finance assistant

Smart10 Ltd, Trading as SMT Recruitment; Trowley Bottom; On-site; GBP 33,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

One day from home after probation

Professional finance team environment

Job summary

SMT Recruitment is recruiting a Finance Assistant for a 9 month maternity cover contract in St Albans. The role reports to the Head of Finance and involves supporting daily financial management, ensuring accuracy, and collaborating across the organisation to maintain efficient finance processes.

The ideal candidate will have finance experience, strong Excel skills, and a keen eye for detail. The position is office-based with potential one day from home after probation, offering a friendly,

Qualifications

• Experience as Finance Assistant or similar role.
• AAT Level 2 or equivalent finance qualification is advantageous.
• Strong knowledge of bookkeeping procedures and month-end tasks.
• Proficient in Excel including VLOOKUP and Pivot Tables.

Responsibilities

• Support day-to-day finance operations and Head of Finance.
• Prepare monthly management reports and P&L schedules.
• Run bank reconciliations and VAT returns.
• Process payroll entries and pension payments.
• Prepare and analyse financial reports using Excel.

Skills

Bookkeeping

Microsoft Excel

Communication skills

Attention to detail

Education

AAT Level 2 or equivalent

Tools

Accounting software

Job description

9 Month Fixed Term Contract (Maternity Cover)
Location: St Albans
Salary: Up £33,000 / £34,000 per annum DOE
Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 5:00pm

The Opportunity

Our client, a well established and highly respected organisation based in St Albans, is seeking a Finance Assistant to join their busy finance team on a 9 month maternity cover contract. Reporting directly to the Head of Finance, you will play a key role in supporting the day to day financial management of the business, working closely with colleagues across the organisation to ensure the finance function operates efficiently and accurately. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Finance Assistant looking for a varied role with responsibility across all areas of finance.

Key Responsibilities

• Supporting the Head of Finance with the day to day running of the finance function
• Updating financial spreadsheets and maintaining accurate financial records
• Preparing monthly management reports and profit and loss schedules
• Completing daily and monthly bank reconciliations
• Preparing and submitting VAT returns
• Processing tax payments as instructed
• Recording monthly payroll entries and payroll journals
• Processing pension payments and maintaining associated records
• Processing supplier invoices and liaising with suppliers where required
• Assisting with budget preparation
• Supporting the annual audit process
• Monitoring fees against targets and producing financial reports
• Processing and authorising bank transfers
• Producing reports and analysing financial data using Microsoft Excel
• Using Excel functions including VLOOKUPs, Pivot Tables and other advanced formulas
• Assisting with the development and maintenance of finance procedures and policies
• Providing support to senior management and colleagues across the business

Skills and Experience

• Previous experience within a Finance Assistant or similar accounts position
• AAT Level 2 or equivalent finance or bookkeeping qualification would be advantageous
• Strong knowledge of bookkeeping and accounting procedures
• Previous experience with month end journals, reconciliations and management reporting
• Experience preparing VAT returns
• Payroll administration experience
• Excellent Microsoft Excel skills, including VLOOKUPs, Pivot Tables and reporting functions
• Experience using accounting or practice management software would be beneficial
• Excellent organisational and time management skills
• High level of accuracy with strong attention to detail
• Ability to prioritise workload and meet deadlines
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• A positive, flexible and proactive approach to work
• Ability to maintain complete confidentiality when handling financial information

Salary and Benefits

• £33,000 to £34,000 per annum
• Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 5:00pm
• 9 Month Fixed Term Contract
• Office based in St Albans
• Opportunity to work closely with an experienced Head of Finance
• Varied and rewarding role within a supportive and professional finance team
• Opportunity to work 1 day from home after completion of probation