At a Glance
- Tasks: Support finance operations, manage payments, invoicing, and assist with financial reporting.
- Company: Join a dynamic hospitality group known for creativity and quality.
- Benefits: Enjoy bonuses, health plans, discounts, and generous leave.
- Other info: Participate in fun social events and enjoy perks like free meals and volunteer days.
- Why this job: Kickstart your finance career in a fast-growing, supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Finance experience is a plus; strong organisational and communication skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 30000 £ per year.
About Us
This is an exciting opportunity to join a rapidly growing, privately owned group of hospitality, catering and event management businesses and brands: Caterers: Moving Venue and Last Supper Event Management: Story Events Smart Events: Smart Summer & Christmas Parties Venue: Evolution London. Quality, passion and integrity are at the core of everything we do, coupled with our inimitable drive, personality and pioneering creativity that comes from being an entrepreneurial organisation. We pride ourselves on delivering experiences that our customers love and that our team is proud to be associated with.
THE ROLE
We are looking for a highly organised, proactive and dependable individual to join our growing finance team in this newly created role. This is an exciting opportunity for someone looking to build a career in finance, offering exposure to a wide range of responsibilities across both finance and business operations. Working closely with the Accounts Payable and Receivable team, Management Accounts and the Group Finance Manager, you’ll support everything from supplier payments, expense processing and customer invoicing through to reporting, analysis, process improvements and ad hoc business projects. This role offers genuine variety, significant learning opportunities and the chance to develop your skills within a fast-growing and ambitious business.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide day-to-day support across all areas of the Finance function, including Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, and Cash Management, ensuring accurate processing of financial transactions and maintenance of up-to-date financial records.
- Manage supplier payments, customer invoicing, account reconciliations, credit control activities, and employee expense claims while responding to internal and external finance queries in a professional and timely manner.
- Support month-end and year-end close processes, audits, financial reporting requirements, and maintain finance documentation and filing systems in line with company policies, procedures, and financial controls.
- Provide cover for finance team members during annual leave and peak business periods, while contributing to finance projects, process improvement initiatives, and other ad hoc tasks as required.
What You’ll Bring
- Previous experience in a finance or accounts role is desirable.
- Experience within the hospitality, events, or catering sectors is advantageous but not essential.
- Experience using Sage accounting software is desirable.
- Comfortable working with document management systems (Paperless) and financial software, including Sage 200 and Salesforce.
- Proficient in Microsoft Excel and other Microsoft Office applications.
- Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
- Excellent attention to detail with a high level of accuracy.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build effective relationships with colleagues and external stakeholders.
- Positive, flexible, and willing to support the wider team whenever required.
- Collaborative team player with a proactive, can-do attitude.
Benefits
- Quarterly performance-related bonus.
- Access to the Medicash health plan, including dental and optical cover, a 24/7 mental health support helpline, and virtual wellbeing tools.
- Exclusive restaurant and bar discounts via the CODE app.
- Fresh, healthy breakfast and lunch served daily by our in-house chef.
- Generous annual leave entitlement (plus bank holidays), increasing with length of service.
- Free on-site parking at our Head Office and Unit 18–19 Bermondsey.
- Incentive trips for high-performing employees (this year’s destination was New York).
- Cycle to Work scheme.
- Recommend a Friend scheme, with rewards of up to £1,000 for successful referrals.
- Regular social events throughout the year.
- Two complimentary event tickets per year, plus discounted tickets for friends and family.
- Enhanced Maternity and Paternity Leave and Pay (subject to length of service).
- Interest-free travel loan.
- One paid volunteer day each year.
How To Apply
Apply today by emailing: talent@smartgroupltd.co.uk
SMART GROUP: FINANCE ASSISTANT employer: Smart Group Ltd
Smart Group is an exceptional employer that fosters a vibrant and dynamic work culture, where quality, passion, and integrity are at the forefront of our operations. As a rapidly growing, privately owned hospitality group, we offer our Finance Assistants not only a chance to develop their skills in a supportive environment but also access to generous benefits such as a quarterly performance bonus, health plans, and exclusive discounts. With opportunities for career growth and a commitment to employee wellbeing, Smart Group is the ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment in the finance sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land SMART GROUP: FINANCE ASSISTANT
✨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 Smart Group Ltd.
✨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 Smart Group Ltd'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 SMART GROUP: FINANCE ASSISTANT
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 Smart Group Ltd
✨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.
