At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage day-to-day bookkeeping and support month-end processes in a dynamic finance team.
- Company: Established UK business with a collaborative and fast-paced work environment.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hands-on experience, and opportunity for professional growth.
- Other info: Opportunity for career development in a varied and engaging position.
- Why this job: Join a supportive team and make a real impact on financial operations.
- Qualifications: Experience in finance roles and strong bookkeeping skills required.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 40000 £ per year.
Our client is a well‑established and successful UK business seeking an experienced Senior Finance Assistant to join their finance team on a maternity cover contract. This is a fantastic opportunity for a hands‑on finance professional who enjoys working across a broad range of accounting responsibilities within a collaborative and fast‑paced environment. Reporting directly to the Finance Director, you will play a key role in supporting the smooth running of the finance function, taking ownership of day‑to‑day accounting activities while contributing to month‑end processes and financial controls. This role would suit someone who thrives in a varied position, enjoys working independently, and is confident managing multiple finance processes simultaneously.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage day‑to‑day bookkeeping and accounting activities
- Process sales ledger and purchase ledger transactions accurately and efficiently
- Prepare and support supplier payment runs
- Record and reconcile customer receipts
- Maintain accurate financial records using Sage 200
- Monitor outstanding debtors and manage credit control activities
- Support month‑end reporting and financial close procedures
- Assist with VAT returns, audit preparation, and compliance requirements
- Produce and maintain financial reports, schedules, and trackers
- Build and maintain positive relationships with customers, suppliers, and internal stakeholders
- Support ongoing process improvements and financial controls
- Assist with multi‑currency and intercompany transactions where required
About You
- Previous experience in a Senior Accounts Assistant, Finance Coordinator, Accounts Supervisor, or similar all‑round finance role
- Strong bookkeeping and accounting knowledge across sales ledger, purchase ledger, banking, and credit control
- Experience working within a small finance team or managing finance processes independently
- Proven experience using Sage 200
- Experience with receivables finance or factoring arrangements
- A strong understanding of financial controls and accounting procedures
- Excellent attention to detail and organisational skills
- The ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines
- Strong communication skills and a proactive, solutions‑focused approach
Desirable Skills
- Multi‑currency accounting experience
- AAT qualification or equivalent practical accounting experience
- Experience within a commercially focused business environment
Plum Personnel is an equal opportunities employer.
Senior Finance Assistant employer: Plum Personnel
Join a well-established UK business as a Senior Finance Assistant in Hersham, where you will thrive in a collaborative and fast-paced environment. With a focus on employee growth and development, the company offers a supportive culture that values your contributions while providing opportunities to enhance your skills in finance. Enjoy competitive remuneration and the chance to work closely with experienced professionals, making this an excellent place for meaningful and rewarding employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Finance Assistant
✨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 Plum Personnel.
✨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 Plum Personnel 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 Senior Finance Assistant
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 Plum Personnel 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 Plum Personnel. 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 Plum Personnel confidence in your short-term commitment to the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Plum Personnel
✨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 Plum Personnel.
✨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 Plum Personnel 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.
