At a Glance
- Tasks: Support month-end close, prepare reconciliations, and manage financial processes.
- Company: Join Hanson Wade, a dynamic finance team in London.
- Benefits: £30,000 salary, bonus, private health insurance, and hybrid work.
- Other info: Excel exercise and presentation required during the interview process.
- Why this job: Kickstart your finance career with real impact and growth opportunities.
- Qualifications: Part-qualified accountant, strong Excel skills, and finance exposure preferred.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 30000 £ per year.
We are looking for a driven and proactive Finance Analyst to join our growing finance team at Hanson Wade. Reporting to the Group Financial Accountant, this role is well suited to a part-qualified accountant with a strong grounding in core transactional accounting. You will play a key role in supporting the month-end close, preparing reconciliations, assisting with audits, and managing day-to-day financial processes.
Key Responsibilities
- Bookkeeping & Core Finance Activities
- Maintain accurate financial records, including posting journals for accruals, prepayments, fixed assets, and other routine entries
- Complete general ledger reconciliations in line with month-end timelines
- Raise customer invoices and process accounts payable transactions, ensuring accuracy and timely updates to NetSuite
- Update Salesforce and other finance systems to ensure customer and revenue records remain current and accurate
- Support the bank reconciliation process and assist in resolving trade debtor queries
- Review and approve staff expenses in SAP Concur, ensuring compliance with company policy
- Provide day-to-day financial administration support to the wider finance team
- Month-End Close & Reporting
- Support the month-end close process, working to a day-5 reporting timetable
- Prepare revenue and balance sheet reconciliations, ensuring completeness and accuracy
- Produce internal financial reporting, including event-specific analysis to support decision-making
- Audit Support
- Assist with interim and year-end audit requirements, ensuring timely and accurate delivery of supporting documentation
- VAT
- Prepare VAT returns across multiple jurisdictions, including the UK and selected EU markets
- Stakeholder Engagement
- Build strong working relationships with internal teams, supporting their understanding of financial processes and requirements
Qualifications & Experience
- Finance exposure via internship or placement is desirable
- Actively studying towards ACCA (minimum 50% complete) or AAT qualified
- Strong understanding of core accounting principles (accruals, prepayments, VAT, double-entry bookkeeping)
- Strong Excel skills (e.g. lookups, pivot tables)
- Experience using finance systems; NetSuite exposure is beneficial
- Exposure to process improvement is advantageous
Core Skills
- Demonstrates initiative and takes ownership of responsibilities
- Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment with changing priorities
- Proactive, adaptable, and eager to learn
- Positive, team-oriented attitude with willingness to take on additional tasks
- Strong communication skills with the ability to build relationships across the business
Additional Information
As part of our process, candidates will complete a short Excel exercise at first stage. This is designed to reflect day-to-day tasks and assess fundamental skills. At interview stage, there will also be a presentation & light technical discussion covering core accounting concepts such as double entry, reconciliations, and general principles.
Why join Hanson Wade
- Competitive salary + Bonus
- Private health and life insurance
- Competitive pension
- Hybrid working arrangement
- 23 days annual leave, increasing by 1 extra day per year, up to 30 days
- Access to our Wader Hub benefits platform (retail, gym, hospitality, and wellness discounts)
- Life Assurance
Graduate Finance Analyst employer: Hansonwade
Hanson Wade is an exceptional employer that fosters a dynamic and supportive work environment for its Graduate Finance Analysts. With a competitive salary, hybrid working model, and a strong emphasis on employee growth through training and development opportunities, the company prioritises both professional and personal well-being. Located in London, employees benefit from a vibrant city atmosphere while enjoying perks such as private health insurance, generous annual leave, and access to a comprehensive benefits platform.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Graduate Finance Analyst
✨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 Hansonwade. 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 Graduate Finance Analyst
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 Hansonwade.
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 Hansonwade'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 Hansonwade
✨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 Hansonwade.
✨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 Hansonwade 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 Hansonwade 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.
