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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Support finance operations, manage month-end processes, and assist with customer reporting.
- Company: Join Brakes, part of Sysco, a leading foodservice business in the UK.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, generous holidays, pension scheme, and discounts on food and entertainment.
- Why this job: Great opportunity for career growth with study support for accounting qualifications and a collaborative culture.
- Qualifications: Strong academic background; training or interest in CIMA or ACCA preferred.
- Other info: Flexible working with 1-2 days in the Kent office for team collaboration.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 £ per year.
Overview
Brakes UK are currently recruiting for a results driven Finance Associate to join our Finance team in Ashford, Kent .
Our Finance colleagues are a central hub of knowledge, and as a Finance Associate within the Merchandising division, you’ll ensure that you are on hand to support the business through key income and cost areas.
Reporting to the Merchandising Finance Team Manager you will support, develop and drive the analysis and understanding of key monthly processes including period end journals. Furthermore, you will be expected to provide support through the annual customer and supplier audits.
This role is offering flexible hybrid working with 1-2 days based in our Kent office for team collaboration and meetings, so you must be with in a commutable distance.
Key Accountabilities & Responsibilities
- Managing the promotions process including creating of the promotions files, creating the invoice runs and answering queries for standard monthly promotions, Buy One Get One Free and MyBrakes Rewards.
- Take part in key period end processes including monthly invoice allocation and buying income journal postings.
- Analysing costs – ensuring that costs are within budget, posting journals, highlighting risks and liaising with the Senior Finance Business Partner and Finance Director to resolve variances.
- Ownership of the backup for the buying income balance sheet for BIBAM.
- Supporting with the year-end final reconciliations and supplier audits process.
- Understanding of the systems used including Smart Supplier and to be one of the main contacts for queries.
- Supporting with the Compass and Aramark annual reconciliation processes.
- Producing monthly supplier reports.
- Gaining an understanding of other roles within the Merchandising Finance team in order to provide holiday cover as needed.
- Ad-hoc tasks as and when required.
About you
This role suits someone highly organised with strong analytical skills and excellent attention to detail, who is confident managing financial processes and supporting key period‑end activities. You will be comfortable working with data, posting journals, reconciling balances and ensuring accuracy across promotions, buying income and supplier reporting. You will have clear communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively with colleagues across Finance and Merchandising, responding to queries professionally and building strong working relationships. You will be proactive in identifying variances, highlighting risks and following issues through to resolution, maintaining high standards of accuracy and integrity. You will take ownership of your work, be willing to learn wider team processes to provide cover when needed, and bring a flexible, positive approach to ad‑hoc tasks and continuous improvement.
Benefits
- Early Access to Your Earnings: Use our dedicated Wage Stream app to access your earned salary whenever you need it, helping you manage your finances with ease and confidence.
- Flexible Time Off: Take advantage of the option to purchase additional annual leave.
- Comprehensive Wellbeing & Health Support: Benefit from our Employee Assistance Programme, offering confidential mental health support, 24/7 GP appointments, physiotherapy, flu vaccinations, eye tests and a wide range of health services for you and your family.
- Competitive Pension Scheme: Secure your future with our robust pension plan designed to help you plan long term.
- Life Assurance: Peace of mind with life assurance coverage designed to protect you and your loved ones.
- Exclusive Discounts: Enjoy access to Sysco Perks, where you’ll find discounts on everything from gym memberships to your weekly grocery shop.
- Special Sysco Product Discounts: Get the chance to purchase our food products at significantly reduced prices.
- Free Mortgage Advice: Navigate the property market with confidence thanks to complimentary expert mortgage guidance.
- Enhanced Family-Friendly Leave: Our policies support you through important life moments, offering greater flexibility and care for you and your family.
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Finance Associate employer: Brakes UK
Contact Detail:
Brakes UK Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Associate
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the key financial metrics and reports mentioned in the job description, such as Balance Sheet Reconciliations and monthly growth reports. Being able to discuss these topics confidently during your interview will show that you understand the role and its responsibilities.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of StudySmarter, especially those in finance roles. They can provide valuable insights into the company culture and expectations, which can help you tailor your approach when applying and interviewing.
✨Tip Number 3
Demonstrate your commitment to professional development by researching CIMA or ACCA qualifications. Mentioning your interest in these qualifications during your interview can highlight your ambition and alignment with the company's support for career progression.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare examples of how you've successfully collaborated with different teams or stakeholders in previous roles. This will showcase your teamwork skills, which are crucial for this position, and help you stand out as a candidate who can effectively promote cross-functional collaboration.
We think you need these skills to ace Finance Associate
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience and skills that align with the Finance Associate role. Emphasise your academic background, any finance-related qualifications, and specific achievements in previous roles that demonstrate your commercial acumen.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your enthusiasm for the position and the company. Mention your desire to train in CIMA or ACCA, and explain how your skills and experiences make you a great fit for the Finance team at this company.
Highlight Teamwork and Communication Skills: In your application, provide examples of how you've effectively collaborated with others in past roles. This is crucial for a position that requires liaising with multiple stakeholders and departments.
Showcase Analytical Skills: Demonstrate your analytical abilities by discussing specific instances where you've successfully managed data or conducted financial analysis. Highlight your attention to detail and your proactive approach to problem-solving.
How to prepare for a job interview at Brakes UK
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Finance Associate, you'll be dealing with financial data regularly. Brush up on key financial concepts and be prepared to discuss your experience with balance sheet reconciliations and month-end processes. This will show your technical competence and readiness for the role.
✨Demonstrate Teamwork Skills
Since the role involves collaboration with Corporate Account Managers and other finance team members, be ready to share examples of how you've successfully worked in teams. Highlight your communication skills and how you’ve contributed to achieving common goals.
✨Show Initiative and Problem-Solving Skills
The job requires someone who can spot anomalies and follow through on inquiries. Prepare to discuss situations where you've identified issues and taken the initiative to resolve them. This will demonstrate your analytical skills and commitment to driving results.
✨Express Your Career Aspirations
This position offers a clear development path towards becoming a Finance Business Partner. Be open about your career goals and express your interest in pursuing CIMA or ACCA qualifications. This shows your ambition and willingness to grow within the company.
