Graduate Finance Assistant

Requirements

• A Recent Degree: A degree in Accounting, Finance or something similar with demonstrable experience using Excel.
• Basic Accounting Knowledge: Good understanding of accounting principles including debits and credits, accruals, prepayments, general ledger processes, and their link to month-end reporting.
• Accuracy and Systems Skills: Strong attention to detail and ability to work accurately under pressure. Confident using intermediate Excel.
• Organisation and Communication: Well organised with the ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines. Strong communication skills when working with internal teams, suppliers, and customers.
• Ownership and Proactive Approach: Able to take ownership of tasks, work independently, and see work through to completion. Proactive in identifying, resolving, or escalating issues when needed.
• (Desirable) Finance Experience (AP & AR): Experience in a finance or accounts role with exposure to accounts payable and/or receivable, including invoice processing, ledger management, and payment or collection support.
• (Desirable) Cash Management Experience: Experience supporting cash flow forecasting, cash collection, or credit control, with an understanding of how daily transactions impact cash flow.
• (Desirable) Systems Knowledge: Experience using accounting and workflow systems such as Xero, Zoho, and Asana.

What the job involves

We’re looking for a Graduate Finance Assistant who will play a vital role in ensuring the smooth and accurate running of day-to-day finance activities, providing reliable financial data to support strategic decision-making, and maintaining compliance with financial regulations. This role is key to supporting the wider business and ensuring EMJ continues to operate efficiently and effectively as we grow.

• Cash Collection: Ownership of the debtor ledger, proactively chase overdue invoices, maintain accurate records, and build strong customer relationships to resolve delays quickly. Monitor aged debt and elevate high-risk balances where required.
• Payment Runs: Prepare and process monthly payment runs, ensuring payments are accurate, approved, and aligned with company controls. Prioritise payments effectively and maintain clear supplier communication.
• Cash Flow Preparation: Produce monthly cash flow forecasts, track actuals against forecast, and identify potential risks, shortfalls, or low cash points early.
• Accounts Receivable (AR): Ensure invoices are raised accurately and issued promptly, resolve billing queries efficiently, and work with internal teams to prevent invoicing delays.
• Accounts Payable (AP): Process supplier invoices accurately and on time, including matching, coding, posting to correct cost centres, and resolving supplier discrepancies.
• Balance Sheet Reconciliations: Complete monthly balance sheet reconciliations, ensuring balances are fully supported, discrepancies resolved promptly, and documentation remains audit-ready.
• Credit Card Reconciliations: Reconcile credit card expenses, ensuring receipts are provided and spending complies with EMJ company policies. Escalate any unusual or non-compliant transactions.
• Month-End Support: Support month-end processes through preparation of prepayments, accruals, journals, and departmental cost analysis, ensuring deadlines are met accurately.

Reports to: Assistant Accountant

Hours: 8.30am – 5pm, Mon-Fri