Finance Officer Job Description and Role Profile

The Finance Officer role provides essential support to the finance function by maintaining accurate financial records, managing routine accounting processes and assisting with reporting. Candidates who are numerate, methodical and comfortable working to deadlines should apply. Recruiters and hiring managers can use this description to identify professionals able to deliver reliable transactional accounting, month end activities and compliance support.

Finance Officer Job Profile

The Finance Officer is responsible for day to day accounting tasks that ensure the integrity of the general ledger and related financial records. This role supports month end close, processes accounts payable and receivable transactions and contributes to regular reporting to management.

The purpose of the role is to maintain accurate, complete and timely financial information, uphold internal controls and assist with statutory and internal reporting requirements. The Finance Officer will typically work within a small finance team and liaise with operational colleagues across the organisation.

Finance Officer Job Description

The Finance Officer undertakes transactional processing, reconciliations and routine financial analysis to support the delivery of accurate monthly and quarterly accounts. Day to day duties include processing invoices and payments, maintaining supplier and customer records, performing bank and ledger reconciliations and preparing journals required for period close.

In this role the Finance Officer is expected to work to established procedures, identify and escalate discrepancies, and contribute to continuous improvement of processes. The role may involve preparing schedules and documentation for audits, assisting with VAT and payroll queries, and producing routine management information for budget holders and senior finance staff.

Attention to detail, adherence to deadlines and clear communication with internal stakeholders are essential. The Finance Officer should be adaptable to changing priorities and supportive of wider finance projects as required.

Finance Officer: Duties and Responsibilities

• Process and post sales and purchase invoices accurately and in a timely manner
• Manage accounts payable workflows including matching purchase orders and authorisations
• Reconcile bank accounts and resolve differences on a regular basis
• Maintain and reconcile ledger accounts and produce month end journal postings
• Prepare accounts receivable statements and follow up outstanding customer balances
• Support month end and quarter end close activities and produce reconciliations
• Assist with preparation of VAT returns and related compliance documentation
• Compile schedules and working papers to support internal and external audits
• Maintain fixed asset register and calculate depreciation schedules where required
• Prepare routine management information and variance analysis for budget holders
• Support payroll administration and resolve payroll reconciliations when necessary
• Monitor cash balances and assist with basic cashflow forecasting
• Ensure adherence to internal controls and financial policies across transactions
• Respond to supplier and customer queries and maintain accurate accounting records

Finance Officer: Requirements and Qualifications

• Qualified by experience or a degree in accounting, finance or a related discipline
• Part qualified or qualified ACCA, CIMA or equivalent is desirable but not essential
• Minimum of two years practical experience in a finance or accounting role
• Solid understanding of double entry bookkeeping and accounting principles
• Strong numeracy and attention to detail with a high level of accuracy
• Good organisational skills and ability to meet monthly and quarterly deadlines
• Clear written and verbal communication skills for interaction with stakeholders
• Analytical mindset with the ability to identify and resolve discrepancies
• Knowledge of statutory compliance obligations relevant to accounting records
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive financial information
• Proactive approach to improving processes and supporting team objectives
• Ability to work independently and as part of a small finance team