At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our Finance team to manage invoices and payments for the British Museum.
- Company: Be part of the iconic British Museum, supporting its mission to preserve history.
- Benefits: Enjoy free exhibition access, generous leave, and a Civil Service Pension.
- Other info: Flexible hybrid working available in a dynamic environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact behind the scenes at a world-renowned institution.
- Qualifications: Detail-oriented with strong numerical skills and a collaborative spirit.
The predicted salary is between 29952 - 30000 £ per year.
Finance Assistant: Payables (part-time, 3 days per week)
We are seeking a meticulous and motivated Finance Assistant (Payables) to join our Finance team and play a vital role in supporting the smooth running of the British Museum.
Working behind the scenes, your contribution will help ensure that we can continue to preserve, protect and share our collections with millions of visitors each year.
As part of our accounts payable team, you will ensure the accurate and timely processing of invoices and payments, helping us maintain strong relationships with suppliers and colleagues across the Museum.
You will be responsible for managing a busy and varied workload, balancing priorities and ensuring high standards of accuracy and service at all times.
About you
We are looking for someone who is detail-oriented, and collaborative with excellent communication skills. You will be able to evidence:
- A good understanding of basic accounting principles.
- Strong numerical skills with high levels of accuracy.
- Excellent attention to detail and ability to manage high volumes of data.
- Strong communication skills with the ability to work with a range of internal and external stakeholders.
- Able to prioritise work and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
- A proactive, flexible and team-oriented approach.
- Familiarity with accounting systems and experience working in a finance environment would be advantageous.
- Key areas of responsibility
- Accounts Payable
- Maintain the purchase ledger, ensuring records are accurate and up to date.
- Process invoices and ensure timely authorisation across departments.
- Prepare and run high-quality payment batches in line with agreed schedules.
- Reconcile supplier statements and resolve discrepancies.
- Liaise with suppliers and internal teams to efficiently resolve queries.
- Input and reconcile financial data, including general ledger postings.
- Support month-end processes including account reconciliations.
- Maintain stock records and resolve related queries.
- Ensure accurate record-keeping and filing (digital and physical).
The British Museum is undertaking its biggest transformation since its founding nearly 300 years ago.
This physical and intellectual transformation includes large scale building and gallery transformation, new ways of connecting with audiences and different ways of working.
As we look towards this exciting future, we remain guided by the words of our founder Hans Sloane - who dreamed of a museum connecting all arts and sciences, which would be accessible to everyone, everywhere.
Benefits
At the British Museum, we believe our people are at the heart of everything we do and have designed a benefits package that goes beyond the ordinary.
Our full list of benefits can be found here, but we’ve outlined some highlights below:
Free exhibition entry for you and guests, exclusive private views, ICOM and reciprocal museum access.
Civil Service Pension Scheme defined benefit with 28.97% employer contribution.
25 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays and 2.5 privilege days (and +5 days after 10 years), pro-rata’d for part-time working.
Learning and development through courses, mentoring and Athena as well as support for professional qualifications.
Employee Assistance Programme available 24/7 for counselling, wellbeing support and more.
Interest‑free loans including season ticket, rental deposit and bicycle loans.
Values
Our values drive everything we do, from how we handle our objects to how we work in our team to fostering a culture where everyone feels heard and empowered:
- Care Deeply
- Embrace the Unknown
- Spark Curiosity
- Value Many Voices
- Additional information
If you have any additional needs that we should be aware of to support you with your application, please provide details to bmrecruit@britishmuseum. org .
Internal Applicants
We welcome internal applicants regardless of background, department or length of service but encourage you to let your manager know before applying.
If you are on a permanent contract and want the fixed-term contract to be treated as a secondment, you will need to obtain your manager’s support before submitting an application.
The Museum also adheres to the HMG Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) for pre-employment screening of Civil Servants.
Vacancy Type Permanent Contract length Permanent Working Hours Wednesday-Friday Working Pattern Part Time Is hybrid working available?
Yes Location Bloomsbury, London (Hybrid) Salary £17,785.20 per annum (£29,642 pro rata) Application Deadline Sunday, August 9, 2026 Job Profile Job Profile document
Role Summary
About the role
We are seeking a meticulous and motivated Finance Assistant (Payables) to join our Finance team and play a vital role in supporting the smooth running of the British Museum.
Working behind the scenes, your contribution will help ensure that we can continue to preserve, protect and share our collections with millions of visitors each year.
As part of our accounts payable team, you will ensure the accurate and timely processing of invoices and payments, helping us maintain strong relationships with suppliers and colleagues across the Museum.
You will be responsible for managing a busy and varied workload, balancing priorities and ensuring high standards of accuracy and service at all times.
About you
We are looking for someone who is detail-oriented, and collaborative with excellent communication skills. You will be able to evidence:
- A good understanding of basic accounting principles.
- Strong numerical skills with high levels of accuracy.
- Excellent attention to detail and ability to manage high volumes of data.
- Confident IT skills, including spreadsheets.
- Strong communication skills with the ability to work with a range of internal and external stakeholders.
- Able to prioritise work and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
- A proactive, flexible and team-oriented approach.
- Familiarity with accounting systems and experience working in a finance environment would be advantageous.
- Key areas of responsibility
- Accounts Payable
- Maintain the purchase ledger, ensuring records are accurate and up to date.
- Process invoices and ensure timely authorisation across departments.
- Prepare and run high-quality payment batches in line with agreed schedules.
- Reconcile supplier statements and resolve discrepancies.
- Liaise with suppliers and internal teams to efficiently resolve queries.
- Financial Administration
- Input and reconcile financial data, including general ledger postings.
- Support month-end processes including account reconciliations.
- Maintain stock records and resolve related queries.
- Ensure accurate record-keeping and filing (digital and physical).
- The Masterplan
The British Museum is undertaking its biggest transformation since its founding nearly 300 years ago.
This physical and intellectual transformation includes large scale building and gallery transformation, new ways of connecting with audiences and different ways of working.
As we look towards this exciting future, we remain guided by the words of our founder Hans Sloane - who dreamed of a museum connecting all arts and sciences, which would be accessible to everyone, everywhere.
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Finance Assistant: Payables (part-time, 3 days per week) employer: British Museum
The British Museum is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the heart of Bloomsbury, London. With a strong commitment to employee development and a hybrid working model, staff enjoy a collaborative culture that fosters innovation and excellence in facilities management. Joining our team means being part of a prestigious institution that values your contributions and provides opportunities for meaningful career growth.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Assistant: Payables (part-time, 3 days per week)
✨Connect with Campus Reps
If you're looking for part-time work in banking, try to connect with your university's career services and campus representatives from banks. They often host recruitment events or provide exclusive job listings, which can give you a leg up in the application process.
✨Get Involved in Financial Societies
Join finance or investment clubs at your university. These societies not only provide fantastic networking opportunities but also often collaborate with financial institutions for internships or part-time roles, making it easier for us to land those positions.
✨Use LinkedIn for Hidden Gems
Keep an eye on LinkedIn for part-time opportunities at banks, specifically targeting roles like customer service or administrative support. Companies like British Museum often post openings there first, so be on the lookout and don’t forget to engage with their content!
✨Showcase Your Skills Directly
When applying for a part-time role, consider creating a simple portfolio that highlights your finance-related skills or projects. Whether it's a personal finance blog, a financial analysis you've done, or any relevant coursework, having this ready can impress hiring managers at British Museum.
We think you need these skills to ace Finance Assistant: Payables (part-time, 3 days per week)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers Game:In the banking and financial services world, it's all about numbers. Highlight any relevant coursework, grades, or certifications, like AAT or CFA, on your CV. If you can point to specific projects or tasks where you managed finances or analysed data, that's a big plus!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Us:When writing your cover letter, don’t just reiterate your CV. Tell us why you want to work at British Museum and how this part-time role fits into your career goals. Map your skills and experiences directly to the job spec, and don’t forget to weave in any technical skills you have, like experience with financial software!
Marry Experience with Availability:Since this is part-time, it’s super important to state your availability clearly in your application. Highlight any previous work experience, even if it's not directly in finance, that shows your reliability and ability to juggle various commitments. Flexibility can be a real asset!
Keep It Professional Yet Personal:While you want to keep a professional tone, don’t be afraid to inject a bit of your personality into your application. Especially for a part-time role, we’re looking for someone who's not just skilled but also a good fit for the team at British Museum. A little light-heartedness can go a long way!
How to prepare for a job interview at British Museum
✨Brush Up on Your Numbers
For a role in banking and financial services, you’ll likely encounter numerical tests that gauge your analytical skills. So, let’s whip out those maths skills! Practise mental arithmetic and get comfy with basic financial concepts; this'll really help you shine during the assessment stages.
✨Know Your Financial Products
Knowing your stuff about the various financial products and services is crucial. Be prepared to discuss topics like loans, mortgages, investment funds, and credit options. Having a finger on the pulse of current market trends and economic events can also give you an edge—the interviewers will appreciate your insight!
✨Flexibility and Commitment are Key
Since you're aiming for a part-time position, emphasise your flexibility and willingness to commit your time effectively. Highlight your ability to balance studies or other commitments while delivering results at work. This kind of attitude can set you apart from the competition.
✨Showcase Your Portfolio of Experience
Even though it’s a part-time role, companies want to see your motivation and past experience. Bring examples of relevant projects or roles, including internships or coursework that demonstrate your understanding and passion for banking and finance. The more tangible your examples, the more convincing you’ll be!
