At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our Finance team to process purchase ledger transactions and provide excellent customer service.
- Company: Sandwell College, a supportive and forward-thinking education environment.
- Benefits: Enjoy 35-50 days off, competitive pay, and exclusive discounts on services.
- Other info: Access wellness support and celebrate your achievements with recognition events.
- Why this job: Kickstart your finance career in a dynamic role with great growth opportunities.
- Qualifications: GCSEs in English and Maths, plus experience in finance or accounting.
The predicted salary is between 27900 - 34100 £ per year.
Are you an organised and detail-oriented finance professional looking to develop your career within a supportive and forward-thinking education environment? Sandwell College is seeking a Finance Assistant (Purchase Ledger) to join our Finance team. This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in the day-to-day operation of our Finance department, ensuring the accurate processing of purchase ledger transactions while providing excellent customer service to colleagues, suppliers and stakeholders. Working closely with the Financial Accountant and wider Finance team, you will help maintain robust financial processes and contribute to the efficient delivery of finance services across the College.
Responsibilities
- Process purchase ledger invoices accurately and efficiently
- Respond to supplier queries by telephone, email and face-to-face, resolving issues promptly and professionally
- Process supplier payment runs in line with College financial procedures
- Process credit card transactions and support cash office banking activities
- Assist with bank reconciliations when required
- Receive cash and card payments
- Support month-end and year-end financial processes
- Provide guidance and training to colleagues on finance systems and financial procedures
- Manage the Finance team's telephone enquiries and shared email inbox
- Assist with budget setting and budget monitoring activities
- Support the sales ledger function when required, including raising invoices and assisting with debt collection
Skills, Knowledge And Expertise
- GCSEs (or equivalent), including English and Maths
- Experience of working within an accounting or finance environment
- Experience using computerised accounting systems
- Strong Microsoft Excel skills
- Excellent communication and customer service skills
- Strong organisational and administrative abilities
- Excellent accuracy and attention to detail
- The ability to prioritise work and meet tight deadlines
- A proactive approach with the ability to work both independently and as part of a team
- A recognised accounting qualification, or be working towards one, would be advantageous
Benefits
- Top-Tier Salaries – We offer sector-leading pay with some of the most competitive salaries around
- Unbeatable Time Off – Enjoy 35-50 days of annual leave, plus 8 bank holidays AND extra time off at Christmas
- Fast-Track Your Career – Take advantage of dedicated development days, career pathways, and talent schemes designed to help you grow and succeed
- Cycle to Work Scheme – A healthier, greener, and more cost-effective way to commute
- Exclusive Discounts on Onsite Services – Save on Bliss Hair & Beauty Salon, dog grooming, car health checks, and more
- Fitness Perks – Enjoy our college gym facilities or discounted rates at local gyms
- Generous Pension Contributions – We invest in your future with 23.68% employer contribution for teaching roles and 21.5% for non-teaching roles
- Retail & Travel Discounts – Unlock exclusive savings on high street brands, local transport, cross-country travel
- Free Will Writing – We’ve got your back with professional support for your future planning
- Free Flu Vaccine – Stay healthy and protected at no cost to you
- Wellbeing Support – Access confidential counselling services and wellness platforms to support your mental and emotional health
- We Celebrate You! – We recognise and appreciate your hard work with awards, recognition events, and celebration days throughout the year.
Finance Assistant - Purchase Ledger in West Bromwich employer: onlyFE
Sandwell College is an exceptional employer that prioritises the growth and well-being of its staff within a vibrant educational environment. With competitive salaries, generous leave policies, and a strong focus on professional development, employees are empowered to thrive both personally and professionally. The college's commitment to work-life balance, alongside unique benefits such as fitness perks and wellbeing support, makes it an attractive place for finance professionals looking to make a meaningful impact.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Assistant - Purchase Ledger in West Bromwich
✨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 onlyFE. 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 Assistant - Purchase Ledger in West Bromwich
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 onlyFE.
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 onlyFE'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 onlyFE
✨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 onlyFE.
✨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 onlyFE 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 onlyFE 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.
