At a Glance
- Tasks: Support financial transactions, maintain purchase ledger, and assist with month-end processes.
- Company: Join a dynamic finance team at London South East Colleges.
- Benefits: Competitive benefits, including annual leave, pension scheme, and gym access.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace committed to diversity and equal opportunities.
- Why this job: Gain hands-on experience while working towards a recognised finance qualification.
- Qualifications: Good education in maths, IT skills, and a willingness to learn.
The predicted salary is between 18000 - 25000 £ per year.
We are looking to appoint a Finance Assistant to join our central finance team, supporting the delivery of an efficient and compliant expenditure service across the organisation. This is a great opportunity for someone at an early stage in their finance career who wants to build practical experience while developing their skills through an apprenticeship pathway.
Working closely with the Purchase and Sales Ledger Team Leader and the Financial Controller, you will play a key role in ensuring that financial transactions are processed accurately and on time. You will be involved in maintaining the purchase ledger, processing invoices and payments, and supporting the wider finance function to meet monthly deadlines and reporting requirements.
In this role, you will be responsible for processing expenditure invoices and purchase orders, ensuring that all transactions are correctly coded and authorised, and maintaining accurate records within the finance system. You will support the preparation of payment runs, reconcile supplier statements, and resolve queries with colleagues and external suppliers. You will also contribute to month-end processes, including assisting with reconciliations, accruals, and reporting, and provide support during audit and year-end activity.
Alongside this, you will be expected to provide a responsive and professional service to internal stakeholders, helping to ensure that finance processes run smoothly and queries are handled promptly. There will be opportunities to contribute to improving processes and systems within the team and to develop your understanding of financial controls and compliance in a multi-entity environment.
We are looking for someone who is organised, accurate and able to manage their own workload effectively. You will have a good standard of general education, including maths, and be comfortable using IT systems such as Excel and finance software. Some experience in a finance or administration setting would be helpful, but just as important is a willingness to learn, attention to detail, and the ability to communicate clearly with a range of people.
This role offers the chance to gain valuable hands-on experience within a busy finance team while working towards a recognised qualification. You will be supported to develop your skills and build a solid foundation for a career in finance.
Benefits
- We offer a highly competitive benefits package, including excellent annual leave and a generous pension through the Teachers’ Pension Scheme or Local Government Pension Scheme depending on role.
- Access to an Employee Assistance Programme
- Cycle to work scheme
- Annual season ticket loan
- Access to the Discounts for Teachers portal
- Free Wi-Fi access in over 10,000 locations worldwide through Eduroam
- Access to our on-site gym at Bromley campus and discount at other local gyms
- Discounts in our in-house restaurants and on hair and beauty treatments
Equal Opportunities
London South East Colleges is fully committed to equality of opportunity and to creating a diverse, inclusive and respectful working environment, free from discrimination and harassment. We welcome applications from all sections of the community, regardless of race, nationality, ethnic origin, religion or belief, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, age, parental status or marital or partnership status.
As a Disability Confident Committed employer, we guarantee an interview to applicants who declare a disability and meet the essential criteria for the role. If you require any reasonable adjustments to support you through the application or interview process, please contact People Services at peopleservices@lsec.ac.uk.
In line with Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) guidance, we carry out social media checks on shortlisted candidates to assess suitability for working with children and young people. Our full Safeguarding policy can be found here.
Because we work with children and vulnerable adults, all roles are exempt from Section 4(2) of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. Appointments are subject to an enhanced DBS check and, where relevant, a Children’s and/or Adult’s Barred List check. Any offer of employment may be withdrawn if these checks are unsatisfactory. Self-disclosure is required as part of the recruitment process, and failure to disclose relevant information or provide a DBS certificate is likely to result in withdrawal of an offer.
Our DBS policy on the recruitment of ex-offenders is available on request. All appointments are also subject to verification of the right to work in the UK, in line with Home Office requirements. Original documentation will be required prior to commencement of employment.
Finance Assistant Income Apprentice employer: LSEC
London South East Colleges is an excellent employer for those starting their finance careers, offering a supportive apprenticeship pathway that combines practical experience with professional development. With a commitment to equality and a diverse work culture, employees benefit from a competitive package including generous leave, pension schemes, and access to on-site facilities like gyms and restaurants. The Bromley campus fosters a collaborative environment where you can grow your skills while contributing to meaningful financial processes within a dynamic team.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Assistant Income Apprentice
✨Get Involved with Campus Recruitment Events
Apprenticeships in banking and financial services often come through campus recruitment days. Keep an eye out for events hosted by your university or local banks, as these can be golden opportunities for us to meet recruiters face-to-face and make a great first impression.
✨Engage with Professional Bodies
Join organisations like the Institute of Chartered Accountants or the Chartered Institute of Banking. These memberships can provide valuable resources and networking opportunities, plus, they often have dedicated sections for apprenticeships and early-career roles that can point us in the right direction.
✨Follow the Right Companies on Social Media
Banks and financial services firms love to share their stories on social media! Follow companies like LSEC to keep up with their latest apprenticeship opportunities and insider news. Engaging with their posts could give us an edge when it comes to the application.
✨Utilise Your University’s Career Service
Your university's career service is a treasure trove of information for apprenticeships in banking. They often have connections to employers like LSEC, so don't hesitate to tap into their resources and advice!
We think you need these skills to ace Finance Assistant Income Apprentice
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Maths Skills:In the banking and financial services sector, being good with numbers is a must! Make sure to highlight any relevant maths qualifications or experience in your application, as well as any projects or coursework that demonstrate your analytical skills.
Emphasise Your Willingness to Learn:As this is an apprenticeship, companies like LSEC want to see your enthusiasm for the industry and your eagerness to learn. In your cover letter, chat about why you’re interested in banking and any specific areas you’re excited to explore. Show them that you’re ready to soak up knowledge like a sponge!
Highlight Relevant Experience (Even If It's Limited):Whether it's a part-time job, volunteer experience, or even a school project, mention any relevant experience related to banking or finance. This could include customer service roles or any projects where you handled budgeting. We’re all about showing how you can apply your skills, even if they’re from unconventional backgrounds.
Tailor Your CV for Impact:Make sure your CV isn’t just a list of duties. Tailor it to reflect skills that appeal to financial services, like attention to detail and communication skills. Don’t forget to keep it clear and concise, showing how you’re a perfect fit for the apprenticeship at LSEC!
How to prepare for a job interview at LSEC
✨Brush Up on Financial Principles
Since you're diving into the banking and financial sector with an apprenticeship, it’s crucial to familiarise yourself with key concepts like interest rates, investment strategies, and basic financial accounting. Make sure you can share your understanding of these principles during the interview, as they'll likely pop up in practical scenarios.
✨Be Ready for Scenario-Based Questions
In the world of banking, interviewers love to throw real-world scenarios at you. Prepare for questions that ask how you'd handle customer inquiries or solve financial challenges. Practising these types of situational responses can really showcase your problem-solving skills and customer service abilities, both of which are essential in this field.
✨Show Your Eagerness to Learn
As an apprenticeship candidate, what's going to set you apart is your motivation to learn and grow in the role. Be sure to express your excitement about entering the banking world and highlight any steps you've already taken to educate yourself, whether through courses, workshops, or relevant hobbies.
✨Prepare Your Questions About Company Culture
When interviewing with LSEC, don’t shy away from asking about their company culture and training programmes for apprentices. This shows that you're not only focused on the role but also interested in how you'll fit within the team, which is a major factor for your future success in the apprenticeship.
