At a Glance
- Tasks: Support financial operations and ensure smooth processing of transactions in a dynamic charity environment.
- Company: Join Living Streets, a leading UK charity focused on creating safer, healthier communities through walking.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, supportive team, and the chance to make a real difference in communities.
- Other info: Urgent hiring process with a one-stage interview on 23rd September.
- Why this job: Be part of a mission-driven organisation that values inclusion and community impact.
- Qualifications: Experience in finance roles, strong attention to detail, and studying towards an accountancy qualification.
The predicted salary is between 31500 - 38500 £ per year.
Hours: 35 hours per week, Monday-Friday
Location: London / Hybrid working
Office Attendance: Minimum 2 days per week (Wednesday is the core office day, with Thursday typically the second office day)
Start Date: ASAP
Charity People is delighted to be partnering with Living Streets to recruit a Finance Assistant. This is a fantastic opportunity to join one of the UK's leading charities dedicated to creating safer, healthier and more inclusive communities through walking. You'll join a supportive finance team during a period of growth, helping to maintain smooth financial operations across both the charity and its trading activities.
About Living Streets
Living Streets is the UK charity for everyday walking. Through campaigns, education programmes and partnerships with schools and local authorities, they work to create streets where people can walk safely, confidently and enjoyably. The organisation's trading arm supports this work through the sale of educational resources, awards and merchandise to schools and communities across the UK.
About the Role
Reporting to the Finance Manager, you will provide essential support across the finance function, ensuring accurate and efficient processing of financial transactions and maintaining excellent internal and external customer service standards.
Key responsibilities include:
- Maintaining purchase and sales ledgers
- Processing supplier payments and staff expenses
- Supporting Accounts Payable and Accounts Receivable activities
- Undertaking weekly bank reconciliations
- Managing credit control activities and chasing overdue payments
- Reconciling debtor and creditor balances
- Processing daily allocations and month-end tasks
- Managing the shared finance inbox and responding to queries
- Raising journals and assisting with month-end processes
- Supporting annual audit and budgeting activities
About You
We're keen to hear from candidates who can demonstrate:
- Experience in a Finance Assistant or similar transactional finance role
- Strong Accounts Payable and Accounts Receivable experience
- Experience processing BACS payments
- Credit control experience
- Excellent attention to detail and accuracy
- Strong communication and organisational skills
- Experience using finance systems
- The ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines
- A proactive and collaborative approach to work
- Experience working within the charity or not-for-profit sector
- Experience using Microsoft Business Central
- Intermediate Excel skills, including working with spreadsheets and pivot tables
- Experience working with high-volume transactions
- Studying towards an accountancy qualification such as AAT, ACCA, ACA or CIMA
Hiring process
This is an urgent requirement and applications will be reviewed as they are received. One-stage interview process in-person on 23rd September.
Charity People is a forward thinking, inclusive organisation that actively and deliberately promotes equity, diversity and inclusion. We know organisations thrive when inclusion is at the forefront. We evidence our commitment by matching charity needs with the skills and experience of candidates irrespective of background e.g. age, disability (including hidden disabilities), gender, gender identity or gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, or sexual orientation. We do this because we believe that greater diversity leads to greater results for the charities we work with.
Finance Assistant employer: Living Streets
Living Streets is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and supportive work culture, making it an ideal place for those passionate about making a difference in their community. With a focus on employee growth and development, team members are encouraged to enhance their skills through various training opportunities while enjoying the benefits of a flexible working environment. Located in a vibrant area, employees also benefit from a strong sense of purpose in their roles, contributing to the success of our trading activities and the overall mission of promoting walking as a sustainable mode of transport.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Assistant
✨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 Living Streets. 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
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 Living Streets.
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 Living Streets'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 Living Streets
✨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 Living Streets.
✨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 Living Streets 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 Living Streets 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.
