Finance Support Officer in Hexham

Finance Support Officer in Hexham

Hexham Full-Time 31500 - 38500 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Forestry Commission

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support financial operations and ensure accurate processing of transactions.
  • Company: Join a dynamic team at Forestry England, making a difference in the community.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and opportunities for travel.
  • Other info: Great opportunity for growth in a supportive environment.
  • Why this job: Be part of a team that drives efficiency and supports strategic objectives.
  • Qualifications: GCSEs in Maths and English; finance qualification preferred.

The predicted salary is between 31500 - 38500 £ per year.

Location

Bellingham District Office, Hexham, Northumberland, NE48 2HP or Grizedale Office, Hawkshead, LA22 0QJ.

About the job

Job summary

The Business Support team provide a support service to the district’s operations.

As a key member of the team, you will play an essential role in delivering high-quality financial and administrative services to managers and function leads, supporting the achievement of our strategic business objectives.

You will be responsible for ensuring financial transactions are processed efficiently, accurately and within agreed timelines, ensuring full compliance with established policies and procedures.

In addition, you will liaise effectively with both internal and external stakeholders, gathering, collating and sharing relevant information to support operational needs.

Job description

Key Responsibilities & Accountabilities

  • Oversee the finance mailbox, ensuring that customer and supplier correspondence is dealt with professionally and in a timely manner.
  • Ensure purchase/sales invoices and credit notes are processed promptly and accurately.
  • Ensure compliance is adhered to including VAT treatment and other guidance provided by the national FE team.
  • Verify and process new supplier requests and any amendment requests, providing guidance as required.
  • Reconcile supplier statements, obtaining copies of any missing invoices.
  • Provide support and guidance to the various district teams on Forestry England procurement, financial processes and other relevant policies.
  • Preparation of monthly accruals
  • Assist with finance reporting and month end procures, including budget and forecast review meetings.
  • Undertake process reviews with the business support team to streamline tasks and boost team efficiency
  • Carry out audits and check data to ensure information held is current and correct.
  • Provide accurate and timely responses and communication with the team, responding to queries and requests as appropriate.
  • Monitor reports and requests from other departments ensuring that queries are dealt with promptly.
  • Assist with training delivery as required
  • Undertake ad hoc projects and any other tasks reasonably requested by your line manager.
  • Promote health & safety compliance within the team
  • Provide office cover as required in the team.
  • Support for communication outputs as and when required.
  • Other
  • The role will involve occasional travel within the district, potentially with overnight stays to attend meetings/training.

Person specification

Skills, Knowledge & Experience

Essential Professional and Technical experience

  • Excellent numeracy, analytical and problem-solving skills.
  • Experience in using accounting software and other bespoke IT applications, including databases.
  • Proficient user of Microsoft applications particularly Excel, with the ability to export, sort and filter data and utilise formulae.
  • Strong task prioritisation and time management skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities.
  • The ability to deliver excellent customer service
  • Ability to work within and add value to a team
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills
  • Confidence in dealing and working effectively with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders.
  • Good administrative skills with excellent attention to detail
  • Experience of working within a busy office environment, particularly within a transactional processing team or related finance function.
  • Working knowledge of purchase and sales ledgers

Desirable Professional and Technical experience

  • Experience in process review and driving continuous improvement
  • Budget management and forecasting.
  • Experience of supporting the creation or reports/presentations

Qualifications

Essential

  • GCSE grade C/4 in Maths & English/Functional Skills equivalent
  • Finance qualification such as AAT/CIMA or willingness to work towards alternatively qualified by experience.

Desirable

  • A level or level 3 equivalent qualification
  • Other relevant academic or professional qualifications
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Finance Support Officer in Hexham employer: Forestry Commission

The Forestry Commission in Hexham is an exceptional employer, offering a collaborative work culture that prioritises employee development and continuous professional growth. With a strong commitment to policy compliance and strategic objectives, employees benefit from a supportive environment where they can thrive in their roles while contributing to meaningful environmental initiatives.

Forestry Commission

Contact Details:

Forestry Commission Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Finance Support Officer in Hexham

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 Forestry Commission. 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 Support Officer in Hexham

Numeracy Skills
Analytical Skills
Problem-Solving Skills
Accounting Software Proficiency
Microsoft Excel Proficiency
Task Prioritisation
Time Management Skills

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 Forestry Commission.

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 Forestry Commission'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 Forestry Commission

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 Forestry Commission.

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 Forestry Commission 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 Forestry Commission 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.