At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the Group Accounting team and gain hands-on experience in modern finance.
- Company: Join a growing retail and consumer goods business embracing innovation and technology.
- Benefits: Study support for professional qualifications, hybrid working, and clear career progression.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities to contribute new ideas and improve processes.
- Why this job: Be part of a team shaping the future of finance with AI and automation.
- Qualifications: Strong academic background and some finance or accounting experience required.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 32000 £ per year.
Graduate Finance Executive Scheme Retail & Consumer Goods Croydon (Hybrid Working)
The Opportunity
We're partnering with a growing retail and consumer goods business that is embracing innovation, data, and AI to shape the future of its finance function. As part of the Group Accounting team, you'll gain exposure to multiple entities across the business, building a strong foundation in accounting while developing the commercial, analytical, and technological skills needed for a successful finance career. This is an excellent opportunity for a recent graduate or someone in the early stages of their finance career who is naturally curious, enjoys working with data, and wants to be part of a business that actively encourages new ideas and smarter ways of working.
What You'll Be Doing
- Supporting a modern finance function that is leveraging AI, automation, and technology to improve efficiency and decision-making
- Posting journals and developing a strong understanding of accounting fundamentals, including debits and credits
- Assisting with month-end reporting and group accounting activities
- Preparing balance sheet reconciliations and investigating variances
- Supporting intercompany reconciliations across multiple entities
- Working with financial and operational data to identify trends and provide meaningful insights
- Assisting with audit requests and maintaining accurate financial records
- Reviewing existing processes and identifying opportunities for improvement
- Contributing ideas around automation, AI adoption, and smarter ways of working
- Building relationships across the business and developing a broader understanding of commercial finance
About You
We're looking for someone who combines strong academic ability with curiosity, adaptability, and a genuine interest in how technology is transforming the finance profession. You'll likely have:
- A strong academic background, ideally achieving a 2:1 degree or above
- Around 6-12 months of finance or accounting experience through employment, placement year, or internship
- A solid understanding of accounting fundamentals, including debits and credits
- Started, or be planning to start, a professional qualification such as ACA, ACCA, or CIMA
- Strong Excel and analytical skills
- Excellent attention to detail and a methodical approach to work
- A high level of AQ (Adaptability Quotient) and a willingness to embrace change
- A genuine interest in AI, automation, and emerging technologies
- The confidence to ask questions, challenge existing processes, and contribute new ideas
- A growth mindset and a desire to continuously learn and develop
What's on Offer
- Study support towards ACA, ACCA, or CIMA
- Exposure to group accounting across a multi-entity business
- A supportive and collaborative team environment
- Clear progression and long-term career development opportunities
- Hands-on experience with data, technology, and modern finance processes
- The opportunity to help shape a finance function that is embracing AI and innovation
- Hybrid working and a strong focus on professional development
Financial Assistant - Retail in Croydon employer: New Avenues
Join a forward-thinking retail and consumer goods business in Croydon, where innovation and technology are at the forefront of our finance function. As a Financial Assistant, you'll benefit from a supportive and collaborative work culture that prioritises professional development, offering study support for ACA, ACCA, or CIMA qualifications, and clear pathways for career progression. Embrace the opportunity to work with data and AI, contributing to meaningful improvements while building a strong foundation in accounting within a dynamic environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Financial Assistant - Retail in Croydon
✨Get Involved with Campus Finance Societies
Join your university's finance or investment society — they're a goldmine for networking, guest lectures, and career fairs. These societies often host employers looking for entry-level talent like you, so get involved and make yourself known!
✨Attend Industry Workshops and Webinars
Look for workshops and webinars focused on banking and financial services. These events not only boost your knowledge but also let you connect with industry professionals who could help you land that entry-level role at places like New Avenues.
✨Leverage LinkedIn for Informational Interviews
Take advantage of LinkedIn to reach out to professionals working in banking, especially those who've started in entry-level positions. Politely ask for a quick chat about their experience and any advice they might have on breaking into the field.
✨Apply Directly through Company Websites
Don't just rely on job boards. Head directly to New Avenues's careers page and look for their entry-level openings. They might have opportunities that aren’t advertised widely, so keep checking back for new listings!
We think you need these skills to ace Financial Assistant - Retail in Croydon
Some tips for your application 🫡
Splash Your Skills on Your CV:In the banking and financial services realm, it's all about numbers and analysis. Make sure to highlight any relevant coursework, internships, or projects where you've used skills like financial modelling, data analysis, or risk assessment. Show us you can crunch those numbers!
Educational Achievements Matter:For an entry-level role, your grades and academic accomplishments are key. If you have any certifications, like CFA Level 1 or something similar, don’t forget to include them. We love seeing ambition and commitment to the industry, so flaunt those achievements!
Craft a Personal Touch in Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to show us your enthusiasm for banking and finance! Share why you're passionate about the industry and how your studies or previous experiences have prepared you for this role. We want to see that spark and motivation!
Use the Right Format and Language:In banking, clarity is king. Use a clean, professional format for your CV and cover letter. Make sure to avoid jargon, but don’t shy away from technical terms where appropriate – just keep it all clear and easy to read. Let’s see your professionalism shine through!
How to prepare for a job interview at New Avenues
✨Brush Up on Your Financial Knowledge
Since you're diving into the banking and financial services industry, make sure you're up to speed with current market trends and financial concepts. Be prepared to discuss things like interest rates and investment strategies, as you might get some technical questions that gauge your understanding.
✨Show Off Your Analytical Skills
Analytical skills are key in banking, so be ready to showcase how you've used them in your studies or any relevant projects. Prepare to tackle case studies or hypothetical financial scenarios during the interview that require you to analyse data and make informed decisions.
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
As this is an entry-level role, they’ll likely look for how well you can collaborate and fit into their team. Think of examples from group projects or internships where you successfully worked with others. It'll help show that you're keen to learn and grow in a team-oriented environment.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
Approach your interview with curiosity! Prepare insightful questions that reflect your knowledge of the industry, such as asking about the latest technology being implemented in their services. It shows you're genuinely interested in the company's operations and future.
