At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage bank reconciliations, support payment processing, and assist with cash management.
- Company: Join Scottish Friendly, a progressive mutual life insurance office with 160 years of history.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, 25 days annual leave, and hybrid working options.
- Other info: Dynamic team culture with opportunities for career growth and personal development.
- Why this job: Gain diverse finance experience and contribute to meaningful projects in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Part-qualified accountant or actively studying towards a professional qualification.
The predicted salary is between 23850 - 29150 £ per year.
Do you want to be part of something more than just a financial services business? Do you believe everyone, regardless of wealth, should have the opportunity to save and look after their loved ones? Do you want to be part of something that has been here for 160 years and help it be here for 160 more?
Scottish Friendly have an exciting opportunity to join our team. Based in Glasgow City Centre, we are one of the most progressive mutual life insurance offices in the UK. We have a strong, clear culture which has grown since 1862 with our customers and colleagues of today and the future being at the heart of that growth.
We\'re looking for an assistant accountant to join our Finance team on a 12 month fixed-term contract. This is a varied and broad finance role offering excellent exposure across payments, reconciliations, cash management and financial controls, making it an ideal opportunity for someone who is part qualified and looking to further develop their career.
We are seeking candidates with a few years\' experience within financial services and a strong background in month-end processes, posting journals and reconciliations. This role is not purely accounts payable and will suit someone who enjoys working across multiple areas of finance and contributing to continuous improvement initiatives.
The Role
Working as part of the Scottish Friendly Finance team, you will be responsible for managing bank reconciliations, supporting payment processing activities, and assisting with the cash management of key bank accounts across Scottish Friendly and its subsidiaries.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage and process a variety of financial transactions, ensuring accuracy and compliance with company procedures.
- Prepare timely and accurate bank reconciliations and monthly control account reconciliations for Scottish Friendly and its subsidiaries.
- Support daily banking activities, payment runs and cheque production.
- Upload financial data to the general ledger and reconcile information back to source systems.
- Monitor payment workflows, investigate discrepancies and work with internal stakeholders to ensure smooth payment operations.
- Assist with month-end processes, including reconciliation activities and control account reviews.
- Identify and implement process improvement opportunities across finance operations.
- Liaise with internal teams and external parties, including partners, reinsurers and auditors.
- Provide support on finance projects and business initiatives as required.
About You
To be successful in this role, you will have:
- Previous experience in a finance or accounting role within the financial services sector.
- Experience preparing monthly bank reconciliations and control account reconciliations.
- Experience taking accounts through to trial balance stage.
- Strong understanding of incoming and outgoing payment processing and associated accounting entries.
- Experience investigating and resolving reconciliation differences within high-volume transactional environments.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with excellent attention to detail.
- Advanced Excel skills and confidence working with financial data.
- The ability to prioritise workload effectively and meet deadlines.
- Strong communication skills and the ability to build relationships across the business.
- A proactive approach with the ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Part-qualified accountant (ACCA, CIMA or equivalent) or actively studying towards a professional qualification.
- Finance or Accountancy degree.
- Experience of banking payment cycles, including online banking platforms and cheque processing.
Why Join Scottish Friendly?
This is an excellent opportunity to gain exposure to a wide range of finance activities within a well-established financial services organisation. The role offers genuine variety, responsibility and the chance to get involved in projects and process improvements, making it ideal for someone looking to broaden their finance expertise and continue progressing their career.
With assets under management of over £4.2bn and more than 853,000 members we have lots to look after and lots more to do. If you want to be part of the team and you think this is you, we would love to hear from you.
We support life inside and outside work, offering:
Recognition awards: Win exciting prizes, including one weeks’ annual leave plus £3,000 spending money.
Refer-a-friend scheme: Earn rewards for bringing talented friends to our team.
Annual Leave: 25 days annual leave (rising to 28 with service) plus 8 bank holidays, and options to buy or sell extra days.
Supporting the future: 10% employer pension contribution, 4 x group life cover.
Getting around: Access to cycle-to-work schemes, Electric Vehicle scheme* and travel loans.
Wellbeing: 24/7 GP access, EAP, Private Healthcare, and free legal/financial advice a variety of savings at top high street and online retailers.
Hybrid model with up three remote days per week, totaling 35 hours per week Monday to Friday.
We are committed to creating an inclusive environment where all colleagues feel valued, respected and represented. If you require any accommodations during the application process, please don’t hesitate to let us know.
16 Blythswood SquareGlasgowG2 4HJUnited Kingdom
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Assistant Accountant 12 month FTC in Glasgow employer: Scottish Friendly
Scottish Friendly is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being of its employees and customers alike. Located in the heart of Glasgow City Centre, we offer a supportive and inclusive work culture, comprehensive training, and clear development opportunities, all while maintaining a stable work-life balance with no evening or weekend shifts. Join us to be part of a progressive mutual life insurance office that has been dedicated to its community for over 160 years, where every team member truly matters.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Accountant 12 month FTC in Glasgow
✨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.
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Keep your eyes peeled on job boards specifically for finance roles. Companies like Scottish Friendly 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 Assistant Accountant 12 month FTC in Glasgow
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 Scottish Friendly 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 Scottish Friendly. 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 Scottish Friendly confidence in your short-term commitment to the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Scottish Friendly
✨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 Scottish Friendly.
✨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 Scottish Friendly 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.
