maintaining meticulous records. This will show that you understand the importance of precision in financial tasks.
✨Prepare Questions About the Company
Research Birlinn Limited and Compass Independent Publishing Services Limited before your interview. Prepare thoughtful questions about their financial processes or recent projects. This shows your genuine interest in the company and the role, making you stand out as a candidate.
