At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the Finance team with accounts payable, receivable, and daily bank reconciliations.
- Company: Join the University of Cumbria, dedicated to community and partnership.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 33 days holiday, hybrid working, and excellent pension scheme.
- Why this job: Be part of a supportive team while gaining valuable finance experience.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and a team player attitude required.
- Other info: Opportunity for apprenticeship qualifications and career growth.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 36000 £ per year.
We are the University of Cumbria, for and from Cumbria and our localities, rooted in serving our communities, with people, place and partnership at our heart.
Now is a very exciting time to be joining us because we are delivering a new \”Towards 2030\” strategic plan focused on making the most of our three most valuable assets; People, Place and Partnerships, to become a catalyst for economic well-being for our region, nationally and internationally.
As we continue our development and growth as a university, we are pleased to invite applications to join our ambitious and supportive Finance team.
The University\’s Finance Operations team has a vacancy for a Finance Assistant, to work closely with and support the teams various roles and responsibilities to the University.
The role includes providing support within the Accounts Payable and Accounts Receivable areas, as well as supporting annual leave cover for other areas within the team. Tasks will include such as placing orders, approving expenses, contacting customers to chase debt and completing daily bank reconciliations.
We are looking for a strong team player with excellent communication and customer service skills, experience in building trusted relationships and be able to work to a high degree of accuracy. You will work closely with members of Finance Operations Team as well as other colleagues within the University.
As a member of the wider Finance team, you will have opportunities to gain experience of financial processes in relevant projects. with the potential option for support to study for role appropriate apprenticeship qualifications.
The role is advertised at a 0.6FTE which equates to 21 hours.
Informal Enquiries: Victoria Moffatt | Income Manager |
We offer a comprehensive set of staff benefits which includes a competitive salary, 35 hour full-time working week, 33 days holiday plus bank holidays, hybrid working in line with business need, and an excellent pension scheme with 8% employer contribution.
Further details:
Job Description
We encourage applications from the broadest range of society, including all under-represented groups with particular emphasis on Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic candidates, who are currently under-represented in our University and in comparison, to the sector.
Job Details
Department
Finance
Location
Carlisle (Lancaster Considered)
Starting Salary
£23,881 with incremental progression to £25,733
Post Type
Part Time
Hours per Week
21
Contract Type
Permanent
Release Date
Monday 29 September 2025
Closing Date
23.59 hours BST on Monday 13 October 2025
Interview Date
To be confirmed
Reference
XX151525
Finance Assistant employer: University of Cumbria
Contact Detail:
University of Cumbria Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Assistant
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at the University of Cumbria on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give us insider info about the Finance team and might even lead to a referral!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the university's 'Towards 2030' strategic plan. Show us that you understand their goals and how your skills as a Finance Assistant can help achieve them.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! Since the role requires excellent customer service, we suggest role-playing common scenarios with a friend to boost your confidence and refine your responses.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows us you’re genuinely interested in being part of our community.
We think you need these skills to ace Finance Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Finance Assistant role. Highlight your relevant experience in accounts payable and receivable, and showcase your communication skills. We want to see how you can contribute to our Finance Operations team!
Showcase Your Team Spirit: As a strong team player, it's important to demonstrate your ability to work collaboratively. Share examples of how you've built trusted relationships in previous roles. We value teamwork at StudySmarter, and we want to know how you fit into that!
Be Accurate and Detail-Oriented: Accuracy is key in finance roles. When filling out your application, double-check for any errors and ensure all details are correct. We appreciate candidates who pay attention to detail, as it reflects your approach to work.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role and our fantastic benefits there!
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Cumbria
✨Know Your Numbers
Brush up on basic financial concepts and terminology relevant to the role. Being able to discuss accounts payable and receivable confidently will show that you understand the core responsibilities of a Finance Assistant.
✨Showcase Your Team Spirit
Since this role requires strong teamwork, think of examples from your past experiences where you successfully collaborated with others. Be ready to share how you built trusted relationships and contributed to team success.
✨Prepare for Customer Interactions
As you'll be contacting customers to chase debts, prepare for questions about how you handle difficult conversations. Think of a time when you resolved a customer issue effectively and be ready to share that story.
✨Demonstrate Attention to Detail
Accuracy is key in finance roles. Bring examples of how you've ensured precision in your work, whether it’s through double-checking figures or maintaining organised records. This will highlight your suitability for the position.