Finance Assistant (Maternity Cover)

Finance Assistant (Maternity Cover)

Temporary 24000 - 28000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
North Star Community Trust Ltd

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Process financial transactions and support smooth operations across our academies.
  • Company: Join a caring Multi-Academy Trust dedicated to education and community.
  • Benefits: Supportive work environment, professional development, and a chance to make a difference.
  • Other info: Fixed-term maternity cover with potential for growth in a positive culture.
  • Why this job: Gain valuable finance experience while contributing to the education sector.
  • Qualifications: A Level education or equivalent; finance experience preferred.

The predicted salary is between 24000 - 28000 £ per year.

We are seeking a Finance Assistant to join our central finance team within a Multi‑Academy Trust supporting our academies. This is a key operational role, responsible for the accurate and timely processing of financial transactions, including purchase orders, supplier invoices, payments and income processing, in line with Trust policies and procedures.

Working closely with the Finance Team, you will help ensure strong financial controls, up‑to‑date records and efficient supplier and creditor management, supporting the smooth running of financial operations across all academies. This is a fixed‑term maternity cover contract, anticipated to last approximately 12 months, subject to the return of the substantive postholder.

What we are looking for

We are looking for someone with strong attention to detail and good organisational skills. You will have experience of working in a finance, administrative or education setting, including processing financial transactions such as purchase orders, invoices and payments and maintaining accurate financial records. You will be educated to A Level standard or equivalent and ideally working towards an AAT Level 2 or 3 qualification. You will be confident using IT systems, able to work accurately to deadlines and comfortable handling financial data and supporting routine finance processes. You will also be confident communicating with colleagues and suppliers, and committed to providing a high‑quality, reliable support service across the Trust.

What we offer

We are committed to being a supportive, caring and rewarding place to work and learn, and to being an employer of choice.

Safeguarding statement

We are fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff to share this commitment. As part of our recruitment process, the successful candidate will be required to undergo safer recruitment checks, including enhanced clearance through the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and any other pre‑employment checks relevant to their role.

Equal opportunities

We are committed to fostering a positive and inclusive working culture that reflects our Trust's ethos of being ‘Stronger Together.’ The Trust is committed to promoting equality of opportunity for all. It aims to create a working environment in which all individuals are able to make best use of their skills, free from discrimination or harassment, and in which all decisions are based on merit.

Finance Assistant (Maternity Cover) employer: North Star Community Trust Ltd

Join our Multi-Academy Trust as a Finance Assistant and experience a supportive and inclusive work culture that prioritises employee growth and development. With a commitment to safeguarding and promoting welfare, we offer a rewarding environment where your contributions directly support the financial operations of our academies. Enjoy the benefits of working in a collaborative team, with opportunities for professional advancement while making a meaningful impact in the education sector.

North Star Community Trust Ltd

Contact Details:

North Star Community Trust Ltd Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Finance Assistant (Maternity Cover)

Join Financial Networking Events

Jump into local finance meetups and conferences — they’re a goldmine for temporary roles in banking and financial services. You can chat with industry professionals and even get leads on upcoming opportunities that might not be posted online yet.

Utilise Temp Agencies Specialised in Finance

Reach out to temp agencies that focus on the banking sector. They often have strong ties with various firms and can help you secure short-term gigs that can help beef up your CV and get your foot in the door at firms like North Star Community Trust Ltd.

Connect with Alumni from Your Uni

Don't underestimate the power of your university’s alumni network. Many former students are working in banking and can help you find temporary roles or even offer mentorship. Reach out directly or attend alumni events to broaden your circle.

Stay Active on Job Boards and Company Websites

Keep your eyes peeled on job boards specifically for finance roles. Companies like North Star Community Trust Ltd might post temporary positions directly on their sites, so make sure to apply there too. Set alerts to catch those roles the moment they go live!

We think you need these skills to ace Finance Assistant (Maternity Cover)

Communication Skills
Problem-Solving Skills
Attention to Detail
Organizational Skills
Time Management
Flexibility
Adaptability

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Off Your Academic Achievements:In banking and financial services, your academic record can really make you stand out. List relevant grades, certifications, or coursework on your CV, especially if you've taken finance-related modules. This is particularly important for a temporary role where qualifications can help you shine even brighter!

Highlight Relevant Experience:If you’ve done any internships, part-time roles, or even coursework that aligns with banking or finance, make sure you include those! Showcase specific tasks where you used quantitative skills or analytical thinking, as this is what the hiring managers at North Star Community Trust Ltd will be keen to see in your application.

Tailor Your Cover Letter Purposefully:When writing your cover letter, focus on why you’re interested in a temporary position at North Star Community Trust Ltd. Let them know how you can quickly adapt to the team's needs and how eager you are to learn the ropes of the banking sector during this short stint. Your motivation and enthusiasm could really set you apart!

Be Prepared with References:For temporary roles, references can play a crucial role in your application. Make sure you’ve got a couple of references lined up who can vouch for your skills and work ethic. This helps to give North Star Community Trust Ltd confidence in your short-term commitment to the role.

How to prepare for a job interview at North Star Community Trust Ltd

Brush Up on Financial Regulations

Since this is a role in banking and financial services, be ready to discuss key regulations like MiFID, Basel III, or GDPR. These are hot topics, and your awareness of how they impact daily operations can give you a significant edge during your interview with North Star Community Trust Ltd.

Showcase Your Analytical Skills

Prepare for interview questions that assess your analytical abilities. You might need to tackle hypothetical scenarios involving risk assessment or financial forecasting. Bringing examples of relevant projects or coursework can emphasise your practical understanding of these concepts.

Highlight Flexibility and Adaptability

For a temporary role, showing that you can quickly pick up new processes and tools is crucial. Be ready to discuss previous experiences where you had to adapt to changing requirements or tight deadlines, as this will reassure North Star Community Trust Ltd that you’re a reliable team player.

Demonstrate a Willingness to Learn

In a temporary position, leaning into your eagerness to learn can really set you apart. Be prepared to share how you’re staying updated on industry trends or any additional training you've pursued. Employers appreciate candidates who are proactive about their development—even for short-term roles.