At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage financial processes, oversee budgets, and support business initiatives.
- Company: Purpose-driven organisation in Edinburgh with a collaborative finance team.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and exposure to diverse finance activities.
- Other info: Initial 3-6 month contract with excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Join a high-performing team and make a real impact on financial operations.
- Qualifications: Qualified Accountant with strong financial accounting and Excel skills.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.
Our client, a highly regarded and purpose-driven organisation based in Edinburgh, is seeking a qualified Financial Accountant to join their finance team on an initial 3-6 month contract basis. This is a broad and varied role offering exposure across financial accounting, budgeting, forecasting, commercial finance and process improvement. Working closely with senior finance leadership, you will take ownership of several key financial processes while supporting a range of ongoing business initiatives.
The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in managing significant expenditure areas, overseeing complex reconciliations and controls, supporting statutory reporting requirements and contributing to continuous improvement projects across the finance function.
Key Responsibilities- Support the financial management and reporting of significant operational expenditure budgets.
- Manage inventory and stock accounting processes, ensuring accurate reconciliation and financial control.
- Take ownership of VAT accounting, including preparation and submission of VAT returns.
- Deliver detailed reconciliations and reporting, identifying opportunities to improve efficiency and strengthen controls.
- Prepare forecasts, budgets and management information for key business areas.
- Support the preparation of statutory accounts and year-end reporting requirements.
- Complete monthly balance sheet reconciliations and cash-related forecasting activities.
- Assist with external audit processes and information requests.
- Lead and contribute to finance-related projects and process improvement initiatives.
- Work closely with operational stakeholders to provide financial insight and support decision making.
- Qualified Accountant (CA, ACCA, ACA, CIMA or equivalent).
- Strong financial accounting background with excellent attention to detail.
- Experience preparing VAT returns and managing balance sheet reconciliations.
- Advanced Excel skills and confidence handling large data sets.
- Strong communication skills with the ability to build relationships across finance and non-finance teams.
- Comfortable working independently while also collaborating within a wider finance function.
- Experience supporting audits and statutory reporting would be advantageous.
- A proactive mindset with a focus on continuous improvement and process enhancement.
- Initial 3-6 month contract.
- Salary equivalent of £50,000 - £60,000 depending on experience.
- Edinburgh city centre location.
- Hybrid working arrangement with 4 days in the office and 1 day working from home.
- Opportunity to join a collaborative and high-performing finance team within a well-established organisation.
- Broad role offering exposure to both technical and commercial finance activities.
Financial Accountant (3-6 Month Contract) employer: Wilkinson and Associates
Join a highly regarded and purpose-driven organisation in the heart of Edinburgh, where you will be part of a collaborative and high-performing finance team. With a hybrid working model that promotes work-life balance, this role offers not only competitive remuneration but also significant opportunities for professional growth and development within a supportive environment focused on continuous improvement.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Financial Accountant (3-6 Month Contract)
✨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 Wilkinson and Associates.
✨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 Wilkinson and Associates 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 Financial Accountant (3-6 Month Contract)
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 Wilkinson and Associates 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 Wilkinson and Associates. 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 Wilkinson and Associates confidence in your short-term commitment to the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Wilkinson and Associates
✨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 Wilkinson and Associates.
✨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 Wilkinson and Associates 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.
