At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the finance team with invoicing, payments, and customer queries.
- Company: Join West Suffolk Council, a top-rated district council for climate action.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, generous pension, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with a focus on continuous learning and career growth.
- Why this job: Make a difference in your community while gaining valuable finance experience.
- Qualifications: Office/accounts experience and proficiency in Microsoft Office required.
The predicted salary is between 25989 - 28598 £ per year.
About the role: We are looking for an enthusiastic, proactive individual to work within our finance department. The finance team is an agile, versatile, and welcoming part of West Suffolk Council. This role will be responsible for providing support and assistance to the transaction team, including the following:
- Scanning and processing of creditor invoices
- Liaising with departments for information, completion of invoice authorisation and goods receipt entries
- Processing BACS and cheque runs
- Assisting with the investigation and processing of unallocated payments
- Dealing with both supplier and customer telephone calls and emails to help resolve queries
- Allocating payments
- Processing daily income allocation files
- Locating missing payments which will include liaising with customers and Anglia Revenues Partnership
- Checking and approving the set up and amendments of suppliers and customers on the finance system. Ensuring that all information is complete and accurate and that processes have been followed
- Other administrative duties as required
What you will need:
- Experience of working within an office/accounts environment
- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Outlook Email, Word and Adobe pdf
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Why work for us? Our benefits include:
- Holiday entitlement of 25 days, increasing to 29 days after 5 years (pro rata if part time) plus bank holidays
- Generous pension scheme – contribute between 5.5% and 6.8% (depending on your salary) and the council will contribute 16.4%
- Life assurance – a payment of three times your annual salary
- Flexible working options to enable work/life balance
- Agile working - ability to work in the office and from home
- Access to a unique employee benefits package which includes discounts and cashback on supermarkets, high street shops, holidays, mobile phones, electrical goods, savings and loan schemes and many other products and services
- Rail and bus staff discounts
- A range of Health and Wellbeing initiatives including an employee assistance programme
- Discounted membership at Abbeycroft Leisure centres
- A culture of learning inspiring staff to focus on continuous learning
- Modern office accommodation
For more information: For an informal discussion and further information please contact Greg Stevenson, Head of Finance, on 01284 757264 or email Gregory.Stevenson@westsuffolk.gov.uk.
Closing date: Sunday 06 September 2026
Interview date: Friday 18 September 2026
Finance Assistant employer: West Suffolk
West Suffolk Council is an excellent employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work environment within its finance department. Employees benefit from a generous holiday entitlement, a robust pension scheme, and flexible working options that promote a healthy work-life balance. With a strong commitment to employee growth and well-being, along with modern office facilities, West Suffolk Council stands out as a rewarding place to build a meaningful career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Assistant
✨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 West Suffolk.
✨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 West Suffolk 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 Finance Assistant
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 West Suffolk 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 West Suffolk. 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 West Suffolk confidence in your short-term commitment to the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at West Suffolk
✨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 West Suffolk.
✨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 West Suffolk 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.
