Job Description

Job Title

Finance Assistant (L1)

Responsible to

Assistant Finance Manager

Location

Birmingham

Sector/ Business area

University & Colleges

Overall Purpose of the Role

Reporting to the Assistant Finance Manager, the Level 1 Finance Assistant will Work as part of the sector Finance team delivering financial support to the Business sector. Through effective business partnering, the role will continually improve service levels, cost effectiveness, and add value to commercial activities undertaken.

Key Accountabilities

PURPOSE: Commercial Support

Help to business partner key stakeholders (financial and non-financial) ensuring strong commercial and operational decision making, managing financial risks and opportunities Aid in delivering proactive ad-hoc financial analysis to support business unit decision making Understand and manage the financial risks and opportunities arising from volumetric and other contract mechanisms - and ongoing business performance Understand and highlight the financial risks and opportunities arising from balance sheet maintenance


PEOPLE: Relationship Management

Working effectively as part of a team Building relationships with key stakeholders


PERFORMANCE

Help prepare key business reporting such as month end reports, business reviews, client reports, budgets, cash analysis and other ad-hoc analysis to be discussed at monthly review. Monthly balance sheet review for area of responsibility, escalating key risks/ opportunities to senior stakeholders. Support closing monthly accounts ensuring sales and costs are accurately and appropriately recognised. Promote working capital improvements through timely, accurate contract billing, active management of debt ledgers and timely resolution of queries Support with the budgeting and forecasting process by consolidating the budget, understanding variances and preparing the budget presentation for senior stakeholders Support with completion of documentation for client tenders, negotiations and capital expenditure appraisals Support operational teams with understanding actions required on mobilisation and ensure that these are executed in line with timescale You will ensure health and safety of all colleagues within the business and report any incidents via the approved company processes

Candidate Requirements: Key Skills, Knowledge & Experience

Essential:

Finance graduate or with some experience in accounting roles Demonstrate passion for Finance and an understanding of management accounting Analytical and with a high level of attention to detail


Desirable:

Ability to adapt to a changing environment Good knowledge of Excel Experience of SAP and Cognos as analysis and reporting tools Considering or actively studying Accountant in CIMA/ACCA/ACA or the like


Performance Standards

Excellent communication skills - ability to communicate oral and written information concisely and logically - to both finance and non-finance people Pro-active and energetic approach Ability to analyse and evaluate information concisely Self-motivated with an ability to effectively plan and organise own work Ability to take on a broad spectrum of work under pressure and to deliver in agreed timescales


Leadership behaviours:

Communication

- ability to work well with peers

Can Do

- Finds new / quicker ways of meeting goals, responds quickly under to achieve targets

Share Success

- Provides task related feedback to do the job effectively and provides excellent service.

Passion for Quality

- Understands performance expectations, understands priorities to maximise benefits, helps to track the commercial implications

Win through Teamwork

- Pursues friendly relationships with colleagues and clients, makes contact with colleagues across the organisation and shares own knowledge and insight and displays a high level of energy and commitment to the role and organisation

Embrace Diversity

- Listens to others and values their contributions, receptive to new and builds on ideas and acts in ethical and socially responsible manner

We ensure you're rewarded for all your hard work, which is why we offer a comprehensive benefits package which includes but is not limited to:

Exclusive travel discounts with TUI, Expedia, Booking.com and many more Save money on your food shop with discounts on Tesco, Sainsbury's, Morrisons etc Up to 44% off cinema tickets to enjoy your favourite blockbuster Regular emails filled with the best discounts and savings available Receive Wow Points every time you spend and use them on a wide range of brands Un-wind with us with free wellness, mindfulness and exercise classes You can share all discounts and offers with your friends and families Contributory pension scheme * Grow your career with our Career Pathways and MyLearning programmes