At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage financial transactions and support monthly accounts in a dynamic finance team.
- Company: Join GDS Group, a global media and events business based in Bristol.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, study support, and opportunities for career growth.
- Other info: Collaborative team culture with exposure to global operations.
- Why this job: Gain hands-on experience in finance within an international business environment.
- Qualifications: Degree in finance or related field; up to 2 years of relevant experience.
The predicted salary is between 28000 - 32000 € per year.
Location: Central Bristol (Queens Square, Bristol)
Basic salary: £28,000 + (DOE)
About GDS Group
GDS Group is a global media and events business headquartered in Bristol, connecting senior technology leaders through summits, content, and digital experiences. We operate across the UK, US, and Europe, working with some of the world’s largest technology brands. Our Finance team sits at the heart of the business — supporting commercial decision‑making, managing multi‑entity financials, and partnering closely with senior leadership.
The Role
We’re looking for a motivated Finance & Accounts Executive to join our Bristol‑based Finance team. This is a broad, hands‑on role that will give you exposure across the full finance function — from day‑to‑day transactional work to supporting monthly management accounts and payroll processes. It’s an excellent opportunity for a recent graduate or someone with up to two years’ experience who wants to build a well‑rounded foundation in finance within a fast‑moving, international business.
What you’ll be doing:
- Processing accounts payable and receivable transactions accurately and on time
- Assisting with bank reconciliations and maintaining clean, accurate ledgers across our UK, US, and European entities
- Supporting the month‑end close process, including journal entries and balance sheet reconciliations
- Helping prepare management accounts schedules and financial reports for senior stakeholders
- Assisting with multi‑entity payroll processing and coordinating with our HR/HRIS platform
- Maintaining financial records and supporting audit and compliance requirements
- Contributing to process improvement projects as the team evolves
- Providing general finance team support across ad‑hoc tasks and reporting requests
What we’re looking for:
- A degree in Accounting, Finance, Economics, or a related discipline — or equivalent experience
- Up to 2 years of experience in a finance or accounting role (internships and placements count)
- Solid working knowledge of Microsoft Excel; confidence with formulas, pivot tables, and data manipulation
- Attention to detail and a methodical, organised approach to work
- Strong communication skills — able to work with colleagues across different teams and time zones
- An eagerness to learn and develop, with a proactive attitude
Nice to have:
- Studying towards or interested in pursuing AAT, ACCA, or CIMA
- Exposure to multi‑currency or multi‑entity accounting
- Experience with accounting software (NetSuite or similar)
What we offer:
- Salary of £28,000 – £32,000 depending on experience
- Based full‑time at our Bristol office
- Exposure to a genuinely international business with entities in the UK, US, and Europe
- A supportive team environment with real scope to grow and take on more responsibility
- Study support considered for the right candidate
Finance & Accounts Executive in Bristol employer: GDS Group
GDS Group is an exceptional employer located in the vibrant heart of Central Bristol, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters professional growth and development. As part of our Finance team, you will gain invaluable experience in a fast-paced international business, with opportunities to engage in diverse financial functions while being supported by a collaborative team culture. We prioritise employee development, providing study support for further qualifications and encouraging proactive contributions to process improvements.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance & Accounts Executive in Bristol
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the finance industry, especially those who work at GDS Group or similar companies. Use LinkedIn to connect and engage with them — you never know who might help you land that interview!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for your interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand what GDS Group does and how the finance team contributes to its success. This will show your genuine interest and help you stand out from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice common interview questions related to finance and accounts. Think about your experiences and how they relate to the role. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or using online resources to boost your confidence.
✨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 awesome finance team at GDS Group.
We think you need these skills to ace Finance & Accounts Executive in Bristol
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Finance & Accounts Executive role. Highlight relevant experience, especially any internships or placements in finance. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about finance and how you can contribute to our team. Keep it concise but engaging — we love a bit of personality!
Showcase Your Skills:Don’t forget to mention your Excel skills and any experience with accounting software. We’re keen on candidates who are confident with data manipulation and can handle multi-entity financials. Let us know what you’ve got!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at GDS Group
✨Know Your Numbers
Brush up on your finance fundamentals! Be prepared to discuss key financial concepts and how they relate to the role. Familiarise yourself with terms like accounts payable, bank reconciliations, and management accounts — this will show you’re serious about the position.
✨Excel Skills are Key
Since the job requires solid Excel skills, make sure you can demonstrate your proficiency. Practice using formulas, pivot tables, and data manipulation techniques. You might even want to prepare a quick example to showcase during the interview!
✨Show Your Attention to Detail
In finance, accuracy is everything. Prepare to discuss examples from your past experiences where your attention to detail made a difference. Whether it was during an internship or a project at university, highlight how being methodical helped you succeed.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the team dynamics, the company’s approach to process improvement, or how they support professional development. This shows your eagerness to learn and engage with the company culture.