At a Glance
- Tasks: Support financial services, manage cashflow, and assist with reporting and reconciliations.
- Company: Join Sandwell Council, a values-led organisation making a real impact in the community.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, excellent benefits, hybrid working, and strong focus on professional development.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace valuing diversity, with support for all employees to thrive.
- Why this job: Develop your finance career in a dynamic environment while making a difference to thousands.
- Qualifications: Studying towards AAT or equivalent, with experience in financial management preferred.
The predicted salary is between 36363 - 36363 £ per year.
Grade/Salary: Band E, SCP 18-25 (£31,537 - £36,363 per annum)
Contract Type: Full-time, Permanent
Working Pattern: 37 Hours, Monday - Friday
Location: Sandwell Council House, Freeth St Oldbury B69 3DE
Closing Date: 31/08/2026
Sandwell Council’s Finance Division is seeking a detail-oriented Finance Assistant to join its accounting team on a full-time, permanent basis, to be based from its Oldbury office. The organisation works to a hybrid working model of 3 days in the office and 2 days from home.
Reporting to an Assistant Finance Business Partner, you will play a key role in supporting the delivery of high-quality financial services across the organisation. This varied position offers the opportunity to contribute to daily treasury and cashflow operations, financial monitoring and reporting, ledger reconciliations, year-end accounts preparation, and the ongoing development of financial systems and processes. You will also provide financial advice and guidance to colleagues, support statutory and statistical reporting requirements, and help ensure strong financial controls are maintained.
The ideal candidate will have excellent numerical and analytical skills, strong attention to detail, and the ability to communicate effectively with a wide range of stakeholders. You will be organised, adaptable, and committed to delivering accurate work to challenging deadlines while contributing to continuous service improvement. This is an excellent opportunity for a finance professional looking to develop their career within a dynamic and supportive environment while gaining exposure to a broad range of financial management activities.
About the role
- Undertake the daily banking and cashflow process
- Monitor and address all correspondence within the Treasury Management inbox
- Undertake ledger maintenance and reconciliation
- Assist with the completion of statistical returns
- Monitor and update the signatory mandates and schedules
- Assist with the preparation of financial monitoring, including financial projections, to agreed (often challenging) timescales and standards
- Undertake financial year end activities in accordance with agreed processes and timescales
- Such other duties as may be appropriate to achieve the objectives of the post to assist the Thematic Area in the fulfilment of its objectives commensurate with the post holder's salary grade, abilities and aptitudes.
About you
- Actively studying towards the AAT qualification or equivalent
- Demonstratable experience gained in a financial management environment preferably at least some in a public sector environment
- Experience of using corporate financial and business systems
- Knowledge (preferably advanced) of and ability to utilise Microsoft office-based packages (e.g. power point, excel, word)
- Understanding of local authority finance, budgeting and accounting processes and procedures is preferable.
Why Sandwell Council?
At Sandwell Council, our work has a real impact. We are proud to be a values‑led organisation that supports its employees with excellent benefits, a competitive remuneration package, and a strong focus on development. By joining us, you’ll play a key role in delivering services that make a real and lasting difference to thousands of people across the borough.
If you are an internal candidate and currently at risk, please let the recruiting manager know.
We place equality, diversity and inclusion at the core of who we are and how we lead, where every voice matters. At Sandwell, we recognise and value the richness that comes from diverse lived experiences, perspectives, backgrounds and identities. This diversity makes us a stronger and more effective council.
We welcome applications from all backgrounds and are committed to building a workplace where everyone feels they belong, are treated fairly, and have the opportunity to thrive. Creating an environment where colleagues feel respected, supported and able to contribute fully is central to our culture and the way we work. We are committed to ensuring that all applicants and employees have equitable access to opportunities. Reasonable adjustments are available throughout the recruitment process and within the workplace so that everyone has the support they need to perform at their best and succeed in their role.
If you have any questions relating to equality, diversity, and inclusion, you can contact the EDI Team at EDI_Team@sandwell.gov.uk.
If you wish to apply as Care Leaver or a Disability Confident candidate, please make sure to state this when submitting your CV.
If you have a disability and require assistance in submitting your CV, please contact imran_butt@sandwell.gov.uk.
Finance Assistant in Oldbury employer: Sandwell Council
Sandwell Council is an excellent employer, offering a supportive and compassionate work environment within its award-winning Bereavement Services team. Employees benefit from a strong focus on customer service, opportunities for professional growth, and the chance to make a meaningful impact in the community during significant life events. The council's commitment to employee well-being and development makes it a rewarding place to work.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Assistant in Oldbury
✨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 Sandwell Council. 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 in Oldbury
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 Sandwell Council.
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 Sandwell Council'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 Sandwell Council
✨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 Sandwell Council.
✨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 Sandwell Council 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 Sandwell Council 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.
