Finance Assistant

Academy of St Martin in the Fields; City Of London; Hybrid; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A renowned orchestra in London is seeking a Finance Assistant to support its financial operations. This role entails maintaining accurate bookkeeping, processing payments, and reconciling accounts. The ideal candidate will have at least two years' experience, strong attention to detail, and proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Sage accounting software. This position offers a hybrid working environment.

Qualifications

• A minimum of two years’ experience in a similar role.
• Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.
• Experience using Sage 50 accounting software or similar packages.

Responsibilities

• Maintain accurate bookkeeping and process payments.
• Reconcile accounts including foreign currency.
• Assist with VAT returns and audits.

Skills

Attention to detail

Technical skills

Ability to communicate financial information

Education

AAT Level 4 qualification or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Sage 50 accounting software

Job description

Reports to: Finance Manager (Initial 12-month fixed term contract)

Location: 54 Dean Street, London, W1D 6AF (Hybrid)

Brief Description

The Finance Assistant will play a key role in supporting the smooth running of the Academy’s financial operations. Working closely with the Finance Manager, the postholder will be responsible for maintaining accurate bookkeeping, processing payments and invoices, reconciling accounts (including foreign currency), and ensuring compliance with internal controls and HMRC requirements. The role also involves preparing player payments, supporting VAT returns and audits, and providing finance-related assistance to colleagues across the organisation.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone with strong attention to detail, good technical skills, and an interest in the performing arts to contribute to the success of one of the world’s most renowned orchestras.

Person Specification

Essential

• A minimum of two years’ experience in a similar role
• Ability to work with a high degree of accuracy and detail in a calm, professional manner
• Able to meet deadlines and manage a busy workload and work independently
• Good working knowledge of Microsoft office, particularly Excel
• Experience using Sage 50 accounting software or similar packages
• Experience of dealing with foreign currency transactions
• Able to communicate financial information to non-finance specialists
• An understanding of accounting processes and procedures

Desirable

• AAT Level 4 qualification or equivalent
• Working knowledge of VAT partial exemption
• An understanding of how performing arts organisations operate
• Previous experience of working in the charitable finance sector

Interested applicants should submit a CV with covering letter to Philip Knight, Finance Manager at [e-mail]

Closing date for applications: 9am, Monday 27 October 2025

We are an equal opportunities employer.