Finance Assistant

Independent Utility Advice Ltd; Newcastle upon Tyne; On-site; GBP 23,000 - 29,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Private healthcare

Cycle to Work Scheme

Tech Scheme

50% discount on LNER train travel

Hotel and restaurant discounts

Team social events and incentives

Early Friday finishes (performance‑dr‑

Job summary

Independent Utility Advice is seeking a Finance Assistant to join the growing Finance team in Newcastle upon Tyne. You will handle purchase invoices, sales ledgers, credit control, and reconciliations, while maintaining accurate records and supporting month-end processes.

The role requires strong numerical skills, Excel proficiency, and attention to detail, with opportunities for progression in a dynamic energy consultancy. Private healthcare and other benefits are provided.

Qualifications

• Previous experience in a Finance Assistant, Accounts Assistant, or similar finance administration role.
• Experience processing invoices and reconciling financial transactions.
• Strong numerical and analytical skills.
• Good working knowledge of Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Office applications.
• Excellent organisational and time management skills.
• High level of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to manage workloads effectively and meet deadlines.
• Experience using accounting software (Sage, Xero, QuickBooks).
• AAT qualification or currently studying towards an accounting qualification.
• Experience supporting month-end processes.
• Understanding of financial controls and accounting principles.

Responsibilities

• Process purchase invoices accurately and in a timely manner.
• Assist with sales ledger activities, including raising invoices and allocating customer payments.
• Support credit control activities and follow up on outstanding customer balances.
• Reconcile supplier statements and resolve discrepancies.
• Process employee expenses in line with company policies.
• Assist with bank reconciliations and daily cash allocation.
• Maintain accurate financial records and ensure documentation is filed appropriately.
• Support month-end and year-end finance processes.
• Assist with preparing financial reports and management information.
• Liaise with suppliers, customers, and internal departments regarding finance-related queries.
• Ensure all financial transactions are processed in accordance with company procedures and controls.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives within the Finance function.
• Maintain confidentiality and handle financial information with professionalism and integrity.
• Assist the wider Finance team with ad hoc administrative and financial tasks as required.

Skills

Invoice processing

Reconciliation

Excel

Attention to detail

Time management

Communication

Independent work

Teamwork

Numerical ability

Education

AAT qualification in progress

Tools

Sage

Xero

QuickBooks

Job description

About Independent Utility Advice

Independent Utility Advice is a leading utility consultancy, helping businesses reduce costs and manage their energy requirements through expert advice, procurement and ongoing account management. We pride ourselves on delivering outstanding customer service, commercial insight and long-term value for our clients.

About the Role

We're looking for an enthusiastic and detail-oriented Finance Assistant to join our growing Finance team. If you thrive in a fast-paced environment, enjoy working with numbers, and are committed to maintaining accurate financial records and supporting business operations, this is the role for you.

This is an exciting opportunity to support the day-to-day financial activities of the business, ensuring financial information is processed accurately and efficiently. Working closely with the wider Finance team and stakeholders across the organisation, you will play an important role in maintaining robust financial controls and supporting the company's continued growth.

As a growing business, flexibility and teamwork are important to us. This job description outlines the main responsibilities of the role but is not exhaustive. From time to time, you may be asked to support with other tasks that contribute to the success of the team and wider business.

Key Responsibilities

• Process purchase invoices accurately and in a timely manner.
• Assist with sales ledger activities, including raising invoices and allocating customer payments.
• Support credit control activities and follow up on outstanding customer balances.
• Reconcile supplier statements and resolve discrepancies.
• Process employee expenses in line with company policies.
• Assist with bank reconciliations and daily cash allocation.
• Maintain accurate financial records and ensure documentation is filed appropriately.
• Support month-end and year-end finance processes.
• Assist with preparing financial reports and management information.
• Liaise with suppliers, customers, and internal departments regarding finance-related queries.
• Ensure all financial transactions are processed in accordance with company procedures and controls.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives within the Finance function.
• Maintain confidentiality and handle financial information with professionalism and integrity.
• Assist the wider Finance team with ad hoc administrative and financial tasks as required.

Skills & Experience

Essential

• Previous experience in a Finance Assistant, Accounts Assistant, or similar finance administration role.
• Experience processing invoices and reconciling financial transactions.
• Strong numerical and analytical skills.
• Good working knowledge of Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Office applications.
• Excellent organisational and time management skills.
• High level of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to manage workloads effectively and meet deadlines.

Desirable

• Experience using accounting software such as Sage, Xero, QuickBooks, or similar systems.
• AAT qualification or currently studying towards an accounting qualification.
• Experience supporting month-end processes.
• Understanding of financial controls and accounting principles.

Key Competencies

• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Excellent organisational and prioritisation skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Proactive and solution-focused approach.
• Strong numerical aptitude.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Reliable and trustworthy when handling confidential information.
• Adaptable and resilient in a fast-paced environment.
• Committed to delivering high standards of work and continuous improvement.

Benefits

• Private healthcare
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Tech Scheme
• 50% discount on LNER train travel
• Hotel and restaurant discounts
• Team social events and incentives
• Early Friday finishes (performance-based)
• Paid day off on your birthday
• Structured onboarding and ongoing training

If you're looking for a Finance Assistant role where you can make a real impact, develop your career, and become part of a growing and ambitious business, we'd love to hear from you.