Description

Finance assistants are responsible for gathering and analyzing financial data from every department of an organization to create periodic reports for each department. They also supervise regular security procedures to handle the company's financial data that is sensitive and ensure the privacy of the areas of financial and information technology (IT) equipment data.

Finance assistants are accountable for decisions taken in reliance on the information contained in their reports. These reports typically represent communication lines between various departments within the company, and a lot of business decisions are on the basis of these reports. They also have to establish and maintain contact with all departments within the firm.

An undergraduate degree in management or in a similar field is usually required for this job, however, some employers may also require at minimum two years of relevant work experience. Finance assistants should also be capable of analyzing financial data and handle complicated computations, and operate personal computers as well as programmable calculators.

Roles & Responsibilities

As a Finance Assistant with 3-6 years of experience in the United Kingdom, your main responsibilities include:

  • Processing financial transactions accurately and ensuring proper documentation. Accurately recording and categorizing financial transactions while maintaining proper documentation.
  • Assisting in the preparation of financial statements, reports, and budgets. Supporting the preparation of financial statements, reports, and budgets by gathering and organizing relevant data.
  • Conducting financial analysis and providing recommendations for improvement. Analyzing financial data, identifying trends, and offering recommendations to improve financial performance.
  • Collaborating with internal teams and external stakeholders to resolve financial queries.

Qualifications & Work Experience

For a Finance Assistant job role, the following qualifications are required:

  • Solid understanding of financial principles and concepts, including financial analysis, budgeting, and forecasting, to assist in the preparation of financial reports and statements.
  • Proficient in using financial software and tools such as Excel, QuickBooks, or SAP to accurately maintain and update financial records and transactions.
  • Detail-oriented mindset with excellent numerical and analytical skills to spot errors, discrepancies, and trends in financial data, ensuring the accuracy and integrity of financial information.
  • Strong problem-solving abilities to identify financial challenges, recommend solutions, and support decision-making processes within the finance team.

Essential Skills For Finance Assistant

1

Financial Analysis

2

Accounting

3

Ledger Accounting

4

SAP

Skills That Affect Finance Assistant Salaries

Different skills can affect your salary. Below are the most popular skills and their effect on salary.

Financial Management

2%

Financial Analysis

3%

Account Reconciliation

2%

Ledger Accounting

4%

Bookkeeping

8%

Career Prospects

The role of Finance Assistant is crucial in ensuring smooth financial operations and support in the United Kingdom. With 3-6 years of work experience, professionals in this field can explore alternative roles. Here are following options to consider:

  • Financial Controller: A role with greater responsibility, overseeing financial operations, budgeting, and financial reporting.
  • Payroll Manager: A position focused on managing and processing payroll activities, including tax compliance and employee benefits.
  • Budget Analyst: A role that involves analyzing and monitoring budgets, providing recommendations for cost-saving measures, and assisting in financial planning.
  • Accounts Receivable Supervisor: A position focused on managing customer accounts, invoicing, and collections, ensuring timely payments and maintaining healthy cash flow.

How to Learn

The role of a Finance Assistant in the United Kingdom is expected to experience steady growth in the market. According to a 10-year analysis, this job role is projected to have an increasing demand due to the continuous growth of the finance sector. With the expansion of businesses and implementation of more stringent financial regulations, more employment opportunities are expected to become available in the future. Overall, the Finance Assistant position is expected to have a positive outlook in terms of growth and employment prospects in the United Kingdom.