At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage finance administration, support budgeting, and ensure compliance with financial regulations.
- Company: Join the Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service, a vital community organisation.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, 25 days annual leave, flexible hours, and a local government pension.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for professional growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in financial planning while working in a supportive team environment.
- Qualifications: Strong foundation in finance, knowledge of accounting practices, and proficiency in Microsoft Office.
The predicted salary is between 33699 - 38220 £ per year.
Salary: £33,699 – £38,220 per annum (pay award pending), Grade 4
Hours: Full Time – 37 hours per week
Location: Service Headquarters, Calcot, Reading
Excellent annual leave allowance of 25 days, flexible working, onsite gym, parking facilities and a Local Government Pension Scheme are available.
About the role:
This is an excellent opportunity to join Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service (RBFRS) as a Finance Officer. The successful candidate will work across a range of functions within finance, gaining exposure to a variety of activities. The role supports the delivery of effective and efficient financial accounting services, ensuring compliance with financial regulations while contributing to the organisation’s financial planning, monitoring and reporting. The postholder will help ensure that all external reporting is completed accurately, efficiently, and within required deadlines. You will also be responsible for ensuring compliance with established procedures relating to employee expense claims, RBFRS banking transactions, and procurement card administration. A key aspect of the role is delivering excellent customer service to all RBFRS stakeholders, responding to enquiries promptly, professionally, and courteously.
About you:
As a Finance Officer reporting to the Exchequer and Systems Manager, you will be a key member of the Finance function, working with a high level of accuracy and professionalism. Specifically, we are seeking a motivated individual with a strong foundation in finance who can manage competing priorities, meet deadlines and work both independently and collaboratively within a small team.
Key Responsibilities and Deliverables:
- To provide efficient and effective Finance administration and services to the organisation and to maintain accurate financial records directed.
- Support budget setting, forecasting, monitoring and financial reporting cycles.
- Provide financial advice and respond to queries from internal and external stakeholders.
- Dealing with basic internal and external customer suppliers queries.
- Process and monitor expenses, mileage claims and procurement card activity.
Key role requirements (knowledge, skills and experience):
- Knowledge of accounting practices, accounts payable and receivable processes, payroll regulations and VAT.
- Knowledge of pension fund accounting and reporting.
- Competent with Microsoft Excel, Word, Access and Outlook.
- Ability to perform reconciliations of financial accounts and ability to solve and find effective solutions.
Finance Officer in Reading employer: Networking Women in the Fire Service
Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service offers a supportive and dynamic work environment for Finance Officers, with a strong emphasis on employee well-being and professional development. Located in Calcot, Reading, employees benefit from flexible working hours, an excellent annual leave allowance, and access to onsite facilities such as a gym and parking. The organisation fosters a culture of collaboration and customer service excellence, ensuring that team members are equipped to thrive in their roles while contributing to the community's safety and financial integrity.
Contact Details:
Networking Women in the Fire Service Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Officer in Reading
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
✨Get Certified
Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.
✨Connect on Professional Platforms
Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like Networking Women in the Fire Service. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Finance Officer in Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to Networking Women in the Fire Service.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on Networking Women in the Fire Service's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Networking Women in the Fire Service
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with Networking Women in the Fire Service.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at Networking Women in the Fire Service will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former Networking Women in the Fire Service employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.
