At a Glance
- Tasks: Support a small finance team with day-to-day accounting and administrative tasks.
- Company: Join a trusted leader in advertising, film, and television.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience in a dynamic industry with growth opportunities.
- Other info: Collaborate closely with a passionate team in a fast-paced environment.
- Why this job: Kickstart your finance career while working on exciting projects in media.
- Qualifications: Relevant qualifications or exposure to accounting; strong numerical and analytical skills.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Grow your career whilst supporting a small finance team and step into a key role managing day‑to‑day accounting and administrative tasks.
THE COMPANY
Our client is a trusted industry leader, delivering high-quality work across advertising, film and television. They are a valued partner to leading directors, agencies and global brands.
THE ROLE
As a Junior Accounts Assistant, you will support day‑to‑day financial operations, ensuring supplier invoices, expenses and payments are processed accurately and efficiently.
- Maintain supplier accounts through matching purchase orders, reconciling statements and resolving queries promptly.
- Oversee billing and credit control by raising client invoices, monitoring debtors and supporting timely collections.
- Keep financial records up to date including ledgers, employee expenses and credit card activity.
- Support reporting and analysis by assisting with financial reports, statements, budgets and management insights.
- Assist month‑end and year‑end processes to ensure accurate financial outputs.
- Work cross‑functionally with internal teams to gather financial data and ensure compliance with company policies.
- Support VAT and audit preparation by helping compile documentation and maintain audit‑ready records.
- Contribute to finance projects and provide flexible support across the team as needed.
THE PERSON
You should have relevant qualifications or prior exposure to accounting or finance. Strong numerical ability, analytical thinking and excellent attention to detail are essential, along with confidence working with accounting software, MS Excel and ideally Sage 50.
It is important you feel comfortable managing your workload independently while also collaborating closely with a small finance team in a fast‑paced environment. The ability to balance multiple deadlines while staying organised is key. An eagerness to learn, develop and grow your career in finance is important, as is a genuine interest in the TV and entertainment industry.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Searchlight only advertises active roles. Your details will be sent directly to the Consultant who is handling this role. We aim to respond to candidates within 14 days.
Finance Assistant - Media - O5273 in London employer: Searchlight
SEARCHLIGHT offers an exciting opportunity for a Junior Finance Assistant to join a vibrant media team in London, where creativity meets finance. With a strong emphasis on employee growth, the company fosters a collaborative work culture that encourages learning and development within the dynamic TV and entertainment sector. Employees benefit from hands-on experience, mentorship, and a supportive environment that values innovation and teamwork.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Assistant - Media - O5273 in London
✨Get Involved with Campus Finance Societies
Join your university's finance or investment society — they're a goldmine for networking, guest lectures, and career fairs. These societies often host employers looking for entry-level talent like you, so get involved and make yourself known!
✨Attend Industry Workshops and Webinars
Look for workshops and webinars focused on banking and financial services. These events not only boost your knowledge but also let you connect with industry professionals who could help you land that entry-level role at places like Searchlight.
✨Leverage LinkedIn for Informational Interviews
Take advantage of LinkedIn to reach out to professionals working in banking, especially those who've started in entry-level positions. Politely ask for a quick chat about their experience and any advice they might have on breaking into the field.
✨Apply Directly through Company Websites
Don't just rely on job boards. Head directly to Searchlight's careers page and look for their entry-level openings. They might have opportunities that aren’t advertised widely, so keep checking back for new listings!
We think you need these skills to ace Finance Assistant - Media - O5273 in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Splash Your Skills on Your CV:In the banking and financial services realm, it's all about numbers and analysis. Make sure to highlight any relevant coursework, internships, or projects where you've used skills like financial modelling, data analysis, or risk assessment. Show us you can crunch those numbers!
Educational Achievements Matter:For an entry-level role, your grades and academic accomplishments are key. If you have any certifications, like CFA Level 1 or something similar, don’t forget to include them. We love seeing ambition and commitment to the industry, so flaunt those achievements!
Craft a Personal Touch in Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to show us your enthusiasm for banking and finance! Share why you're passionate about the industry and how your studies or previous experiences have prepared you for this role. We want to see that spark and motivation!
Use the Right Format and Language:In banking, clarity is king. Use a clean, professional format for your CV and cover letter. Make sure to avoid jargon, but don’t shy away from technical terms where appropriate – just keep it all clear and easy to read. Let’s see your professionalism shine through!
How to prepare for a job interview at Searchlight
✨Brush Up on Your Financial Knowledge
Since you're diving into the banking and financial services industry, make sure you're up to speed with current market trends and financial concepts. Be prepared to discuss things like interest rates and investment strategies, as you might get some technical questions that gauge your understanding.
✨Show Off Your Analytical Skills
Analytical skills are key in banking, so be ready to showcase how you've used them in your studies or any relevant projects. Prepare to tackle case studies or hypothetical financial scenarios during the interview that require you to analyse data and make informed decisions.
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
As this is an entry-level role, they’ll likely look for how well you can collaborate and fit into their team. Think of examples from group projects or internships where you successfully worked with others. It'll help show that you're keen to learn and grow in a team-oriented environment.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
Approach your interview with curiosity! Prepare insightful questions that reflect your knowledge of the industry, such as asking about the latest technology being implemented in their services. It shows you're genuinely interested in the company's operations and future.
