At a Glance
- Tasks: Support finance teams with cash flow management, reconciliations, and process improvements.
- Company: Join Coface, a global leader in trade solutions with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Dynamic international environment, exposure to senior leadership, and career growth opportunities.
- Other info: Coface is certified as a Great Place to Work in the UK.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in finance while working with top professionals in a fast-paced setting.
- Qualifications: 5 years of accounting experience; part-qualified or studying towards an accounting qualification.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Company Description
At Coface, we make trade happen every day. Our 5,200 experts representing 80+ nationalities in 58 countries are united by a shared purpose: helping companies navigate through uncertainty by empowering them to make the right decisions and trade smarter in a complex world. With nearly 80 years of global experience, we offer companies a full range of solutions: Trade Credit Insurance, Business Information, Debt Collection, Single Risk insurance, Surety Bonds, Factoring — all driven by a unique data patrimony, cutting-edge technology, innovation and a deep understanding of the global economy. Joining Coface means being part of a close-knit international organization, where your ideas matter. We foster a culture of learning, collaboration and inclusion where you are given responsibilities and can see the impact of your actions. Shape the future of trade with us. Join our team.
Job Description
This role is responsible for supporting the Finance and Operations teams in delivering key projects and ensuring that tasks are completed efficiently, accurately, and within required timelines.
Scope: 4 legal entities
Finance Operations:
- Cash flow management: Prepare daily and weekly cash flow forecasts; monitor cash positions and escalate variances as required.
- Suspense account clearing: Work closely with Finance Operations and Financial Accountants to clear suspense items.
- Balance allocation: Support with balance allocation and follow up on unreconciled items.
- Intercompany reconciliation: Reconcile and review intercompany balances.
- Performance tracking: Monitor progress against targets and escalate issues when necessary.
- Process improvement: Participate in the implementation of efficiencies and continuous improvements.
- Tax: Support with PSA calculation and submission.
- Roll‑forward activities: Provide support for roll‑forward tasks on a rota basis.
Finance Administration
- Administer the online banking portal and maintain the team's payment rota.
- Validate bank details within the accounting system.
- Set up supplier, broker, and employee accounts in the accounting tool.
- Support the Finance team with supplier compliance requests (KYS).
Skills & Competencies:
- Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate across teams in the UK & Ireland.
- Energetic, self-reliant, and possessing a team-oriented mindset.
- Clear and adaptable communication, ensuring effective messaging to different audiences.
- Methodical approach, with excellent organizational, prioritization, and attention to detail.
- Quick learner and self-starter, demonstrating a proactive attitude.
- Highly numerate with strong analytical skills and accuracy.
Qualifications
- At least 5 years' experience in accounting.
- Part-Qualified, AAT qualified, or currently studying toward a recognised accounting qualification.
- Education in Accounting, Finance, Business, or equivalent experience.
- Experience in reconciliation required; AP/AR experience preferred.
- Strong Excel proficiency and familiarity with accounting tools/systems.
Additional Information
Why Join Coface? At Coface, we offer a dynamic, international working environment where your expertise will directly contribute to the success and expansion of our UK business. You will work alongside high-calibre professionals in a fast-paced, strategic role with strong exposure to senior leadership and cross-border collaboration. If you are a commercially minded senior executive looking for an exciting opportunity to make an impact, we invite you to apply. Candidates would need the right to work in the UK. Coface UK & Ireland Certified as a Great Place to Work.
Finance Assistant in Watford employer: Coface
Contact Detail:
Coface Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Assistant in Watford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance world, attend industry events, and don’t be shy about asking for introductions. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can land you that Finance Assistant role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Coface and understanding their values and operations. We want to see that you’re genuinely interested in helping companies navigate uncertainty. Tailor your answers to show how your skills align with their mission!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or family to get comfortable with common finance-related questions. We recommend focusing on your experience with reconciliation and cash flow management, as these are key areas for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Finance Assistant in Watford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Finance Assistant role. Highlight relevant experience, especially in cash flow management and reconciliation, as these are key aspects of the job. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about finance and how you can contribute to our team at Coface. Be sure to mention any specific projects or achievements that demonstrate your capabilities.
Showcase Your Skills: Don’t forget to highlight your strong analytical skills and Excel proficiency. We love candidates who can demonstrate their ability to work with numbers and tools effectively. Include examples of how you've used these skills in past roles!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. It’s super easy, and you’ll be able to keep track of your application status. Plus, we love seeing applications come directly from our site!
How to prepare for a job interview at Coface
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Finance Assistant, you'll need to demonstrate your strong analytical skills. Brush up on key financial concepts and be ready to discuss your experience with cash flow management and reconciliations. Prepare examples of how you've tackled financial discrepancies in the past.
✨Showcase Your Team Spirit
Coface values collaboration, so be prepared to share instances where you've worked effectively within a team. Highlight your interpersonal skills and how you've contributed to a positive team dynamic, especially in finance operations.
✨Be Ready for Process Improvement Questions
Since the role involves process improvement, think about times when you've identified inefficiencies and implemented solutions. Be specific about the impact your changes had on the team's performance or accuracy.
✨Excel at Excel
Strong Excel proficiency is a must for this role. Brush up on your Excel skills, especially functions related to data analysis and reconciliation. You might even want to prepare to demonstrate your skills during the interview, as it could set you apart from other candidates.