Finance Assistant + Study Support | Consumer Fashion Scale-Up | Birmingham / Hybrid

Finance Assistant + Study Support | Consumer Fashion Scale-Up | Birmingham / Hybrid

Birmingham Full-Time 30000 - 40000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Manage purchase ledger, assist with month-end close, and support finance operations.
  • Company: Fast-growing fashion scale-up with a vibrant online community.
  • Benefits: Hybrid work model, inclusive culture, and opportunities for professional growth.
  • Other info: Join a diverse team and contribute to a rapidly expanding global brand.
  • Why this job: Gain hands-on experience in finance within a dynamic and innovative industry.
  • Qualifications: Finance experience, strong Excel skills, and AAT Level 3 or 4 qualification preferred.

The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.

The Client

Harmonic are proud to be supporting a founder-led fashion and lifestyle group, with a strong global online presence and a highly engaged customer community. Since launch, the business has grown rapidly across multiple international markets and has established itself as one of the most compelling names in contemporary direct-to-consumer fashion. The finance team is now scaling to match the pace of the wider business.

The Role

Reporting into the finance team, this is a broad transactional and month-end support role within a fast-growing, multi-entity consumer business operating across the UK, Europe, and the US. You will own key elements of the purchase ledger (Accounts Payable / AP function), support month-end close, and work closely with teams across finance, operations, merchandising, and logistics. It is a genuinely varied role for someone who wants real exposure across a scaling finance function rather than a narrow specialism.

Key Responsibilities

  • Assist with the management of the purchase ledger / accounts payable process
  • Prepare weekly payment runs for approval
  • Obtain data and assist with the preparation of VAT returns
  • Assist with month-end procedures and reconciliations, and support the team through the year-end audit process
  • Take ownership of the goods-in-transit accounting process, ensuring all carriage and duty costs relating to stock received in the month are complete and accurate
  • Oversee accuracy checks of supplier invoicing
  • Work with the data team on ad hoc projects to help develop the overall control environment
  • Payroll administration – summarise all changes to be made and prepare for approval

Qualifications

  • Previous experience in a finance or accounts function
  • Strong Excel skills with confidence handling large data volumes
  • High attention to detail and sound organisational skills
  • Clear written and verbal communication skills
  • Comfortable working at pace and managing competing priorities
  • AAT Level 3 or 4 qualified, or actively studying towards AAT
  • Two or more years in a finance role
  • Experience within ecommerce, fashion, retail, or a high-growth consumer business
  • Familiarity with payroll processes
  • Experience with accounting software, ideally Xero

Package

Location: Birmingham, hybrid

At Harmonic, we are dedicated to fostering an inclusive and equitable workplace. We actively welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and assure you that every candidate will be thoughtfully considered for the roles we represent, without regard to race, religion, gender expression, disability, or sexual orientation.

Finance Assistant + Study Support | Consumer Fashion Scale-Up | Birmingham / Hybrid employer: Harmonic Operations™ | Certified B Corp

Harmonic is an exceptional employer that champions a vibrant and inclusive work culture, offering Finance Assistants the chance to thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment. With a strong commitment to employee growth, the company provides study support for AAT qualifications, ensuring that team members can advance their careers while contributing to a rapidly expanding fashion scale-up in Birmingham. The collaborative atmosphere and exposure to various finance functions make it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.

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Contact Details:

Harmonic Operations™ | Certified B Corp Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Finance Assistant + Study Support | Consumer Fashion Scale-Up | Birmingham / Hybrid

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 Harmonic Operations™ | Certified B Corp. 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 Assistant + Study Support | Consumer Fashion Scale-Up | Birmingham / Hybrid

Purchase Ledger Management
Accounts Payable
Month-End Close Support
VAT Returns Preparation
Reconciliation Skills
Goods-in-Transit Accounting
Supplier Invoicing Accuracy Checks

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 Harmonic Operations™ | Certified B Corp.

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 Harmonic Operations™ | Certified B Corp'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 Harmonic Operations™ | Certified B Corp

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 Harmonic Operations™ | Certified B Corp.

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 Harmonic Operations™ | Certified B Corp 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 Harmonic Operations™ | Certified B Corp 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.