Business And Finance Administrator

Chartwells Independent; York and North Yorkshire; On-site; GBP 27,000 - 33,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading hospitality group in York is looking for a highly organised Business and Finance Administrator to support catering operations at the National Railway Museum. The role includes managing financial processes, administrative tasks, and fostering a collaborative environment. Ideal candidates have experience in administration, strong communication skills, and a detail-oriented approach. Competitive salary and benefits are offered.

Benefits

25 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Free meals on duty

Exclusive travel discounts

Access to wellness and fitness classes

Digital GP services

Contributory pension scheme

Qualifications

• Previous experience in administrative roles within a busy environment.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information.
• Proactive self-starter with a positive attitude.

Responsibilities

• Provide professional administrative support and maintain filing systems.
• Assist with financial processes and monthly accounts.
• Support payroll processing and compliance with company policies.

Skills

Administrative experience

Strong communication skills

Attention to detail

Proficiency in Word, Excel, PowerPoint

Planning and organization

Education

NVQ Level 2 or equivalent

Job description

Business and Finance Administrator

Location: National Railway Museum, York (on-site)

Salary: Up to £32,500 per year

Contract Type: Full-Time 40 hours, Permanent, Monday – Friday

We’re looking for a highly organised and detail-driven Business and Finance Administrator to support the catering and hospitality operations at the National Railway Museum in York. This is an exciting opportunity to play a central role within a world‑class institution that welcomes visitors from across the globe. As Business and Finance Administrator, you will provide essential administrative, financial, and operational support to the General Manager, ensuring the smooth and efficient running of our multi‑outlet catering operation.

Why Join Us?

At Restaurant Associates, we celebrate individuality and nurture talent. As Business and Finance Administrator, you’ll be supported by an experienced leadership team, gain valuable exposure across a dynamic visitor‑led environment, and develop your skills within a supportive and collaborative workplace.

We offer a competitive benefits package, including:

• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays
• Free meals on duty
• Exclusive travel discounts
• Access to wellness, mindfulness, and fitness classes
• Digital GP services for you and your family
• Up to 44% off cinema tickets
• Contributory pension scheme
• Career Pathways and MyLearning development programmes

In this role, you will support the administrative and financial processes that underpin a multi‑outlet catering operation—including two grab‑and‑go cafés, an assisted‑service café, conference and events spaces, and our destination afternoon tea restaurant, The Countess of York. Working closely with management, you’ll help maintain accurate financial records, assist with payroll, prepare reports, support audits, and keep essential office functions running smoothly.

The National Railway Museum is undergoing major redevelopment through its ambitious Vision programme, making this an excellent time to join a team experiencing growth, development, and exciting operational change.

Your Key Responsibilities:

• Provide professional administrative support, including maintaining filing systems, managing documentation, producing reports, and handling enquiries.
• Assist with financial processes such as monthly accounts, billing, variance analysis, audits, balance sheet reconciliations, and weekly cash/card sales reconciliation.
• Support payroll processing and collaborate with the Purchase Ledger, Credit Control, and Payroll teams.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, financial procedures, and health & safety standards.
• Help coordinate stock management, stationery ordering, and general office tasks within budget.
• Contribute to continuous improvement, promoting efficient ways of working and supporting ad‑hoc projects where required.

Who We’re Looking For:

• Previous experience in administrative roles within a busy environment.
• Strong communication skills and an excellent telephone manner.
• High attention to detail, with strong planning, organisation, and time‑management abilities.
• Excellent working knowledge of Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information with integrity.
• A proactive self‑starter with a positive, can‑do attitude.
• A collaborative team player who supports colleagues and contributes to a positive working environment.

Desirable:

• NVQ Level 2 or equivalent qualification in a relevant area.

About Us

Part of Compass Group UK&I, Restaurant Associates provides brilliant hospitality through our food, drink and services. We work with our partners and collaborate with our clients to achieve great things together. Every day, our teams of passionate hospitality professionals strive for excellence in delivering employee dining and hospitality to some of the UK's leading workplaces as well as inspiring exceptional experiences in iconic cultural and heritage destinations.

Compass Group UK&I is committed to fostering an environment where every individual can truly be themselves at work and has equal opportunities to advance in their careers. We strive to build a culture that respects and celebrates the unique talents, beliefs, backgrounds, and abilities of all our team members. We want our colleagues to feel valued, empowered to reach their full potential, and to thrive — because diversity is our strength!