Assistant Finance Manager in Northampton

Assistant Finance Manager in Northampton

Northampton Full-Time 35000 - 45000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Restaurant Associates UK

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Manage finance operations and support teams with accurate financial reporting.
  • Company: Join a high-profile operations centre in Brackley with a focus on teamwork.
  • Benefits: Enjoy free meals, gym access, wellness facilities, and exclusive discounts.
  • Other info: Embrace diversity and grow with excellent career development opportunities.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in finance while developing your career in a supportive environment.
  • Qualifications: Part-qualified accountant with 2+ years in finance management and strong analytical skills.

The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.

This is an exciting opportunity to join a high-profile operations centre in Brackley. You will play a key role in delivering accurate, proactive financial information and control across site operations, supporting both Finance and Operational teams. The role is central to ensuring robust reporting, strong financial governance, and continuous improvement in processes as part of a wider “One Compass” UK Finance Function. You will also support and develop a small on-site finance team, driving performance, consistency, and service excellence.

What You’ll Be Doing

  • Managing one supervisor and overseeing day-to-day finance operations, including people, systems, and compliance
  • Leading weekly bookwork close and ensuring accurate and timely financial reporting
  • Maintaining local finance systems (including cashless/back-office systems) and ensuring data integrity
  • Supporting monthly close in SAP, including accruals, prepayments, and financial adjustments
  • Producing daily, weekly, and monthly management reports, including P&L, payroll, and flash reporting
  • Managing reconciliation processes including tills, vending machines, prepayment cards, and cash shortages
  • Overseeing vendor management, profit protection, and ensuring correct use of approved suppliers
  • Managing Nexus weekly close process, including issue resolution and coordination with operational teams
  • Maintaining reporting timetables, deadlines, and coordination with Heads of Departments
  • Supporting stock reporting, stock management, and commercial analysis
  • Partnering with operational teams to provide clear financial insight for decision‑making
  • Contributing to team development through coaching, feedback, and task delegation

What You Need To Succeed

  • Part-qualified accountant (CIMA / ACCA / ACA) with 2–3 exams remaining
  • Minimum 2+ years’ experience in an Assistant Finance Manager or similar role
  • Strong management accounting experience, including journals, accruals, prepayments, and reporting
  • Experience producing financial reports and analysis to support commercial decision‑making
  • Full exposure to P&L and balance sheet reporting
  • Strong analytical skills with high attention to detail
  • Experience partnering with non-finance stakeholders in an operational environment
  • Confident communicator, able to explain financial information clearly to operational teams
  • Comfortable working to tight deadlines in a fast‑paced environment

Desirable

  • Advanced Excel skills (including macros/VBA)
  • Experience with SAP and financial reporting systems
  • Experience training or mentoring junior team members
  • Strong presentation and communication skills
  • Adaptable, proactive, and open to new ways of working

Benefits

  • Free meals
  • Free on-site gym
  • Onsite free car parking
  • Wellness facilities
  • Contributory pension scheme
  • Grow your career with our Career Pathways and MyLearning programmes
  • Quick access for you and your immediate family to a Digital GP, and wider healthcare benefits
  • Exclusive travel discounts with TUI, Expedia, Booking.com and many more
  • Save money on your food shop with discounts on Tesco, Sainsbury's, Morrisons and many more
  • Up to 44% off cinema tickets to enjoy your favourite blockbuster
  • Receive cash rewards every time you spend and use them on a wide range of brands
  • Un-wind with us with free wellness, mindfulness and exercise classes
  • You can share all discounts and offers with your friends and families

Compass Group UK&I is committed to fostering an environment where every individual can truly be themselves at work and has equal opportunities to advance in their careers. We strive to build a culture that respects and celebrates the unique talents, beliefs, backgrounds, and abilities of all our team members. We want our colleagues to feel valued, empowered to reach their full potential, and to thrive - because diversity is our strength!

Assistant Finance Manager in Northampton employer: Restaurant Associates UK

At Compass Group UK&I, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture in Brackley that champions diversity and personal growth. As an Assistant Finance Manager, you will benefit from a comprehensive rewards package, including free meals, wellness facilities, and career development programmes, all while working in a supportive environment that values your contributions and fosters professional advancement.

Restaurant Associates UK

Contact Details:

Restaurant Associates UK Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Assistant Finance Manager in Northampton

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 Restaurant Associates UK. 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 Finance Manager in Northampton

Management Accounting
Financial Reporting
Data Integrity
SAP
P&L Reporting
Balance Sheet Reporting
Analytical Skills

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 Restaurant Associates UK.

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 Restaurant Associates UK'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 Restaurant Associates UK

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 Restaurant Associates UK.

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 Restaurant Associates UK 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 Restaurant Associates UK 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.