At a Glance
- Tasks: Support financial close processes and manage reconciliations in a dynamic finance team.
- Company: Established business with a strong reputation in financial reporting.
- Benefits: Competitive salary of £40,000 and valuable experience in finance.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and exposure to various financial functions.
- Why this job: Gain hands-on experience and enhance your finance skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in financial accounting and strong Excel skills required.
We are partnering with a well established business to recruit an Interim Assistant Financial Accountant to join its Financial Reporting team on a fixed-term basis. This is a broad financial accounting role supporting the month-end and year-end close, reconciliations, banking, VAT, fixed assets and wider financial reporting activity. The role would suit an experienced finance professional with strong attention to detail, who is comfortable working across a range of accounting responsibilities and can hit reporting deadlines in a busy environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Support monthly, quarterly and year-end financial close processes
- Prepare and post journals, including accruals, prepayments and reclassifications
- Complete balance sheet, bank and intercompany reconciliations
- Investigate discrepancies and ensure outstanding items are resolved promptly
- Maintain fixed asset records, including additions, disposals, depreciation and assets under construction
- Support banking, treasury and cash management activities
- Process and oversee approved payment runs, including international payments and transfers
- Prepare VAT returns and maintain supporting compliance documentation
- Support international VAT requirements where required
- Provide accurate financial information and supporting documentation for audit
- Work closely with Finance and wider business stakeholders to resolve accounting queries
- Identify opportunities to improve financial processes, controls and reporting
- Support the implementation of improved systems, processes and controls
About You
- Previous experience in financial accounting, financial reporting or a similar role
- Strong experience across month-end, reconciliations and journal preparation
- Experience preparing VAT returns
- Confident managing bank reconciliations and online banking/payment processes
- Good understanding of fixed asset accounting and depreciation
- Strong Excel skills and experience using ERP systems
- AAT qualified or studying towards ACA, ACCA or equivalent would be beneficial
- Highly organised, accurate and able to manage competing priorities
The Opportunity
A strong opportunity for a hands-on finance professional to join an established Finance function on an interim basis, gaining exposure across financial reporting, treasury, VAT, fixed assets and wider Group accounting.
Assistant Financial Accountant employer: THE COLLECTIVE NETWORK LIMITED
Join a dynamic engineering business in Bedford that values your growth and offers a clear pathway from recruitment to broader HR roles. With a supportive work culture, you'll enjoy 26 days of holiday, a matched pension scheme, private medical insurance, and a share incentive plan, all while taking ownership of the recruitment function and collaborating with experienced professionals. This is an excellent opportunity for those looking to make a meaningful impact in their career while enjoying a rewarding work environment.
Contact Details:
THE COLLECTIVE NETWORK LIMITED Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Financial Accountant
✨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.
✨Utilise Temp Agencies Specialised in Finance
Reach out to temp agencies that focus on the banking sector. They often have strong ties with various firms and can help you secure short-term gigs that can help beef up your CV and get your foot in the door at firms like THE COLLECTIVE NETWORK LIMITED.
✨Connect with Alumni from Your Uni
Don't underestimate the power of your university’s alumni network. Many former students are working in banking and can help you find temporary roles or even offer mentorship. Reach out directly or attend alumni events to broaden your circle.
✨Stay Active on Job Boards and Company Websites
Keep your eyes peeled on job boards specifically for finance roles. Companies like THE COLLECTIVE NETWORK LIMITED 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 Financial Accountant
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 THE COLLECTIVE NETWORK LIMITED 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 THE COLLECTIVE NETWORK LIMITED. 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 THE COLLECTIVE NETWORK LIMITED confidence in your short-term commitment to the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at THE COLLECTIVE NETWORK LIMITED
✨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 THE COLLECTIVE NETWORK LIMITED.
✨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 THE COLLECTIVE NETWORK LIMITED 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.
