Finance Assistant

Casanovas Recruitment Solutions; Chelmsford; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 31,000; Full time

Job summary

Casanovas Recruitment Solutions is seeking a proactive Finance Assistant on a fixed-term maternity cover basis to join our finance team in Chelmsford. The role involves supporting sales and purchase ledgers, banking, reconciliations, expenses, and month-end tasks in a fast-paced environment.

Candidates should have finance experience, strong numerical and Excel skills, and attention to detail. You will build relationships with customers and suppliers while ensuring accurate processing of

Qualifications

• Experience in a Finance Assistant or similar finance role.
• Understanding of sales ledger, purchase ledger, credit control, and bank reconciliations.
• Experience using accounting software and Microsoft Excel.
• Strong numerical and analytical skills with attention to detail.
• AAT qualification or current study toward AAT.

Responsibilities

• Post and allocate customer receipts, issue sales invoices and chase overdue payments.
• Process supplier invoices and generate supplier payment runs.
• Perform regular bank reconciliations and maintain records.
• Process employee expense claims and ensure accuracy of recordings.
• Support month-end activities and assist the wider finance team.

Skills

Finance experience

Excel

Numerical skills

Attention to detail

Organisational skills

Communication skills

Education

AAT qualification or studying towards AAT

Tools

Accounting software

ERP systems

Job description

Finance Assistant (Maternity Cover)

Salary: 28,000 per annum
Contract: Fixed-Term Maternity Cover (August 2026 to July 2027)
Hours: Full-Time

Are you an experienced Finance Assistant looking for your next opportunity? We are seeking a proactive and organised individual to join our finance team on a fixed-term maternity cover contract.

This is a varied role that will see you supporting the day-to-day finance function, ensuring financial transactions are processed accurately and efficiently while maintaining strong relationships with customers, suppliers, and colleagues.

Please note: Candidates must live within a reasonable commuting distance of the office and have access to their own vehicle, as there is no public transport available.

The Role

As a Finance Assistant, you will play a key role in supporting the finance department across sales ledger, purchase ledger, banking, reconciliations, expenses, and month-end activities. This position would suit someone with previous finance experience who enjoys working in a fast-paced environment and takes pride in delivering accurate work.

Key Responsibilities

Sales Ledger

• Post and allocate customer receipts accurately.
• Process and issue sales invoices, ensuring they are distributed promptly to customers.
• Manage credit control activities, including chasing overdue payments.
• Investigate and resolve customer account queries.
• Prepare and distribute monthly customer statements.

Purchase Ledger

• Process supplier invoices accurately and in a timely manner.
• Generate supplier payment runs and process payments via online banking.
• Post supplier payments and other banking transactions.
• Reconcile supplier statements and investigate discrepancies.
• Respond to supplier queries and resolve payment-related issues.

Banking & Reconciliations

• Perform regular bank reconciliations, including foreign currency accounts.
• Ensure all banking transactions are accurately recorded.
• Maintain credit card records and obtain supporting documentation where required.

Expenses

• Process employee expense claims in accordance with company policies.
• Verify supporting documentation and ensure accurate recording of expenses.

Month-End Duties

• Prepare and process Long-Term Hire invoicing.
• Produce consolidated customer invoices when required.
• Issue customer statements.
• Reconcile supplier statements.
• Support month-end processes and assist the wider finance team as required.

General Duties

• Maintain accurate financial records and filing systems.
• Ensure compliance with internal financial controls and procedures.
• Support finance projects and ad-hoc administrative tasks.
• Build positive working relationships with customers, suppliers, and colleagues.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of finance processes and procedures.

About You

To be successful in this role, you will have:

Previous experience in a Finance Assistant, Accounts Assistant, Bookkeeper, or similar finance role.

A good understanding of sales ledger, purchase ledger, credit control, and bank reconciliations.

Experience using accounting software and Microsoft Excel.

Strong numerical and analytical skills.

Excellent attention to detail and accuracy.

Strong organisational skills with the ability to prioritise and manage workloads effectively.

Excellent communication skills and a professional approach when dealing with customers and suppliers.

The ability to work independently as well as part of a team.

Desirable Skills

Experience processing foreign currency transactions.

Experience using ERP systems.

AAT qualified or currently studying towards AAT.

Previous experience working within a fast-paced commercial environment.

What We Offer

Salary of 28,000 per annum.

Fixed-term maternity cover contract from August 2026 to July 2027.

Supportive and friendly working environment.

Varied and hands-on finance role.

Opportunity to gain exposure to multiple areas of the finance function.