At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the Finance Team with income, expenditure, and financial record management.
- Company: Join Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service, dedicated to community safety and support.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, collaborative work environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while developing your finance skills in a supportive team culture.
- Qualifications: Experience in accounts payable/receivable and proficiency in Microsoft Office required.
- Other info: Selection process on 17 September 2025; apply now to be part of something meaningful!
The predicted salary is between 27694 - 29540 £ per year.
Finance Assistant – Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service
Job reference: REQ000374
Location: Kempston
Hours: 37
This is an exciting opportunity for a highly experienced administrator, who is detail-oriented, to provide financial and administrative support to the Finance Team.
About the role
You will be responsible for processing all income and expenditure, entering transactions into the financial system (Great Plains), maintaining accurate financial records, and managing office supplies.
Key responsibilities include:
– Accounts payable: processing invoices and reconciling the purchase ledger, reimbursement claims and petty cash.
– Processing income, sales invoices, and banking in line with our financial procedures.
– Maintaining supplier and customer records, responding to queries, and recommending process improvements.
– Collating data for financial performance statistics.
– Assisting with statutory returns and year-end account closures.
– Conducting monthly ledger reconciliations and maintaining Excel spreadsheets.
– Responding to stakeholder queries and managing authorised signatories/forms to ensure correct authorisation of invoices and expenses.
– Assisting in providing training on financial policies and procedures.
About you
You will have in-depth knowledge and experience of accounts payable and receivable, gained through hands-on experience. You will also have:
– Experience of using finance systems and computer/office automation systems, including Microsoft software packages such as Excel, Outlook, and Teams.
– A high level of attention to detail and the ability to accurately process invoices/data.
– In-depth experience of processing petty cash claims.
– The ability to work effectively to deadlines and manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
– The ability to work collaboratively with peers, senior staff, and as part of a team.
– Good communication and diplomacy skills, both orally and in writing, with the ability to converse at ease with members of the public and provide advice in accurate spoken English.
– Maths and English (GCSE Level 4 or above – or equivalent).
For more details on the essential criteria required for the role, please see the attached job description and person specification.
The selection process will take place on Wednesday 17 September 2025
Salary: £27,694 per annum rising to £29,540 per annum
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Finance Assistant – Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service employer: National Fire Chiefs Council Limited.
Contact Detail:
National Fire Chiefs Council Limited. Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Assistant – Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Great Plains, the financial system mentioned in the job description. If you haven't used it before, consider watching tutorial videos or reading up on its functionalities to demonstrate your proactive approach during the interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Brush up on your Excel skills, especially in areas like data entry, pivot tables, and formulas. Being able to showcase your proficiency in Excel can set you apart, as it's a key tool for maintaining financial records.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare examples of how you've improved processes in previous roles. The job mentions recommending process improvements, so having specific instances ready will show your ability to contribute positively to the team.
✨Tip Number 4
Practice your communication skills, particularly in explaining financial concepts clearly. Since you'll be responding to stakeholder queries, being able to articulate your thoughts effectively will be crucial in the selection process.
We think you need these skills to ace Finance Assistant – Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the key responsibilities and required skills for the Finance Assistant position. Tailor your application to highlight your relevant experience in accounts payable, financial systems, and administrative support.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise your hands-on experience with finance systems, particularly Great Plains, and your proficiency in Microsoft Excel. Provide specific examples of how you've successfully managed invoices, reconciled ledgers, or processed petty cash claims.
Show Attention to Detail: Since the role requires a high level of accuracy, make sure your application is free from errors. Double-check your CV and cover letter for spelling and grammatical mistakes, and ensure that all information is presented clearly and concisely.
Prepare for the Selection Process: Be ready for the selection process on 17 September 2025. Consider potential interview questions related to financial procedures and your ability to work collaboratively. Prepare examples that demonstrate your communication skills and ability to manage multiple tasks effectively.
How to prepare for a job interview at National Fire Chiefs Council Limited.
✨Know Your Financial Systems
Familiarise yourself with Great Plains and other finance systems mentioned in the job description. Be prepared to discuss your experience with these systems and how you've used them in previous roles.
✨Demonstrate Attention to Detail
Since the role requires a high level of accuracy, be ready to provide examples of how you've ensured precision in processing invoices or maintaining financial records. Highlight any specific methods you use to double-check your work.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Prepare to discuss how you've effectively communicated with stakeholders in past positions. Think of examples where you resolved queries or provided training on financial policies, as this will demonstrate your ability to interact well with others.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills, especially regarding managing multiple tasks or meeting deadlines. Prepare scenarios from your past experiences where you successfully navigated similar challenges.