Finance Assistant in Livingston

Finance Assistant in Livingston

Livingston Temporary 30000 - 40000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
Improvement Service

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support the finance team with invoicing, reconciliations, and financial reporting.
  • Company: Join a progressive organisation committed to equality and diversity.
  • Benefits: Enjoy 41 days of annual leave, flexible working, and a supportive environment.
  • Other info: Blended working model with opportunities for career growth.
  • Why this job: Gain valuable finance experience while making a real impact in a dynamic team.
  • Qualifications: Strong attention to detail and effective communication skills are essential.

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

Duration of contract: 2 years fixed term - with possibility of extension.

Reporting to the Finance Manager and working with the Finance team, the post-holder will help ensure that the Finance team meets its objectives of ensuring sound financial management of the organisation. A key element will be gaining knowledge of the Visitor Levy system and working with the Finance team to reconcile amounts received on the system and on the preparation of bank transfers of amounts due to local authorities.

The postholder will contribute to finance team goals, e.g. meeting reporting deadlines; by working accurately and responsively, and through effective communication both within the finance team and with colleagues throughout the organisation and externally.

To provide finance and administrative support to the finance team and IS staff, including budget holders and senior management. To ensure effective financial control through the maintenance of internal controls and following the IS Financial Regulations and Scheme of Delegation. To communicate effectively with all stakeholders and assist internal and external auditors in their work.

Undertake finance tasks such as, but not limited to, the following:

  • Raise income invoices, upload to finance system and issue.
  • Record and match bank receipts in the finance system.
  • Raise purchase orders requested by budget holders and process on finance system.
  • Check purchase invoices received, match to purchase order and upload to finance system.
  • Set up payments in the finance system and generate bank file for uploading to banking system.
  • Reconcile all bank accounts.
  • Journal approved monthly payments on to system from schedule (e.g. mobile phones, direct debits).
  • Calculate prepayments, update schedule, reconcile to balance sheet and journal.
  • Calculate accruals, update schedule, reconcile to balance sheet and journal.
  • Check bank balances and prepare transfers between accounts as required.
  • Calculate staff gifts total in staff bank account and maintain records, including preparation of transfers.
  • Manage Purchase card holders and process Purchase card statements.
  • Assist with Credit Control processes and management of debtors.
  • Assist with the reconciliation of monies received on the Visitor Levy system and with the preparation of bank transfers of Visitor Levy amounts due to local authorities.
  • Assist with enquiries from internal and external auditors, as required.
  • Undertake other specified duties and responsibilities from time to time, as required.

Information Location: West Lothian Civic Centre, Howden South Road, Livingston, West Lothian EH54 6FF. It is anticipated that the role will involve a blended model of office and home working, and this flexible approach will be agreed between employee and line manager.

Pay is only one of the benefits of working for the IS, our terms and conditions are progressive and flexible and employees are rewarded with a generous annual leave entitlement of forty one days per year as well as a flexible working policy. The IS is committed to promoting equality and diversity in all its activities to promote inclusive processes, practices and culture. The IS is a Disability Confident Employer. We are committed to interviewing anyone with a disability who meets the essential criteria.

Finance Assistant in Livingston employer: Improvement Service

The IS offers a dynamic and inclusive work environment in West Lothian, where employees are valued for their contributions and supported in their professional growth. With a generous annual leave entitlement of forty-one days and a flexible working policy, the company prioritises work-life balance while fostering a culture of equality and diversity. As a Disability Confident Employer, the IS is dedicated to creating opportunities for all, making it an excellent choice for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.

Improvement Service

Contact Details:

Improvement Service Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Finance Assistant in Livingston

Join Financial Networking Events

Jump into local finance meetups and conferences — they’re a goldmine for temporary roles in banking and financial services. You can chat with industry professionals and even get leads on upcoming opportunities that might not be posted online yet.

Utilise Temp Agencies Specialised in Finance

Reach out to temp agencies that focus on the banking sector. They often have strong ties with various firms and can help you secure short-term gigs that can help beef up your CV and get your foot in the door at firms like Improvement Service.

Connect with Alumni from Your Uni

Don't underestimate the power of your university’s alumni network. Many former students are working in banking and can help you find temporary roles or even offer mentorship. Reach out directly or attend alumni events to broaden your circle.

Stay Active on Job Boards and Company Websites

Keep your eyes peeled on job boards specifically for finance roles. Companies like Improvement Service might post temporary positions directly on their sites, so make sure to apply there too. Set alerts to catch those roles the moment they go live!

We think you need these skills to ace Finance Assistant in Livingston

Financial Management
Reconciliation Skills
Attention to Detail
Effective Communication
Knowledge of Financial Regulations
Budgeting
Invoice Processing

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Off Your Academic Achievements:In banking and financial services, your academic record can really make you stand out. List relevant grades, certifications, or coursework on your CV, especially if you've taken finance-related modules. This is particularly important for a temporary role where qualifications can help you shine even brighter!

Highlight Relevant Experience:If you’ve done any internships, part-time roles, or even coursework that aligns with banking or finance, make sure you include those! Showcase specific tasks where you used quantitative skills or analytical thinking, as this is what the hiring managers at Improvement Service will be keen to see in your application.

Tailor Your Cover Letter Purposefully:When writing your cover letter, focus on why you’re interested in a temporary position at Improvement Service. Let them know how you can quickly adapt to the team's needs and how eager you are to learn the ropes of the banking sector during this short stint. Your motivation and enthusiasm could really set you apart!

Be Prepared with References:For temporary roles, references can play a crucial role in your application. Make sure you’ve got a couple of references lined up who can vouch for your skills and work ethic. This helps to give Improvement Service confidence in your short-term commitment to the role.

How to prepare for a job interview at Improvement Service

Brush Up on Financial Regulations

Since this is a role in banking and financial services, be ready to discuss key regulations like MiFID, Basel III, or GDPR. These are hot topics, and your awareness of how they impact daily operations can give you a significant edge during your interview with Improvement Service.

Showcase Your Analytical Skills

Prepare for interview questions that assess your analytical abilities. You might need to tackle hypothetical scenarios involving risk assessment or financial forecasting. Bringing examples of relevant projects or coursework can emphasise your practical understanding of these concepts.

Highlight Flexibility and Adaptability

For a temporary role, showing that you can quickly pick up new processes and tools is crucial. Be ready to discuss previous experiences where you had to adapt to changing requirements or tight deadlines, as this will reassure Improvement Service that you’re a reliable team player.

Demonstrate a Willingness to Learn

In a temporary position, leaning into your eagerness to learn can really set you apart. Be prepared to share how you’re staying updated on industry trends or any additional training you've pursued. Employers appreciate candidates who are proactive about their development—even for short-term roles.