Interim Finance Assistant

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

Job summary

A leading finance firm in St Albans seeks an experienced Interim Finance Assistant to support financial operations. The role involves processing financial transactions, assisting with month-end close, and providing guidance on financial regulations. Ideal candidates will have solid finance experience, strong accounting knowledge, and advanced Excel skills. This is a full-time interim position with a salary range of £30,000 - £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.

Responsibilities

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

Skills

Attention to detail

Analytical skills

Problem-solving skills

Communication skills

Education

AAT qualification or progress towards ACCA/CIMA

Tools

Computerised accounting systems

Microsoft Excel

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 clients 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.

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.

Thank you for your interest. Your application will be considered in competition with others and we will contact you within 3 working days if shortlisted.