Finance Assistant

WALLACE COLLECTION; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious museum in the United Kingdom seeks a Finance Assistant to support its Finance Team by processing financial transactions, maintaining records, and preparing reports. The ideal candidate will possess excellent communication skills, be IT literate with strong spreadsheet abilities, and have a keen attention to detail. Responsibilities include processing invoices, managing accounts, and assisting with audits. This is an exciting opportunity for candidates passionate about contributing to the smooth operation of a cultural institution.

Qualifications

• Strong attention to detail and organisational skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Enthusiasm for the Wallace Collection.

Responsibilities

• Process invoices and maintain purchase ledger.
• Support audit preparation by collating data.
• Assist with monthly bank reconciliations.

Skills

Excellent communication skills

IT literate with spreadsheet skills

Excellent attention to detail

Strong organisational skills

Problem-solving mindset

Education

Studying towards an accountancy qualification

Tools

SAGE

Job description

Finance Assistant

Role Summary

The Finance Assistant will play a key role in supporting the Finance Team at the Wallace Collection by ensuring the accurate and timely processing of financial transactions, maintaining up-to-date financial records, and assisting in the preparation of financial reports. The role also includes a variety of administrative tasks that contribute to the smooth running of the department. The postholder will demonstrate strong attention to detail, excellent organisational skills, and a high level of professionalism, always maintaining discretion and confidentiality.

The Finance Assistant will work closely with both internal and external stakeholders to ensure accuracy and efficiency in day-to-day finance functions. This position is responsible for processing invoices, expense administration, performing reconciliations, and data entry. The successful applicant must be proactive and willing to take an active role in day-to-day financial procedures and processes.

This role reports to the Finance Manager.

Role Description

Accounts Payable

• Maintain the purchase ledger for the Wallace Collection (Charity) and Hertford House Marketing Limited (Trading Company) by processing invoices and liaising with Heads of Department to ensure accurate coding.
• Process expense claims promptly and accurately, ensuring all required authorisations and approvals are obtained in compliance with policies.
• Resolve supplier disputes promptly and elevate when necessary.
• Prepare payment runs for approval in a timely and accurate manner.
• Manage the accounts payable inbox and elevate queries as needed.

Accounts Receivable

• Raise customer invoices for the commercial business (Hertford House Marketing Limited) and ensure timely payment.

Financial Accounting

• Assist with performing monthly bank reconciliations.
• Reconcile the monthly invoicing from our Restaurant supplier (Sodexo).
• Assist with monthly balance sheet reconciliations for stock, debtors (trade debtors, other debtors, and prepayments) and creditors (including trade creditors, deferred income and accruals).
• Process daily shop takings and work with the Retail Assistant and Administrator to identify and investigate discrepancies.
• Prepare weekly cash floats for shop tills according to operational requirements. (Currently not required as the shop is card only).
• Assist with monthly counting and banking of Wallace Collection donation boxes.
• Review and process monthly corporate credit card statements, ensuring accurate upload of all expenditures into SAGE.
• Support audit preparation by collating and organising data for audit files, as directed by the Finance Manager.
• This job description cannot be considered to be exhaustive and other duties will be determined by circumstances as and when required.

Person Specification

Essential

• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
• IT literate with strong inputting and spreadsheet skills.
• Excellent attention to details and strong organisational skills.
• High standards of presentation, ability to keep calm under pressure and problem-solving mindset.
• Ability to manage and prioritise a busy workload.
• Someone who is friendly, flexible and enjoys teamwork.
• Currently studying towards an accountancy qualification or intending to commence studies.
• Enthusiasm and passion for the Wallace Collection.

Desirable

• Familiarity with accounting software (e.g. SAGE)

How to Apply

Please complete the Application Form, and the Equal Opportunities Monitoring Form, following the links provided on our website. Please note the equal opportunities form is used for monitoring purposes only and does not form part of the selection process. Both forms should be emailed by midnight 11/01/2026. Please note late applications or applications via a CV will not be considered.

Interviews for the role will take place week commencing 12/01/2026. Candidates who have been shortlisted for interview will be contacted after the closing date. Due to the large number of applications we receive, it will not be possible to contact or give feedback to candidates who have not been shortlisted for interview.

Start date: As soon as possible

Appointment to the role is subject to a satisfactory Basic Disclosure check. The Wallace Collection is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community.