At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our finance team to manage invoices, expenses, and support process improvements.
- Company: Wessex Archaeology, a leading heritage service provider with a focus on social impact.
- Benefits: 22 days annual leave, flexible working, and comprehensive wellbeing support.
- Other info: Hybrid working options and commitment to a safe, inclusive environment.
- Why this job: Make an immediate impact in a supportive team while gaining valuable finance experience.
- Qualifications: Experience in accounts payable, strong numeracy, and excellent Excel skills required.
The predicted salary is between 31500 - 38500 £ per year.
Why join us?
Bringing together leading minds and practitioners in the sector, Wessex Archaeology is a trusted archaeology and heritage service provider and educational charity.
From our network of international offices, we work in partnership with our clients to deliver sustainable solutions to manage the historic environment - above ground, below ground and underwater.
We are committed to our social impact.
This means using the knowledge and connections we make through our commercial activities as a catalyst to engage the communities in which we work.
The position
We are seeking an experienced and proactive Finance Assistant to join the Wessex Archaeology Finance Team.
Working from our Amesbury offices with a hybrid working pattern, you'll enjoy the perfect balance of collaboration and flexibility.
If you're organised, detail-focused and thrive in a busy finance environment, this role offers the chance to hit the ground running, make an immediate impact, and gain valuable experience within a supportive and welcoming team.
The role - what's involved?
Main responsibilities
- Matching and processing purchase ledger invoices, reconciling statements, updating supplier details
- Checking Purchase Orders for accuracy and closing if no longer required.
- Processing staff reimbursable and credit card expenses
- Bank reconciliations
- Processing and reconciliation of fuel cards, vehicle hire and plant hire payments
- Manage finance email inbox
- Provide support to other team members, when necessary, e. g. raising sales ledger invoices, project activations, debt chasing.
- Contribute to system and process improvements
Position requirements
- Experienced and confident in using accounting packages (Xero an advantage)
- Previous experience in accounts payable and other bookkeeping tasks.
- You will have excellent numeracy, Excel skills and attention to detail
- Strong communicator, capable of engaging with staff at all levels
- You will be proactive in your approach
Desirable
- Experience of using project management software
- Experience of interpreting contract payment terms
- AAT level 2 or equivalent
What can you look forward to?
Our focus is on creating a collaborative culture where people can thrive, develop and where safety and wellbeing come first.
From anonymising candidate data in our recruitment process to continuous improvements in our benefits, we're committed to creating a safe, fair and inclusive working environment.
We offer
- 22 days of annual leave per year plus bank holidays rising to 27 after 5 years of continuous service.
- Option to buy up to 5 days holiday per year.
- Salary Sacrifice Pension Scheme, Wessex Archaeology employer pension contribution 6.5%.
- Life assurance scheme of three times your basic salary.
- Wellbeing and family-friendly benefits
- Our maternity, adoption and shared parental pay is 100% for 12 weeks, 90% for 21 weeks and 6 weeks statutory, day 1 eligibility.
- Enhanced paternity leave, up to 4 weeks from day 1.
- 5 days of carers leave.
- Paid sick leave from the start of a contract, with the number of days dependent on length of service.
- Hybrid and flexible working arrangements where applicable.
- Company Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) - free and confidential service in the form of counselling and assistance in areas such as health and stress.
- AIG Smart Health - round-the-clock support for you and your family.
- Sustainability and other benefits
- Electric Vehicle Salary Sacrifice Scheme.
- Bike2Work scheme.
- 100% Professional membership costs reimbursed.
- High-quality personal protective equipment (PPE) provided.
- Free transport from regional offices to sites.
- Time in lieu or paid time for drivers.
- Subsistence allowance.
How to apply
Interested in working with us?
Email your completed application form and equal opportunities monitoring form by
4th August 2026.
All applications will be acknowledged within two weeks of the closing date.
We welcome applications from people with disabilities and aim to be supportive in our recruitment and employment practices.
Please let us know if you need any special arrangements or adjustments in the application or interview process.
Successful candidates must have proof of identity and eligibility to work in the UK by the start of their employment.
Finance Assistant employer: Wessex Archaeology Ltd
Wessex Archaeology is an exceptional employer that prioritises a collaborative culture and employee wellbeing, making it an ideal place for a Finance Assistant to thrive. With a strong commitment to social impact and sustainability, employees benefit from generous leave policies, flexible working arrangements, and comprehensive support programmes, all while contributing to meaningful projects that engage local communities. Join us in our Amesbury office to enjoy a fulfilling career in a supportive environment where your contributions truly matter.
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 Wessex Archaeology Ltd. 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 Wessex Archaeology Ltd.
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 Wessex Archaeology Ltd'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 Wessex Archaeology Ltd
✨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 Wessex Archaeology Ltd.
✨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 Wessex Archaeology Ltd 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 Wessex Archaeology Ltd 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.
