At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist in month-end preparation and financial reporting while gaining valuable insights.
- Company: Join a dynamic team in Henley with a focus on innovation and growth.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, competitive salary, and additional tax-free payments.
- Other info: Great opportunity for career growth in a supportive and inclusive environment.
- Why this job: Kickstart your finance career with hands-on experience and professional development.
- Qualifications: Some accounts experience and a passion for learning are essential.
The predicted salary is between 28000 - 30000 £ per year.
We have an exciting opportunity for a bright and highly motivated Graduate Assistant Accountant to join our client's team based in Henley, on a 12 month FTC covering maternity leave to start in June. Reporting to the Head of Finance, the role focuses on month-end preparation, financial understanding and governance, alongside developing broader commercial awareness over time, including the considered use of automation and AI-enabled tools.
Ideally, we would like you to have some accounts experience whether that be part time throughout uni or a placement year with a real keeness to learn and develop. Our client offers hybrid working (2-3 days in the office, 2-3 from home) and the working hours are 9am - 5pm Mon to Fri. They also offer excellent benefits. Salary is £28k - £30k plus £900 per quarter tax free payment.
Key Responsibilities- Month-End Preparation & Financial Control
- Prepare month-end journals, schedules and supporting analysis to a review-ready standard
- Support the preparation of monthly management accounts, including variance analysis and commentary
- Assist with balance sheet reconciliations and follow-up actions arising from review
- Maintain visibility over deferred income and revenue recognition, ensuring appropriate treatment and a clear audit trail
- Lead preparation for the annual budgeting process, including P&L cost lines and revenue calculation
- Financial Insight & Business Support
- Use financial and operational data to support understanding of business performance and emerging risks
- Provide analysis and insight to inform discussions across sales, delivery and operations
- Help translate financial information into clear, practical insight for non-finance stakeholders
- Franchise Finance & Governance
- Act as the finance point of coordination for franchise-related financial activity
- Maintain the franchise tracker and support franchise reconciliations, flagging issues or risks for review
- Support franchise financial governance, due diligence and ongoing financial communications
- Process, Systems & Improvement
- Lead the day-to-day maintenance and improvement of financial controls and documented processes, with guidance and oversight from the Head of Finance
- Support the effective use of finance and reporting systems, helping ensure data is accurate, consistent and fit for purpose
- Identify opportunities to improve data quality and efficiency, including through appropriate use of automation and AI-enabled approaches over time
- Support other members of the Finance team through day-to-day assistance, shared learning and contributing to the ongoing development of team capability
- Exposure to month-end preparation and financial reporting
- Comfortable working with data and drawing out insight
- Ability to explain financial information clearly to non-finance stakeholders
- Strong attention to detail with a developing control mindset
- Confident using finance systems and spreadsheets
Graduate Assistant Accountant - 12 month contract in Henley on Thames employer: Bucks and Berks Recruitment
Join a dynamic team in Henley as a Graduate Assistant Accountant, where you will benefit from a supportive work culture that prioritises employee growth and development. With hybrid working options, excellent benefits, and a focus on innovation through automation and AI tools, this role offers a unique opportunity to gain valuable experience while contributing to meaningful financial insights. Our commitment to diversity and inclusion ensures a welcoming environment for all employees.
Contact Details:
Bucks and Berks Recruitment Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Graduate Assistant Accountant - 12 month contract in Henley on Thames
✨Join Financial Networking Events
Jump into local finance meetups and conferences — they’re a goldmine for temporary roles in banking and financial services. You can chat with industry professionals and even get leads on upcoming opportunities that might not be posted online yet.
✨Utilise Temp Agencies Specialised in Finance
Reach out to temp agencies that focus on the banking sector. They often have strong ties with various firms and can help you secure short-term gigs that can help beef up your CV and get your foot in the door at firms like Bucks and Berks Recruitment.
✨Connect with Alumni from Your Uni
Don't underestimate the power of your university’s alumni network. Many former students are working in banking and can help you find temporary roles or even offer mentorship. Reach out directly or attend alumni events to broaden your circle.
✨Stay Active on Job Boards and Company Websites
Keep your eyes peeled on job boards specifically for finance roles. Companies like Bucks and Berks Recruitment might post temporary positions directly on their sites, so make sure to apply there too. Set alerts to catch those roles the moment they go live!
We think you need these skills to ace Graduate Assistant Accountant - 12 month contract in Henley on Thames
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Academic Achievements:In banking and financial services, your academic record can really make you stand out. List relevant grades, certifications, or coursework on your CV, especially if you've taken finance-related modules. This is particularly important for a temporary role where qualifications can help you shine even brighter!
Highlight Relevant Experience:If you’ve done any internships, part-time roles, or even coursework that aligns with banking or finance, make sure you include those! Showcase specific tasks where you used quantitative skills or analytical thinking, as this is what the hiring managers at Bucks and Berks Recruitment will be keen to see in your application.
Tailor Your Cover Letter Purposefully:When writing your cover letter, focus on why you’re interested in a temporary position at Bucks and Berks Recruitment. Let them know how you can quickly adapt to the team's needs and how eager you are to learn the ropes of the banking sector during this short stint. Your motivation and enthusiasm could really set you apart!
Be Prepared with References:For temporary roles, references can play a crucial role in your application. Make sure you’ve got a couple of references lined up who can vouch for your skills and work ethic. This helps to give Bucks and Berks Recruitment confidence in your short-term commitment to the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Bucks and Berks Recruitment
✨Brush Up on Financial Regulations
Since this is a role in banking and financial services, be ready to discuss key regulations like MiFID, Basel III, or GDPR. These are hot topics, and your awareness of how they impact daily operations can give you a significant edge during your interview with Bucks and Berks Recruitment.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Prepare for interview questions that assess your analytical abilities. You might need to tackle hypothetical scenarios involving risk assessment or financial forecasting. Bringing examples of relevant projects or coursework can emphasise your practical understanding of these concepts.
✨Highlight Flexibility and Adaptability
For a temporary role, showing that you can quickly pick up new processes and tools is crucial. Be ready to discuss previous experiences where you had to adapt to changing requirements or tight deadlines, as this will reassure Bucks and Berks Recruitment that you’re a reliable team player.
✨Demonstrate a Willingness to Learn
In a temporary position, leaning into your eagerness to learn can really set you apart. Be prepared to share how you’re staying updated on industry trends or any additional training you've pursued. Employers appreciate candidates who are proactive about their development—even for short-term roles.
