Interim Finance Assistant

Smart10Ltd; England; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A financial services company in St Albans is seeking an experienced Interim Finance Assistant to join their Finance Team. This full-time interim role involves financial processing, supporting month-end reporting, and ensuring compliance across the organization. The ideal candidate will have solid finance experience, strong accounting knowledge, and proficiency in Microsoft Excel. This position offers an annual salary between £30,000 and £35,000.

Qualifications

• Solid experience in a similar finance role, ideally within education or the wider public sector.
• Strong understanding of accounting cycles, processes, and financial regulations.
• Proven ability to manage both accounts payable and accounts receivable functions.
• Experience working with computerized accounting systems and advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel.

Responsibilities

• Process a high volume of financial transactions accurately and on time.
• Assist with month-end and year-end close, including journals and accruals.
• Provide clear guidance to budget holders and non-finance staff.

Skills

Attention to detail

Analytical skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

Problem-solving

Proficiency in Microsoft Excel

Education

AAT qualification

Progress towards ACCA/CIMA

Tools

Computerized accounting systems

Job description

Interim Finance Assistant

£30,000 - £35,000 Full Time Interim Contract

Location: St Albans

Hours: Monday to Thursday 8.30am to 5pm, Friday finishing at 4.30pm

We are seeking an experienced and detail-driven Interim Finance Assistant to join my client's Finance Team and support the day-to-day financial operation. This is an excellent opportunity for an established finance professional to step into a varied and impactful interim role, contributing to accurate financial processing, month-end reporting, and strong compliance across the organisation. Working closely with the Director of Finance and wider finance function, you will play a key role in maintaining efficient financial processes, ensuring internal controls are robust, and providing guidance to budget holders and departments.

Key Responsibilities

• Financial Processing & Administration
  • Process a high volume of financial transactions accurately and on time, including accounts payable and accounts receivable.
  • Perform regular bank reconciliations and general ledger entries, resolving discrepancies promptly.
  • Administer and reconcile petty cash, corporate credit cards, and staff expenses.
  • Support the preparation of quarterly VAT returns.
  • Maintain accurate and up-to-date supplier and customer records within the finance system.
• Reporting & Month-End Support
  • Assist with month-end and year-end close, including journals, accruals, prepayments, and supporting schedules.
  • Support the production of monthly management accounts, reports, financial statements, and budget information.
  • Manage monthly aged debtor and creditor reports, ensuring timely resolution of outstanding items.
• Compliance & Guidance
  • Provide clear guidance to budget holders and non-finance staff on financial procedures and regulations.
  • Support internal and external audits and help ensure strong internal controls are maintained.

Person Specification

• Essential Experience & Knowledge
  • Solid experience in a similar finance role, ideally within education or the wider public sector.
  • Strong understanding of accounting cycles, processes, and financial regulations.
  • Proven ability to manage both accounts payable and accounts receivable functions.
  • Experience working with computerised accounting systems and advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel.
  • AAT qualification or progress towards ACCA/CIMA.

Skills & Abilities

• Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy.
• Strong numerical, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to explain financial information to non-finance colleagues.