At a Glance
- Tasks: Support financial transactions, maintain records, and assist with month-end processes.
- Company: Join London South East Colleges, a leading education provider dedicated to changing lives through learning.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, generous leave, pension schemes, and access to gym facilities.
- Other info: Opportunities for career progression and professional development in a dynamic team.
- Why this job: Gain hands-on finance experience while working towards a recognised qualification in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Good maths skills, IT proficiency, and a willingness to learn are essential.
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.
- Maintaining accurate records within the finance system.
- Supporting the preparation of payment runs.
- Reconciling supplier statements and resolving queries with colleagues and external suppliers.
- Contributing to month-end processes, including assisting with reconciliations, accruals, and reporting.
- Providing support during audit and year-end activity.
- Delivering a responsive and professional service to internal stakeholders.
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.
Finance Assistant Income Apprentice in Orpington employer: LSEC
London South East Colleges (LSEC) is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work environment that prioritises professional development and career progression. With a strong commitment to social mobility and community impact, employees are empowered to make a meaningful difference while enjoying a competitive benefits package, including generous leave and pension options. The college's modern facilities and partnerships with local employers create a dynamic atmosphere for growth, making it an ideal place for those looking to build a rewarding career in finance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Assistant Income Apprentice in Orpington
✨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 in Orpington
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.
