At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the finance team with management accounting and financial reporting.
- Company: Join Places for People, a leading UK Social Enterprise focused on community spirit.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, 35 days holiday, healthcare support, and ongoing training.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for professional development and a focus on wellbeing.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in finance while growing your career in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Working towards a finance qualification and experience in budgeting or reporting.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
At Places for People, we hire People, not numbers! So, if you like the sound of one of our jobs, please apply - you could be just who we're looking for! Of course, experience and track record are important, but we're more interested in hiring someone that embodies our People Promises. That's someone that does the right thing, is enthusiastic and motivated to grow, believes in Community spirit, is respectful and enjoys their work. As the UK's leading Social Enterprise we're dedicated to creating inclusive and thriving Communities for both our Customers and Employees. So, what are you waiting for? Join a community that cares about you!
More about your role
You’ll support the Assets & Investments finance team by helping to deliver accurate and timely management accounting. You’ll produce monthly reporting packs including commentary and maintaining financial data across systems. You’ll analyse financial performance, investigate variances and support cost centre reporting, helping to ensure accuracy and insight across the business. You will attend monthly managing agent meetings and present the monthly financial results, discussing areas of risk and opportunity. You’ll also prepare monthly balance sheet reconciliations providing supporting information and resolve any unknown balances, assist with forecasts and business planning, and process journals such as accruals, prepayments and managing agent statements. Working closely with both finance and non-finance stakeholders, you’ll support the accuracy of financial information, contribute to improving processes and efficiencies, and ensure all transactions are recorded in line with accounting standards. This is an initial fixed term contract until October 2027 working out of Preston 2-3 days a week.
Essential criteria
- Working towards a finance qualification (e.g. AAT or equivalent) or relevant practical experience
- Experience supporting budgeting, forecasting or management reporting
- Experience preparing management accounts, including journal postings, balance sheet reconciliations and variance analysis
- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and financial systems
- Knowledge of accounting standards and finance processes (policies and procedures)
More about you
You’re building your career in finance and enjoy working with numbers, systems and data to support business decisions. You’re comfortable working across a variety of tasks, from reconciliations to reporting, and take pride in producing accurate and reliable work. You work well with others and are confident collaborating with both finance and non-finance colleagues to ensure information is correct and meaningful. You’re proactive in identifying issues, spotting opportunities for improvement and helping streamline processes. You’re organised, detail‑focused and keen to continue developing your technical accounting skills.
At Places for People we are committed to a safe working environment so a basic DBS check is mandatory.
Benefits
We are a large diverse and ambitious business, which will give you all the challenge you could wish for. We know that there's always more we can do to make you smile, that's why we offer a comprehensive benefits package with each role, yours will include:
- Competitive salary with regular annual review
- Pension with matched contributions up to 7%
- Bonus scheme for colleagues at 2%
- 35 days holiday (including bank holiday) with option to buy or sell days
- Healthcare cashback plan for everyday medical costs - up to £500 savings per year
- Access to wellbeing support such as counselling and flu jabs
- Private GP and health support services available
- Access to a rewards platform with retail and lifestyle discounts
- Savings on groceries, travel, shopping and home products
- Ongoing training and development opportunities
- Access to professional qualifications and career progression
- Internal development programmes and learning support
- Recognition schemes such as Star Awards and Colleagues Awards
- Strong focus on inclusion, wellbeing and colleague engagement
- Free membership to Places Gyms
Assistant Accountant - Assets & Investments in Preston employer: Places for People
At Places for People, we pride ourselves on being more than just an employer; we are a community that values each individual. With a strong commitment to employee growth, we offer extensive training and development opportunities, a competitive benefits package, and a supportive work culture that prioritises wellbeing and inclusion. Join us in Preston, where you can thrive in your finance career while making a meaningful impact in the communities we serve.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Accountant - Assets & Investments in Preston
✨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 Places for People. 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 Assistant Accountant - Assets & Investments in Preston
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 Places for People.
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 Places for People'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 Places for People
✨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 Places for People.
✨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 Places for People 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 Places for People 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.
