Finance & Payroll Assistant in London

Finance & Payroll Assistant in London

London Full-Time 30000 - 40000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Tradewind Recruitment

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support finance operations and payroll in a vibrant secondary school environment.
  • Company: Dynamic secondary school in Central London with a focus on excellence.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, supportive team, and opportunities for professional growth.
  • Other info: Join a collaborative team with a commitment to compliance and student success.
  • Why this job: Make a difference in education while honing your finance skills.
  • Qualifications: Experience in finance or payroll, strong numerical skills, and attention to detail.

The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.

This key position supports the Head of Finance in the smooth and accurate running of all financial operations in a high‑performing secondary school. The successful candidate will process financial transactions, support payroll administration, maintain accurate records and ensure compliance with school and statutory financial procedures.

Key Responsibilities

  • Process purchase orders, invoices, receipts and payments accurately.
  • Prepare and verify BACS payment runs for authorisation.
  • Reconcile credit card statements and supplier accounts.
  • Support cash handling, banking and petty cash processes.
  • Assist with payroll processing and checking draft payroll reports.
  • Support pension scheme submissions and year‑end audit preparation.
  • Assist with debt collection (e.g. dinner money).

Systems & Records Management

  • Maintain financial records using Access databases.
  • Manage document storage via DocuWare.
  • Scan, index and archive financial documentation.
  • Produce financial reports and data extracts.
  • Ensure secure handling of confidential financial information.

Administrative Support

  • Support Head of Finance and wider finance team.
  • Respond to queries from staff, suppliers and stakeholders.
  • Assist with contracts, procurement and finance correspondence.
  • Support stock control and purchasing processes.

Compliance & School Support

  • Ensure compliance with financial regulations and procedures.
  • Follow GDPR, safeguarding and health & safety policies.
  • Support audit preparation and internal controls.
  • Undertake additional duties as required.

Candidate Requirements

Essential:

  • Experience in finance, payroll or school administration.
  • Strong numerical and organisational skills.
  • High attention to detail and accuracy.
  • Ability to handle confidential information.
  • Experience with finance systems (Access, Excel or similar).
  • Full‑time availability.

Desirable:

  • Experience in a school or public sector finance setting.
  • Knowledge of payroll or pension processes.
  • Experience supporting audits or financial reporting.

Finance & Payroll Assistant in London employer: Tradewind Recruitment

Join our dynamic team at a high-performing secondary school in Central London, where we prioritise employee growth and development. As a Finance & Payroll Assistant, you will benefit from a supportive work culture that values accuracy and compliance, while enjoying competitive remuneration and opportunities for professional advancement. Our commitment to fostering a collaborative environment ensures that every team member feels valued and empowered to contribute meaningfully to our educational mission.

Tradewind Recruitment

Contact Details:

Tradewind Recruitment Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Finance & Payroll Assistant in London

Tap into Campus Networks

If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.

Get Certified

Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.

Connect on Professional Platforms

Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.

Apply Directly and Be Proactive

Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like Tradewind Recruitment. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.

We think you need these skills to ace Finance & Payroll Assistant in London

Financial Transaction Processing
Payroll Administration
Record Keeping
Compliance with Financial Procedures
BACS Payment Processing
Credit Card Reconciliation
Cash Handling

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.

Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to Tradewind Recruitment.

Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.

Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on Tradewind Recruitment's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!

How to prepare for a job interview at Tradewind Recruitment

Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills

Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with Tradewind Recruitment.

Prepare for Case Studies

Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.

Show Your Passion for Finance

Since this is a full-time position, employers at Tradewind Recruitment will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.

Network with Industry Professionals

Before your interview, reach out to current or former Tradewind Recruitment employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.