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- Tasks: Join our Finance team to manage invoices, expenses, and bank reconciliations.
- Company: Catalyst is a leading not-for-profit innovation hub in Northern Ireland's tech sector.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, private medical insurance, free events, and generous parental leave.
- Other info: Catalyst values diversity and inclusion, fostering an authentic workplace culture.
- Why this job: Be part of a vibrant community focused on innovation and social impact.
- Qualifications: Requires three years' experience, strong IT skills, and effective communication.
The predicted salary is between 26000 - 28000 £ per year.
Finance Assistant
Belong to something amazing…
As Finance Assistant, you’ll provide essential support across our finance operations, ensuring accurate processing of transactions, maintaining clear records, and helping the team deliver efficient, compliant processes. Working closely with colleagues across Catalyst, you’ll play a key role in keeping our finances running smoothly, enabling us to focus on building and supporting Northern Ireland’s innovation community.
About Catalyst:
We are a non-profit organisation that supports science and technology innovation in Northern Ireland with buildings and hubs in Belfast and Derry/Londonderry where companies can use our flexible workspaces to operate from. We use the profits generated from our property portfolio to deliver entrepreneurial support programmes, facilitate funding, inform policy and accelerate technology-based research and development, by linking with academia and government.
Working at Catalyst:
A certified Great Place to Work® and recognised as one of the top 100 Workplaces in the UK for 2024, receiving awards for Best Place to Work, Best Workplace for Development, Best Workplace for Employee Wellbeing, and Best Place to Work for Women, Catalyst is one of Northern Ireland’s most exciting employers.
With a strong vision of Opportunity for all from world-leading innovation, this is a workplace brimming with ambition to create social, cultural, and economic advantage. We are a force for good, bold in our approach with integrity at our core and passion in everything we do.
Diversity and Inclusion at Catalyst:
Diversity and inclusion aren’t boxes to tick on a CSR list. At Catalyst, they are part of our DNA, lived, breathed, seen, and heard across our community, projects, and co-working spaces.
We not only want to foster and empower a culture of innovation, but also an environment where people can be their true, authentic self and thrive, and we are proud to be recognised by the Diversity Charter for achieving silver status, with ambitions to progress to Gold.
As an equal opportunity employer, we recruit based solely on the individual’s ability to perform the role, and that’s allowed us to create an inclusive workplace which celebrates the diversity of our teams and community.
Key Information:
- Part-time, fixed term contract ending January 2027
- Competitive salary up to £30,000 depending on qualifications/experience
- Based at the Innovation Centre, Queen’s Road, Belfast (hybrid working arrangement available)
- Reporting to the Management Accountant
Employee Perks:
- Competitive Benefits Package including Private medical insurance for you and your dependents
- Generous pension contribution
- Generous life assurance policy
- Enhanced parental leave packages
- Free open access to company organised event
- Free parking onsite
Responsibilities:
- Processing and paying supplier invoices
- To raise purchase orders and ensure company procurement rules are adhered to
- To process staff expenses on a weekly basis
- Appropriate electronic filing of all documentation
- Processing of all customer invoicing
- Daily posting of bank receipts
- Reconciliation of all bank account
- To respond to queries from customers and suppliers in a timely manner
- To provide general administrative and financial support as required
- To work as a team to improve finance processes and find efficiencies
- Undertaking any other reasonable duties which fall within the remit of the role
Essential Criteria:
- At least three year’s work experience in a similar role
- Experience working with Sage 50
- Strong numeracy and literacy skills
- Effective IT skills including experience working with Office 365 elements such as MS Word, MS Teams, SharePoint etc
- Effective MS Excel skills including creating basic formulas.
- Ability to communicate clearly, confidently and in a professional manner.
- Ability to work collaboratively within a team.
- Willingness to adapt and to learn new skills.
Other Requirements:
- Proof of right to work in the UK
Criteria may be enhanced to aid shortlisting. Exceptional candidates who do not meet the criteria may be considered for the role provided they have the necessary skills and experience
Finance Assistant employer: Catalyst
Contact Detail:
Catalyst Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Assistant
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific software mentioned in the job description, particularly Sage 50. If you haven't used it before, consider taking an online course or watching tutorial videos to get a basic understanding of its functionalities.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight your teamwork skills during any interactions with us. Since the role requires collaboration to improve finance processes, be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully worked in teams in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 3
Research Catalyst and its mission to support innovation in Northern Ireland. Understanding our values and community focus will help you align your responses and demonstrate your enthusiasm for being part of our team.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your experience with financial processes, such as invoice processing and bank reconciliations. Be ready to explain how you've handled these tasks in the past and any improvements you've implemented.
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, particularly in finance roles. Emphasise your skills in processing invoices, handling expenses, and using software like Sage 50 and MS Excel.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for finance and your alignment with Catalyst's mission. Mention specific experiences that demonstrate your ability to work collaboratively and improve processes.
Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, clearly outline your strong numeracy and literacy skills, as well as your effective IT skills. Provide examples of how you've used these skills in previous roles.
Showcase Your Adaptability: Demonstrate your willingness to learn and adapt by mentioning any new skills you've acquired in past positions. This will show that you're a proactive candidate who can thrive in a dynamic environment.
How to prepare for a job interview at Catalyst
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Finance Assistant, you'll be dealing with numbers daily. Brush up on your financial knowledge and be prepared to discuss your experience with invoicing, bank reconciliations, and any relevant software like Sage 50. This will show your confidence and competence in the role.
✨Demonstrate Team Spirit
Catalyst values collaboration, so be ready to share examples of how you've worked effectively within a team. Highlight any experiences where you improved processes or contributed to team goals, as this aligns with their mission of fostering innovation.
✨Showcase Your IT Skills
Familiarity with Office 365 and MS Excel is crucial for this role. Be prepared to discuss specific tasks you've completed using these tools, such as creating formulas in Excel or managing documents in SharePoint. This will demonstrate your technical proficiency.
✨Embrace Diversity and Inclusion
Catalyst prides itself on its inclusive culture. During the interview, express your understanding of diversity and inclusion in the workplace. Share any personal experiences that reflect your commitment to these values, as it will resonate well with their ethos.