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- Tasks: Support day-to-day finance operations and ensure accurate financial data.
- Company: Join the Diocese of Bristol, supporting over 200 churches and 70 schools.
- Benefits: Hybrid working arrangements, structured development, and a supportive team environment.
- Other info: Dynamic role with potential for career advancement in a transformative organisation.
- Why this job: Kickstart your finance career with real responsibilities and growth opportunities.
- Qualifications: Some finance experience or relevant studies; attention to detail is key.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 30000 £ per year.
Location: Located at our Diocesan office in Stoke Gifford; there will however be an opportunity to explore and agree hybrid working arrangements which strike the right balance for the role holder and the Diocese.
The Organisation: The Diocese of Bristol supports over 200 churches and 70 schools across the region. We are currently working through a period of transformation, improving our systems, processes, and the way we support our communities.
Role Overview and Duties: We are looking for a Finance Assistant to join our team, supporting the delivery of day-to-day finance operations across the Diocese. This is a varied role offering exposure to key finance processes including bank transactions, purchase ledger, payments, and month-end activities. You will play an important part in ensuring financial data is accurate, well-controlled, and supported by clear audit trails. This role would suit someone at an early stage of their finance career who is keen to develop their skills in a structured environment, with the opportunity to take on increasing responsibility over time.
Key responsibilities:
- Bank transactions & reconciliations
- Post and allocate bank receipts and payments accurately
- Assist with bank reconciliations and investigation of discrepancies
- Support the resolution of unallocated or unclear transactions
- Maintain clear audit trails for all bank activity
- Process purchase invoices using our systems (including Lightyear), ensuring correct coding, VAT treatment, and approvals
- Monitor and manage the finance inbox, following up on missing information where needed
- Liaise with suppliers and internal teams to resolve invoice queries
- Payments (BACS)
- Support the preparation and processing of payment runs
- Ensure all payments are complete, accurate, and appropriately authorised
- Assist with maintaining strong controls over payment processes
- Expenses
- Process employee expense claims in line with internal policies
- Support staff with queries relating to expenses
- Month-end & general finance support
- Assist with month-end processes and reconciliations
- Support investigation and correction of any discrepancies
- Maintain accurate records and documentation
- Contribute to improving finance processes and systems
- Support the team in maintaining efficient and well-controlled workflows
Desired Skills and Experience:
- Some experience in a finance or administrative role, or relevant studies (e.g. AAT level 2/3)
- Good attention to detail and a methodical approach to work
- Experience using accounting systems (e.g. Access or similar)
- Experience of working in a transactional finance environment
- Confidence using Excel and Microsoft Office
- Ability to be well-organised and to work accurately and calmly under pressure in a busy working environment
- Good communication skills and ability to work with a range of stakeholders.
If you would like further details about the role, please contact finance.department@bristoldiocese.org
Financial Assistant employer: Diocese of Bristol
Contact Detail:
Diocese of Bristol Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Financial Assistant
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the finance sector, especially those who work at the Diocese of Bristol or similar organisations. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that might just land you that Financial Assistant role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your finance knowledge. Familiarise yourself with key processes like bank transactions and reconciliations. We want to see that you're not just a good fit, but that you're genuinely excited about the role!
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your skills! Bring examples of how you've handled finance tasks in the past, whether it's managing invoices or resolving discrepancies. This will help us see your potential and how you can contribute to our team.
✨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, it shows you're serious about joining our team at the Diocese of Bristol.
We think you need these skills to ace Financial Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Financial Assistant role. Highlight any relevant finance experience or studies, and don’t forget to mention your attention to detail and organisational skills!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re excited about the role and how your background makes you a great fit. Be sure to mention your enthusiasm for supporting the Diocese and improving finance processes.
Show Off Your Skills: Don’t be shy about showcasing your skills in Excel and any accounting systems you’ve used. If you have experience with bank transactions or reconciliations, make sure to include that too. We love seeing candidates who are confident in their abilities!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and keep track of all the amazing candidates like you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Diocese of Bristol
✨Know Your Numbers
Brush up on basic finance concepts and terminology relevant to the role. Be prepared to discuss your understanding of bank transactions, reconciliations, and purchase ledgers. This shows you’re not just interested in the job but also have a solid grasp of what it entails.
✨Showcase Your Attention to Detail
Since this role requires accuracy, be ready to provide examples from your past experiences where your attention to detail made a difference. Whether it’s catching an error in a report or ensuring all invoices were processed correctly, these stories will highlight your suitability for the position.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Their Systems
If you know the Diocese uses specific accounting systems like Lightyear, do a bit of research on them. Even if you haven’t used them before, showing that you’ve taken the initiative to learn about their tools can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Prepare Questions for Them
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the team dynamics, the transformation process they’re undergoing, or how they measure success in this role. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the organisation is the right fit for you.