At a Glance
- Tasks: Support financial transactions and deliver excellent customer service in a dynamic team.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking organisation committed to innovation and efficiency.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, and opportunities for personal development.
- Other info: Work remotely with one day in the office, fostering a collaborative environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while gaining valuable experience in finance and customer interaction.
- Qualifications: GCSEs in English and Maths; good communication skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 25081 - 25081 £ per year.
Fixed Term, Full Time
25,081 per annum
Location: Chelmsford
Closing Date: Sunday 25th May 2026 at 11.59pm
Please note that this is a Fixed Term Contract / Secondment opportunity for a period of 12 months.
Please note that this is a credit control and not an accountancy focused role. Customer interaction by phone / email is the primary function so good communication skills are essential.
This position is an Anywhere Worker role with the expectation the successful worker will attend County Hall, Chelmsford one day per week, with the set team day being a Tuesday.
The Opportunity
Purchase to Pay (P2P) and Income aims to provide a comprehensive financial transactional and support service, maximising new and innovative technology to provide excellent customer service using a multi skilled workforce.
The Finance Assistant supports the Purchase to Pay (P2P) and Income teams to deliver the business plan for financial transactions. With a working knowledge of Financial processes and systems across P2P and Income, ensuring data or income is input accurately, timely and within policy and legislation standards.
Experienced in working as a team member across a flexible and multi skilled workforce, delivering excellent customer service to a variety of Functions by maintaining financial transactions and data within local systems. Recognising and supporting changes in technology to streamline the customer experience.
Accountabilities
- Contributes to the delivery of the business plan for financial transactions, in support of the wider organisational vision.
- Responsible for processing and managing financial transactions, following defined business processes, inputting, and interpreting data to ensure quality, consistency, accuracy, timeliness, and high performance.
- Responsible for delivering all activities to meet defined deadlines, proactively reporting any risks or issues for early resolution.
- Provides support and guidance to internal and external customers in a professional manner, in line with Financial processes, ensuring that policy and legislation are met.
- Carries out basic reporting for P2P and Income and external customers, which contributes to the management of organisational performance, maximises income and ensures compliance with Financial Regulations and ECC Policies.
- Work flexibly and collaboratively across P2P and Income to deliver finance support.
- Recommend process improvements and redesign to achieve best practice and organisational efficiency.
- Contributes to maintaining currency on legislation changes and translating these into local policy and procedure, to identify and review potential changes in technology.
- Specific individual and shared targets and objectives are defined annually within the performance management framework.
The Experience You Will Bring
- Educated to RQF Level 2 (GCSE) must include English and Mathematics, or equivalent by experience.
- Cash management/allocation experience would be desirable but not mandatory.
- Experience in handling cheques, banking and admin activity would be desirable.
- Commitment to continued personal development within a working environment.
- Some knowledge of P2P/Income systems and demonstrable accounts payable, accounts receivable, purchase to pay and e-invoicing experience would be desirable.
- Good interpersonal and communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Aptitude and willingness to work flexibly in multi skilled Operational Teams.
- Level of good competency using Microsoft office packages including, Outlook, Word and Excel.
- Ability to interpret varied information for supporting continuous improvements in service delivery.
- Ability to build effective working relationships with internal and external customers, suppliers, and partners.
Finance Assistant - Banking, Controls & Reconciliation, Chelmsford employer: Essex County Council
Join our dynamic team in Chelmsford as a Finance Assistant, where we prioritise innovation and customer service within a flexible work environment. With opportunities for personal development and a collaborative culture, you will play a vital role in supporting financial transactions while enjoying the benefits of working in a supportive team that values your contributions. Our commitment to excellence ensures that you will thrive in a role that not only enhances your skills but also contributes to the wider organisational vision.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Assistant - Banking, Controls & Reconciliation, Chelmsford
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company culture! Before your interview, do a bit of research on the organisation's values and mission. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your communication skills! Since this role involves a lot of customer interaction, make sure you can articulate your thoughts clearly. Try role-playing with a friend or family member to boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to showcase your teamwork abilities! Think of examples from your past experiences where you worked collaboratively. Highlighting your flexibility and willingness to adapt will resonate well with the multi-skilled workforce they’re looking for.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re proactive and keen on joining the team right from the start.
We think you need these skills to ace Finance Assistant - Banking, Controls & Reconciliation, Chelmsford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Finance Assistant role. Highlight any relevant experience in financial transactions, customer service, and communication skills. We want to see how you can contribute to our team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're interested in this position and how your skills align with the job description. We love seeing genuine enthusiasm for the role.
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since this role involves a lot of customer interaction, make sure to demonstrate your strong communication skills in your application. Whether it's through your writing style or examples of past experiences, let us know you can connect with customers effectively.
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Essex County Council
✨Know Your Financial Processes
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of financial processes, especially around Purchase to Pay (P2P) and Income. Being able to discuss how these systems work and their importance in maintaining accurate financial transactions will show that you're serious about the role.
✨Show Off Your Communication Skills
Since this role involves a lot of customer interaction, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Prepare examples of how you've successfully communicated with customers in the past, whether by phone or email, to demonstrate your interpersonal skills.
✨Be Ready for Teamwork Questions
This position requires working collaboratively across teams, so be prepared to discuss your experience in team settings. Think of specific instances where you contributed to a team's success or helped resolve conflicts, as this will highlight your ability to work flexibly in a multi-skilled environment.
✨Demonstrate Your Adaptability
With the emphasis on technology and process improvements, be ready to talk about how you've adapted to changes in your previous roles. Share examples of how you've embraced new technologies or processes to enhance customer service or improve efficiency.
