Accounts assistant (12 months fixed term - maternity cover) in Coventry

Accounts assistant (12 months fixed term - maternity cover) in Coventry

Coventry Temporary 30000 - 40000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support financial processes by managing accounts payable and receivable with accuracy.
  • Company: Join the Chartered Institute of Housing, a leader in housing professional support.
  • Benefits: Develop your finance career in a supportive team with valuable contributions.
  • Other info: Inclusive workplace committed to diversity and equal opportunities.
  • Why this job: Gain hands-on experience in finance while making a real impact on housing professionals.
  • Qualifications: Previous finance experience and strong communication skills are essential.

The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.

About us

The Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) is the professional body inspiring, equipping and supporting housing professionals to create a future in which everyone has a place to call home.

About you

We are seeking a proactive, organised, and detail-focused accounts assistant to join our finance team. This is an excellent opportunity for someone looking to build on their accounting experience while contributing to the delivery of efficient and accurate financial processes across the organisation. You will play a key role in supporting both accounts receivable and accounts payable activities, ensuring payments are processed accurately and queries are resolved promptly.

Key responsibilities

  • Prepare and process end-to-end payment runs on a fortnightly basis, ensuring accuracy and compliance with internal procedures.
  • Complete payment allocations and maintain accurate financial records, including the administration of company credit card transactions and monthly cardholder returns.
  • Serve as the first point of contact for accounts payable queries, providing professional and timely resolutions to suppliers and colleagues.
  • Support the wider finance function by monitoring shared finance inboxes, responding to enquiries, and assisting with day-to-day financial administration.
  • Provide cover for key finance activities during periods of annual leave and absence, helping to ensure continuity of service.

Qualifications

To be successful in this role, you will have previous experience in a similar finance position supporting accounts payable or accounts receivable. You will be organised, accurate, and confident in managing financial queries, with strong communication skills and a collaborative approach to working with colleagues across the organisation. Good IT skills and experience using finance systems and Microsoft Office applications are also essential.

Benefits

This role offers the opportunity to develop your finance career within a supportive team environment while making a valuable contribution to the organisation's financial operations.

How to apply

For an informal chat about this role, please contact Kerry Hector, head of finance, by email Kerry.hector@CIH.org. For details of how to apply please visit our careers page – Careers & Vacancies | Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH).

Equal Opportunities

CIH is committed to equal opportunities at all stages of recruitment and selection and strives to have a workforce that promotes inclusivity. We welcome applicants from all sectors of the community and would be happy to discuss reasonable adjustments we can make to achieve and celebrate diversity.

Closing date for applications 26 June 2026

Early application Early application is encouraged as we will review applications throughout the advertising period and reserve the right to close the advert early.

Accounts assistant (12 months fixed term - maternity cover) in Coventry employer: CIH International Housing Group

The Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) is an exceptional employer that fosters a supportive and inclusive work culture, making it an ideal place for those looking to advance their finance careers. With a focus on professional development and a commitment to equal opportunities, employees are encouraged to grow within a collaborative team environment while contributing to meaningful financial operations that support housing professionals across the UK.

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Contact Details:

CIH International Housing Group Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Accounts assistant (12 months fixed term - maternity cover) in Coventry

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 CIH International Housing Group.

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 CIH International Housing Group 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 Accounts assistant (12 months fixed term - maternity cover) in Coventry

Accounts Payable
Accounts Receivable
Financial Administration
Payment Processing
Attention to Detail
Communication Skills
Organisational Skills

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 CIH International Housing Group 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 CIH International Housing Group. 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 CIH International Housing Group confidence in your short-term commitment to the role.

How to prepare for a job interview at CIH International Housing Group

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 CIH International Housing Group.

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 CIH International Housing Group 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.