Finance Assistant in Belfast

Closing date: 17th June 2026

Finance Assistant

Location: Adelaide Street, Belfast

Type: Temporary (Approx 6 weeks)

Salary: £14.36 per hour

Hours: 37 hours per week

Main Purpose: To be responsible to the Finance Officer (Cashier Service) for the delivery of a quality cashier service. To assist with managing the council's cash resources and bank accounts in line with the needs of user departments.

Main Roles and Responsibilities:

• To assist the Finance Officer (Cashier Service) with tasks relating to the management of the cashier service including its bank accounts.
• To assist the Finance Officer (Cashier Service) with the updating of appropriate policies, regulations and legislation.
• To provide advice and guidance to user departments and suppliers with regard to the cashier service.
• To liaise with the appropriate bank(s) under the direction of the Finance Officer (Cashier Service) with regard to banking facilities and queries.
• To administer payroll deductions and ensure timely payment to recipients, for example, Inland Revenue, NILGOSC, Trade Unions and other relevant bodies.
• To process payments in relation to Accounts Payable and Payroll transactions.
• To assist with the administration and preparation of statistical reports relating to the Cashiers Imprest Bank Account, Euro Bank Account and other bank accounts relevant to the cashier service.
• To assist the Finance Officer (Cashier Service) with maintaining, updating and monitoring a list of the council's bank accounts.
• To assist with the Bankers Automatic Clearing Systems (BACS) on behalf of the council by liaising with the sponsor, BACS and Digital Services in respect of new developments.
• To assist with the implementation of best value and quality improvements.
• To make recommendations to the Finance Officer (Cashier Service) with regard to developing and improving the service.
• To participate in all induction and in-service training provided by Belfast City Council and in the induction and support of all newly appointed staff and other human resource management policies and procedures, as appropriate, including absence management, disciplinary and grievance procedure.
• To act in accordance with the council and departmental policies and procedures including customer care, equal opportunities, health and safety, safeguarding and any pertinent legislation.
• To undertake the duties in such a way as to enhance and protect the reputation and public profile of the council.
• To undertake such other relevant duties as may from time to time be required.

Essential Criteria:

Applicants must, as at the closing date for receipt of application forms, be able to demonstrate, by providing personal and specific examples on the application form, at least one year's relevant experience in each of the following areas:

• Working in a financial environment and dealing with reconciliation of payments in a large public or private sector organisation.
• Using Microsoft Office IT applications and financial packages used for the processing of BACS payments.
• Working in a busy office environment as part of a team, using prioritisation skills to adhere to strict deadlines.

Special skills and attributes:

Applicants must be able to demonstrate evidence of the following special skills and attributes which may be tested at interview:

• Technical knowledge: An understanding of financial procedures, including bank reconciliations and loans fund administration.
• Communication skills: The ability to effectively communicate with colleagues and line management, both orally and in writing.
• Work planning and organisational skills: Proven organisational ability and the ability to work on their own initiative.
• Analysis and decision-making skills: The ability to make effective decisions about individuals working to achieve operational objectives.
• Information technology skills: The ability to use standard Microsoft Office programmes, including word processing, spreadsheets and databases, and ability to use financial software packages.
• Team working and leadership skills: The ability to effectively lead and work within a team to meet objectives.
• Customer care skills: An awareness of the importance of responding to the needs of both internal and external customers and of the need to create a good impression to enhance and protect the image of the council.

Platinum Recruitment NI Ltd is an equal opportunities employer and a Corporate Member of the Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC). Platinum Recruitment NI Ltd adheres to all current employment legislation. We reserve the right to close vacancies earlier than the specified date, should we receive sufficient applications. If interested, please send your CV as early as possible. Please note only those candidates shortlisted may be contacted. Applicants must be authorised to work in the UK and Ireland. We are unable to sponsor or take over the sponsorship of an employment visa at this time. Successful candidates may need to apply for an Access NI Certificate with Platinum Recruitment NI Ltd regardless if you already have a valid certificate. It will be a cost of between £16 - £32 depending on clearance level.