Finance Assistant Job Description - Role, Duties and Requirements

The Finance Assistant supports the finance function by maintaining accurate financial records, processing routine transactions and providing administrative support to the accounting team. Candidates with strong numeracy, attention to detail and an interest in progressing a career in finance should apply.

Finance Assistant Job Profile

The Finance Assistant is responsible for day-to-day transactional activities that ensure the accurate recording and timely processing of financial information. The role contributes to the effectiveness of the finance team by maintaining ledgers, reconciling accounts and preparing basic financial schedules.

The post holder works under the supervision of a senior finance colleague and plays a supporting role in month-end activities, audits and routine reporting. The purpose is to sustain reliable financial controls and help deliver consistent, compliant financial administration.

Finance Assistant Job Description

This operational role requires accuracy, organisational discipline and clear communication with internal and external stakeholders. The Finance Assistant will process invoices and payments, manage receivables, perform reconciliations and maintain complete and orderly financial records. Day-to-day tasks are varied and will include data entry, document management and responding to routine finance enquiries.

The role sits within a structured finance team and demands adherence to internal controls and company policies. The Finance Assistant is expected to meet regular deadlines, support month-end close activities and assist in preparing documentation for audits. Continuous improvement and adherence to best practice are encouraged, with opportunities to take on additional responsibilities as competence grows.

Finance Assistant: Duties and Responsibilities

• Process purchase invoices and prepare supplier payments in line with payment schedules
• Match invoices to purchase orders and resolve discrepancies with procurement or suppliers
• Raise and send customer invoices and follow up on overdue accounts where required
• Post routine daybooks and journals to ledgers accurately and promptly
• Reconcile bank statements and maintain bank transaction records
• Reconcile supplier and customer accounts and investigate variances
• Maintain petty cash records and reimbursements
• Support month-end close by preparing schedules, accruals and reconciliations
• Prepare routine financial reports and assist in the production of management information
• Support payroll administration by collating timesheets and expense claims where required
• Assist with VAT and other statutory submissions by providing required documentation
• Prepare and organise documentation for internal and external audits
• Maintain orderly filing of financial documents and ensure record retention requirements are met
• Liaise with other departments to obtain information and resolve transactional queries
• Identify opportunities to streamline processes and contribute to minor process improvement initiatives

Finance Assistant: Requirements and Qualifications

• Minimum of five GCSEs at grade C/4 or above including maths and English, or equivalent
• Relevant accounting qualification or part-qualification such as AAT is desirable or willingness to study
• At least 1 year of experience in a finance or bookkeeping role preferred
• Strong numerical ability with high levels of accuracy and attention to detail
• Good organisational skills with the ability to prioritise and meet deadlines
• Basic understanding of double entry bookkeeping and accounting principles
• Ability to handle confidential financial information discreetly and professionally
• Effective verbal and written communication skills for interaction with suppliers and colleagues
• Comfortable working with electronic financial records and spreadsheets
• Proactive problem-solving skills and willingness to follow established procedures
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a busy environment
• Commitment to continuous improvement and developing technical finance knowledge
• Good time management and a methodical approach to transactional processing