At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the finance team with daily operations and member transactions.
- Company: Join Smart, a fintech revolutionising retirement and financial wellbeing.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, training budget, private healthcare, and more.
- Other info: Hybrid working, vibrant culture, and opportunities for personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a growing finance function while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Finance experience or studying AAT, ACCA, or CIMA preferred but not essential.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
At Smart, our mission is to transform retirement, savings and financial wellbeing, across all generations, around the world.
We are looking for an Accounts Assistant to support the Smart Pension Master Trust Finance team as we develop and expand our processes and capabilities. We’re looking for a reliable team player, who understands member transactions and is keen to learn and grow, as we seek to professionalise, integrate and build a high performing finance function within a Fintech environment. We’re on an ambitious growth path, so desire and ability to problem solve, with a constant improvement mindset is essential. The role will offer tremendous scope for personal development and opportunity to make a significant impact as we build a best-in-class finance function. Reporting to the Financial Controller – Smart Pension Master Trust, and supporting the Finance team, the Accounts Assistant will be based in London with the ability to work from home on a hybrid basis.
What you will do:
- Assist in the day-to-day running of the Master Trust finance functions.
- Processing of daily and monthly payrolls, liaising with 3rd party suppliers and engaging with internal stakeholders.
- Assisting with processing of member contributions, adhering to internal service level agreements for investment.
- Preparation of cashbook entries and journals in Netsuite, including payroll related journals.
- Cash management including monitoring and reconciliation of the scheme bank accounts.
- Preparation of other reconciliations within the team as required.
- Mailbox monitoring and responding to internal queries in a timely manner.
- Assist with the preparation of the quarterly administration report.
- Identify opportunities for continuous improvement and support system development with member experience in mind.
Who we are looking for:
- DB or DC pensions experience, or experience in a finance role.
- Currently studying or looking to study AAT, ACCA or CIMA (not essential).
- Experience of Microsoft suite of products including Excel and experience of G-Suite an advantage.
- A high level of diligence and attention to detail.
- Strong time management skills and the ability to work to tight deadlines.
- Proactive with a willingness to learn and a 'can do' attitude.
- Strong communication with high amounts of energy and drive.
- Experience in financial services or technology sectors is beneficial.
- Netsuite and/or Tableau experience beneficial.
Who we are:
We work in partnerships with governments and financial institutions in the UK and internationally. Our cloud-native digital platform is revolutionising how people around the world think about, and save for, their retirement. At heart, we’re a financial technology business. What we do is all about innovation, and using the power of digital change to put the customer first. Our Engineers will tell you that working at Smart gives you the opportunity to play your part in developing world-class technological solutions, working with – and learning from – like-minded people. You’ll also find that, across our business, our colleagues love Smart’s culture, and how what we do means better financial outcomes for savers. That feels worthwhile, and it means that what we do, collectively, goes way beyond the nine to five of a typical working day.
Benefits:
- 25 days’ holiday per year, increasing with length of service.
- £500 annual training budget to spend on your professional development.
- Extensive private healthcare, including dental, eyecare and EAP.
- Enhanced sick leave (three months’ pay per year).
- Enhanced maternity and paternity (maternity – 6 months fully paid/paternity – 3 weeks fully paid).
- Death in service insurance cover.
- Fully-paid five-week sabbatical after five years of employment.
- In office wellbeing, such as manicures, massages and barbers.
- We also serve free lunch, breakfasts and social drinks weekly.
- Smart employees also enjoy a 50% discount on orders from our sister company Arena Flowers, Britain's most ethical florist.
We think Smart is an awesome place to work. If it sounds like somewhere you’d like to work, too, and if you’re ready to play your part in our continued success in the future, then naturally we’d love to meet you.
Accounts Assistant employer: Smart Pension
At Smart, we pride ourselves on fostering a dynamic and inclusive work culture that prioritises employee wellbeing and professional growth. As an Accounts Assistant in our London office, you'll benefit from a hybrid working model, extensive training budgets, and a supportive environment that encourages innovation and continuous improvement. With generous holiday allowances, enhanced parental leave, and unique perks like in-office wellness services, Smart is committed to ensuring our team members feel valued and empowered to make a meaningful impact in the financial technology sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Accounts 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 Pension.
✨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 Pension'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 Accounts 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 Pension
✨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.
