At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage finance processes and improve operational systems for a thriving organisation.
- Company: Join the Forward Institute, a dynamic team focused on impactful change.
- Benefits: Enjoy private health insurance, hybrid work, and generous training budgets.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace welcoming diverse backgrounds and experiences.
- Why this job: Be part of a mission-driven team shaping responsible leadership in society.
- Qualifications: Early finance career experience with a passion for accuracy and improvement.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
The Finance and Operations Associate will keep the Forward Institute financially healthy and operationally strong as we scale our ambition and impact. The role combines disciplined, detail-focused finance processing with cross-functional coordination. You will run clearly defined processes with accuracy and reliability, while building confidence in working with others and strengthening how the engine runs.
The work involves:
- Keeping core finance processes accurate and compliant
- Supporting management reporting and budgeting
- Improving how our operational systems work together
Core responsibilities:
- Process supplier invoices, expenses, and payments on time and in line with controls
- Keep records clean, complete, and easy to retrieve
- Follow up missing info quickly and close loops with colleagues and suppliers
- Flag anomalies and errors early, and help fix root causes
- Maintain reconciliations (bank and control accounts) and resolve discrepancies
- Maintain clear documentation for month-end, year-end, and audit trails
- Support basic control checks and improvements to reduce risk and rework
- Contribute to a culture of financial discipline and accountability
Operational system improvement:
- Keep data accurate and consistent across systems and platforms
- Maintain core registers and system structures, and support the team to use them
- Improve workflows by spotting friction, tightening processes, and reducing rework
- Translate needs into practical fixes, templates, and ways of working
About You:
- Mindset: Disciplined and dependable: you take pride in accuracy and follow-through; Curious and reflective: you want to understand the 'why', not just the steps; Calm under pressure: you navigate ambiguity, sound judgement, and clear communication; Improvement-oriented: you leave systems stronger than you found them.
- Capabilities: Organisation and prioritisation: you can manage competing deadlines and keep processes running smoothly; Systems confidence: you are quick to learn tools and workflows; Bias for action: you find practical routes through problems and move work forward.
- Experience and trajectory: Early in your finance career, with commitment to building your finance craft; Ready to progress towards management accountancy with our support; Some experience in finance admin, transaction processing, reconciliations, or operational coordination.
- Motivation: You want to work cross-functionally in a small, ambitious organisation, where finance supports real decisions; You care about building something sustainable; You are energised by contributing to work with influential organisations across business, government, and civil society.
Benefits:
- Private health insurance
- Hybrid working arrangements
- A generous training and development budget
- Pension contributions
- A rich internal culture of learning and dialogue
How to Apply:
To apply, please send your CV and a covering video (max 2 minutes) answering the following questions: What drives your interest in developing finance as a craft, and why does the CIMA qualification matter to you at this stage of your career? How does the Forward Institute's purpose resonate with your own values, and why do you want to work within a team working to shape responsible leadership?
We are an equal opportunities employer and are committed to fair and inclusive recruitment practices. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, identities, and lived experiences. We want to make this process as inclusive and accessible as possible. If you have any access needs or specific requirements, please get in touch with fran.carver@forward.institute. You must have the right to work in the UK.
Finance and Operations Associate employer: Forward Institute
At the Forward Institute, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer that fosters a culture of financial discipline and accountability while supporting your professional growth. With benefits like private health insurance, hybrid working arrangements, and a generous training budget, we empower our Finance and Operations Associates to thrive in a collaborative environment where their contributions directly impact our mission of shaping responsible leadership. Join us in a dynamic setting that values curiosity, improvement, and teamwork, as we work together to build something sustainable.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance and Operations Associate
✨Get Involved with Campus Finance Societies
Join your university's finance or investment society — they're a goldmine for networking, guest lectures, and career fairs. These societies often host employers looking for entry-level talent like you, so get involved and make yourself known!
✨Attend Industry Workshops and Webinars
Look for workshops and webinars focused on banking and financial services. These events not only boost your knowledge but also let you connect with industry professionals who could help you land that entry-level role at places like Forward Institute.
✨Leverage LinkedIn for Informational Interviews
Take advantage of LinkedIn to reach out to professionals working in banking, especially those who've started in entry-level positions. Politely ask for a quick chat about their experience and any advice they might have on breaking into the field.
✨Apply Directly through Company Websites
Don't just rely on job boards. Head directly to Forward Institute's careers page and look for their entry-level openings. They might have opportunities that aren’t advertised widely, so keep checking back for new listings!
We think you need these skills to ace Finance and Operations Associate
Some tips for your application 🫡
Splash Your Skills on Your CV:In the banking and financial services realm, it's all about numbers and analysis. Make sure to highlight any relevant coursework, internships, or projects where you've used skills like financial modelling, data analysis, or risk assessment. Show us you can crunch those numbers!
Educational Achievements Matter:For an entry-level role, your grades and academic accomplishments are key. If you have any certifications, like CFA Level 1 or something similar, don’t forget to include them. We love seeing ambition and commitment to the industry, so flaunt those achievements!
Craft a Personal Touch in Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to show us your enthusiasm for banking and finance! Share why you're passionate about the industry and how your studies or previous experiences have prepared you for this role. We want to see that spark and motivation!
Use the Right Format and Language:In banking, clarity is king. Use a clean, professional format for your CV and cover letter. Make sure to avoid jargon, but don’t shy away from technical terms where appropriate – just keep it all clear and easy to read. Let’s see your professionalism shine through!
How to prepare for a job interview at Forward Institute
✨Brush Up on Your Financial Knowledge
Since you're diving into the banking and financial services industry, make sure you're up to speed with current market trends and financial concepts. Be prepared to discuss things like interest rates and investment strategies, as you might get some technical questions that gauge your understanding.
✨Show Off Your Analytical Skills
Analytical skills are key in banking, so be ready to showcase how you've used them in your studies or any relevant projects. Prepare to tackle case studies or hypothetical financial scenarios during the interview that require you to analyse data and make informed decisions.
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
As this is an entry-level role, they’ll likely look for how well you can collaborate and fit into their team. Think of examples from group projects or internships where you successfully worked with others. It'll help show that you're keen to learn and grow in a team-oriented environment.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
Approach your interview with curiosity! Prepare insightful questions that reflect your knowledge of the industry, such as asking about the latest technology being implemented in their services. It shows you're genuinely interested in the company's operations and future.
