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- Tasks: Manage financial operations and support a dynamic trading team in a global commodities firm.
- Company: Join a leading City Commodities trading firm known for its excellence.
- Benefits: Fully funded professional qualifications, competitive salary, and a collaborative work environment.
- Other info: Great opportunity for career growth and professional development.
- Why this job: Kickstart your finance career with real impact in a fast-paced trading environment.
- Qualifications: Part-qualified in accountancy with 4 years of finance experience in trading or banking.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Our client, a prolific, gold standard City Commodities and global trading firm is looking for a commercially driven part-qualified Finance Officer from a banking or financial services background with experience of global operational accounting processes to include general management of Accounts Payable & Receivable and statutory reporting.
Supporting a busy trading team, you will already have completed studies towards an accountancy qualification AAT, ACCA, CIMA along with 3-4 years experience in a financial markets organisation or trading/middle office setting with the ability and confidence to thrive in this dynamic 'bull and bear' environment. This role will provide an amazing stepping stone to complete your professional qualifications with a fully funded study package.
Key Responsibilities
- Managing and preparing ledgers for business operations with use of SAP Business ByDesign and other accounting systems
- Review and manage company expenditures and employee expense claims in line with company policy
- Prepare and submit statutory returns and statistical reports
- Reporting and month/year-end closing activities
- Manage accounts payable tasks including invoice processing, system uploading, and payment runs
- Ensure invoices are paid on time and payment runs are completed accurately
- Maintain and update accrual and prepayment schedules
- Cost analysis and respond to queries
- Act as the banking and system liaison, helping to manage day‑to‑day matters with external partners
- Take ownership of assigned tasks and work proactively to resolve issues
- Provide general assistance across the Finance team as needed
What you will offer
- Graduate calibre
- Ideally working towards a recognised accountancy qualification (e.g. AAT, ACCA, CIMA)
- Minimum 4 years’ Finance and accounts experience from a Commodities/Banking/Financial services institution
- Knowledge of trading operations/reporting processes
- Familiarity with SAP Business ByDesign, SAP Concur or similar ERP systems (preferred)
- Proficient in Microsoft Excel and other Office tools
- Good communication skills and a collaborative working style
Seniority level: Mid‑Senior level
Employment type: Full‑time
Job function: Accounting/Auditing and Finance
Industries: Financial Services, Securities and Commodity Exchanges, and Banking
Finance Officer - Trading/Middle-Office Operations employer: May & Stephens
Contact Detail:
May & Stephens Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Officer - Trading/Middle-Office Operations
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance and trading sectors. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their trading operations and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs. We want you to shine, so practice common interview questions and have your own ready!
✨Tip Number 3
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in showing your enthusiasm for the role. It keeps you fresh in their minds and demonstrates your professionalism.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities that might just be the perfect fit for you. Plus, it’s a great way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people.
We think you need these skills to ace Finance Officer - Trading/Middle-Office Operations
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Finance Officer role. Highlight your experience in accounts payable and receivable, and any relevant qualifications like AAT, ACCA, or CIMA. We want to see how your background fits with our dynamic trading environment!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about finance and how your skills can contribute to our team. Be sure to mention your familiarity with SAP Business ByDesign or similar systems, as this will catch our eye.
Showcase Your Experience: In your application, don’t just list your previous roles—describe your achievements! Talk about how you’ve managed ledgers, prepared statutory returns, or improved processes. We love seeing candidates who take ownership of their work and proactively solve problems.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. It’s super easy, and you’ll be able to showcase your application in the best light. Plus, we’re excited to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at May & Stephens
✨Know Your Numbers
Brush up on your financial knowledge, especially around global operational accounting processes. Be ready to discuss your experience with accounts payable and receivable, as well as statutory reporting. This will show that you understand the core responsibilities of the Finance Officer role.
✨Familiarise Yourself with SAP
Since the role involves using SAP Business ByDesign, it’s a good idea to get comfortable with this system or similar ERP tools. If you have experience, prepare to share specific examples of how you've used these systems in past roles.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
The dynamic nature of trading means issues can arise quickly. Think of examples where you've taken ownership of a task and proactively resolved issues. This will demonstrate your ability to thrive in a 'bull and bear' environment.
✨Communicate Effectively
Good communication is key in finance roles. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. Be prepared to discuss how you’ve collaborated with teams in the past, as this will highlight your collaborative working style.