At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our finance team to manage cash accounting and ensure accurate financial reporting.
- Company: Merlin, a leader in creating extraordinary experiences through play.
- Benefits: Enjoy discounts on LEGO, free attraction tickets, and competitive pay.
- Other info: Flexible work environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team that impacts global financial operations.
- Qualifications: Degree in finance or relevant experience, strong analytical skills, and attention to detail.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
We are Merlin. We create extraordinary experiences that bring people together through play. From world‑famous theme parks to underwater encounters, skyline icons to immersive worlds of fame, we turn everyday moments into something unforgettable. This is where you come in. We’re looking for a Financial Assistant – Cash Accounting to join our Corporate Finance team, based in Basingstoke. This role is central to how we manage our financial reporting, controls and cash processes across a global business. You will play a key role in ensuring accurate accounting, strong financial governance and high‑quality reporting that supports decision making across Merlin.
Reporting into the Team Lead Cash Accounting, you will join our Global Record to Report team, working with stakeholders across multiple departments and international entities. You’ll take ownership of key processes and help ensure our financial operations run accurately, efficiently and in line with company policy.
What you will be doing:
- Preparing weekly and monthly journals, working closely with business partners to ensure accuracy and completeness
- Delivering timely and accurate month‑end reporting across international entities
- Completing balance sheet reconciliations and supporting reviews with Finance Hub managers
- Processing cash accounting activity across multiple legal entities
- Reconciling cash applications and disbursements, ensuring all transactions are recorded correctly
- Monitoring outstanding banking items and resolving queries promptly
- Maintaining financial controls in line with group policies and procedures
- Supporting daily, weekly and monthly reporting requirements
- Building strong relationships with internal stakeholders and external partners
- Liaising with internal and external auditors as required
- Developing and maintaining standard operating procedures to improve consistency and efficiency
This is a full‑time, permanent role based in Basingstoke.
Qualifications & Experience:
You are detail‑focused, organised and comfortable working in a fast‑moving finance environment. You bring strong core accounting fundamentals and a proactive approach to problem solving. You should also bring:
- A degree or equivalent practical experience in a finance role
- Experience with bank reconciliations and cash accounting processes
- Knowledge of month‑end close processes and posting journals
- Strong analytical skills and attention to detail
- Experience improving or standardising finance processes
- Confidence building relationships with stakeholders across the business
- The ability to work in a flexible, changing environment
- Intermediate Excel skills
You will also bring clear communication skills, a structured approach to your work and the confidence to take ownership of tasks and see them through to completion.
Benefits:
- 40% off LEGO online
- 25% discount in our retail shops and restaurants
- Merlin Magic Pass – giving you free tickets to all our attractions worldwide for you, your family, and friends every year
- Enjoy the ride pass – giving you and 5 others a Merlin annual pass (Gold edition)
- X2 volunteer days a year
- Discounted rates at Merlin hotels all over the world
- Employee pricing up to 55% off cinema tickets
Pay Range: Competitive
Finance Assistant - Cash Accounting in Basingstoke employer: Merlin
At Merlin, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that fosters creativity and collaboration. As a Finance Assistant in Basingstoke, you'll enjoy a range of benefits including generous discounts on LEGO products, free access to our attractions worldwide, and opportunities for personal growth within a global finance team. Join us to be part of a company that values your contributions and supports your professional development while creating unforgettable experiences for millions.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Assistant - Cash Accounting in Basingstoke
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at Merlin through LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral, which can really boost your chances.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by knowing your stuff! Research Merlin’s financial processes and be ready to discuss how your skills in cash accounting and reconciliations can help them maintain strong financial governance.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your analytical skills during the interview! Bring examples of how you've improved finance processes in the past. This will demonstrate your proactive approach and attention to detail, which are key for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining the Merlin team.
We think you need these skills to ace Finance Assistant - Cash Accounting in Basingstoke
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Finance:When you're writing your application, let your enthusiasm for finance shine through! We want to see how your experience aligns with our cash accounting needs and how you can contribute to our team. Make it personal and relatable!
Be Detail-Oriented:Since this role is all about accuracy, make sure your application reflects your attention to detail. Double-check for any typos or errors, and ensure that your qualifications are clearly highlighted. We love a well-organised application!
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter:Don’t just send a generic CV! Tailor your application to match the job description. Highlight your relevant experience with bank reconciliations and month-end processes, and show us how you can help maintain our financial controls.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role and our company culture there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Merlin
✨Know Your Numbers
Make sure you brush up on your accounting fundamentals before the interview. Be ready to discuss your experience with bank reconciliations and cash accounting processes, as these are key aspects of the role. Having specific examples from your past work will show that you’re not just familiar with the concepts but can apply them effectively.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Prepare to demonstrate your analytical skills during the interview. You might be asked to solve a problem or analyse a scenario related to financial reporting. Practising how you approach problem-solving in a structured way will help you stand out as a candidate who can handle the fast-paced finance environment.
✨Build Relationships
Since this role involves liaising with various stakeholders, think about how you can showcase your relationship-building skills. Share examples of how you've successfully collaborated with others in previous roles. This will highlight your ability to communicate clearly and work well within a team.
✨Be Ready for Technical Questions
Expect some technical questions related to month-end close processes and posting journals. Review these topics beforehand and be prepared to explain your understanding and experience. This will demonstrate your confidence and readiness to take ownership of tasks in the role.
