At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage finance operations, support sales, and prepare financial reports.
- Company: Join Clarksons Research, a leading global provider in shipping intelligence.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, 25 days holiday, free lunch, and health programmes.
- Other info: Opportunity for professional development and potential qualification sponsorship.
- Why this job: Gain hands-on experience and build a strong foundation for your accounting career.
- Qualifications: Recent graduate or up to three years of relevant experience required.
The predicted salary is between 28000 - 32000 £ per year.
Reporting to the Financial Controller, the successful candidate will be involved in the day-to-day procurement and accounting matters across both Clarksons Research and Clarksons Valuations as well as being responsible for the sales administration of the Valuations business. As a result of this, the role offers broad exposure across the whole of the finance function, creating a strong foundation for anyone looking to develop a wide skill‑set, advance their accountancy career and pursue further qualifications. It offers hands‑on experience with accounting procedures and financial reporting, along with the chance to engage with the wider Clarksons group and participate in all aspects of the sales process of a business.
In this role you will:
- Be solely responsible for the day to day running of the finance function – posting of journals, allocating cash, managing the payment cycle to ensure prompt payment by clients and to suppliers.
- Support sales operations, including but not limited to: client onboarding and any client procurement requests, ensuring compliance with both internal and external policies, invoicing and maintenance of the CRM system as well as other office administration tasks.
- Assist with the preparation and reporting of monthly management accounts for key stakeholders within the business as well as for the group.
- Collaborate with finance teams across the group to reconcile transactions and resolving any ad‑hoc queries.
- Review cost variances and key trends within monthly P&Ls investigating any adverse movements.
- Have hands‑on ownership of month‑end close process and accounting reconciliations.
- Prepare annual financial statements and tax returns.
- Have involvement with annual budget, forecasting and pricing models.
- Support management with continuous improvements to day‑to‑day procedures.
Profile of ideal candidate:
- A recent graduate, or an individual with up to three years of accounting industry or relevant experience in a similar role.
- Be a self‑starter, with keen enthusiasm to learn and take a hands‑on approach to work.
- Strong organisational skills, ability to prioritise and work through daily tasks in a structured manner to meet deadlines.
- Accuracy and attention‑to‑detail.
- A curious and proactive mindset with ability to resolve issues and present solutions.
- Strong IT skills – particularly Microsoft Excel, experience with accounting systems advantageous (Workday Financials).
- Have the ability to act both on your own initiative and also work as part of a team.
Details:
- Salary: £28,000 - £32,000 + benefits depending on experience including potential for sponsorship through a relevant qualification (e.g. CIMA)
- Location: London
- Type: Full-time
Working at Clarksons Research: Clarksons Research is the leading global provider of intelligence, research and valuations across shipping, trade, offshore and energy. Respected worldwide, the Clarksons Research team of over 175 experts provides powerful analysis, insight and data through a range of online platforms, reports, valuations and consultancy work. Clarksons Research is part of the Clarksons Group, the world’s leading integrated shipping services provider and a FTSE 250 company. We offer a competitive range of benefits including 25 days holiday, free lunch in the company canteen, corporate pension scheme, gym and health programmes, cycle‑to‑work scheme and season ticket loans.
Finance & Sales Administration Assistant employer: Clarksons Group
Clarksons Research is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the heart of London where employees can thrive and grow. With a strong focus on professional development, including potential sponsorship for relevant qualifications like CIMA, and a supportive culture that encourages collaboration and innovation, team members enjoy a comprehensive benefits package alongside hands-on experience in finance and sales administration. Join us to be part of a respected global leader in shipping intelligence, where your contributions are valued and your career aspirations can flourish.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance & Sales Administration Assistant
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
✨Get Certified
Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.
✨Connect on Professional Platforms
Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like Clarksons Group. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Finance & Sales Administration Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to Clarksons Group.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on Clarksons Group's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Clarksons Group
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with Clarksons Group.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at Clarksons Group will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former Clarksons Group employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.
