At a Glance
- Tasks: Support daily financial operations, manage cash, and assist with reporting.
- Company: Join a family-owned manufacturer with a rich heritage since 1938.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, enhanced holidays, and private medical insurance.
- Other info: Opportunities for professional development and career progression await you.
- Why this job: Gain diverse experience in finance while working in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: 3 years' experience in finance, strong IT skills, and attention to detail.
The predicted salary is between 31500 - 38500 £ per year.
Ulster Carpets is a long-established, family-owned Northern Ireland manufacturer with a proud heritage dating back to 1938. From our base in Portadown, we manufacture high-quality woven carpets for prestigious customers across the UK and international markets. We are now seeking an experienced and motivated Finance Assistant to join our Finance team. Reporting to the Management Accountant, you will play an important role in supporting the day-to-day financial operations of the business, with particular responsibility for cash management, bank reconciliations, payments, financial reporting and general finance administration.
This is a varied role within a busy Finance function, providing an opportunity to work across a broad range of financial activities and gain exposure to different areas of the business.
Key Responsibilities
- Reconciling all company bank accounts, including foreign currency accounts
- Processing online payments and bank transfers
- Posting payments, bank charges, interest and month-end journals
- Managing petty cash
- Reconciling employee expenses and arranging foreign exchange
- Preparing weekly cash reports and other financial information as required
- Liaising with colleagues across the Ulster Carpets Group regarding cash requirements
- Completing monthly reporting requirements, including HMRC returns, EC Sales and Intrastat Arrivals and Despatches
- Supporting the Accounts Payable function
- Providing ad-hoc support to the Group Treasury function
- Providing general administrative support to the Finance & Administration team, including reception and post cover when required
- Supporting other Finance & Administration activities and projects as required
About You
We are looking for an individual who is organised, accurate and proactive, with strong attention to detail and the ability to manage competing priorities in a busy environment. You should have:
- A minimum of 3 years' experience in bank reconciliations and cashier/finance duties
- Experience working with an ERP system
- Strong IT skills, particularly Microsoft Office and Excel
- Excellent organisational and time-management skills
- The ability to work independently and use initiative
- A positive and professional attitude
- Strong attention to detail and a commitment to accuracy
- Good communication skills and the ability to deal confidently with internal and external enquiries
- The ability to work effectively to deadlines and prioritise competing demands
- A customer-focused approach and a strong team ethic
- The ability to build positive working relationships with colleagues and stakeholders at all levels
Desirable Experience & Qualifications
It would be great if you also have:
- A degree or relevant accounting qualification
- Qualified or Part-Qualified Accounting Technician status
- Experience working within a large organisation
- Experience using Microsoft Dynamics
- Experience using Dooap or a similar automated invoice processing system
- Experience in treasury or cash management
What We Offer
At Ulster Carpets, we recognise that our people are at the heart of our continued success. We offer a supportive working environment, opportunities for development and a comprehensive range of employee benefits. Our benefits include:
- Competitive salary
- Enhanced holiday entitlement
- Contributory Pension Scheme, including Salary Sacrifice
- Death in Service Scheme
- Private Medical Insurance
- Company Sick Pay after qualifying service
- Enhanced Maternity & Paternity benefits
- Paid bereavement leave
- Professional development and networking opportunities
- Long-service awards
- Corporate event opportunities
- Wellbeing initiatives
- Local charity and sponsorship activities
- Discounted gym membership
- Career progression opportunities
Location: Ulster Carpet Mills, Castleisland Factory, Portadown, BT62 1EE
Closing Date: Friday 28th August 2026
Finance Assistant employer: Ulster Carpets
Ulster Carpets is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that values employee well-being and professional growth. With a commitment to excellence, the company provides extensive benefits including generous annual leave, a contributory pension scheme, and opportunities for career progression, all within a family-owned environment that fosters collaboration and innovation. Located in Portadown, employees enjoy excellent transport links and a range of wellbeing initiatives, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Assistant
✨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 Ulster Carpets. 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 Assistant
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 Ulster Carpets.
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 Ulster Carpets'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 Ulster Carpets
✨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 Ulster Carpets.
✨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 Ulster Carpets 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 Ulster Carpets 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.
