Finance Administrator

Job Description

Job Title

Finance Administrator (12-Month Fixed Term Contract)

Department

Finance

Reports To

Management Accountant

Location

Hybrid / Remote (as applicable)

Contract

12-Month Fixed Term Contract

Job Purpose

We are seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Finance Administrator to join our growing Finance team on a 12-month fixed-term contract.

This is an excellent opportunity for a recent graduate looking to develop a career within finance, accounting, or business operations. Working closely with the Management Accountant and supporting payroll activities, you will gain exposure to a broad range of financial processes across a multi-entity organisation.

The role will provide hands-on experience in financial administration, accounting support, payroll processes, banking activities, reconciliations, and management reporting, making it an ideal stepping stone towards a professional finance career.

Key Responsibilities

Finance Administration

  • Support the day-to-day administration of finance activities across multiple business entities.
  • Process financial transactions accurately and in a timely manner.
  • Assist with the preparation and posting of accounting journals.
  • Support month-end and year-end accounting processes.
  • Maintain accurate financial records and supporting documentation.
  • Assist with balance sheet reconciliations and account reviews.
  • Support the preparation of management information and financial reports.

Banking & Cash Management

  • Assist with the administration of online banking activities.
  • Monitor bank transactions and support bank reconciliations.
  • Investigate and resolve banking discrepancies where required.
  • Support cash management and reporting activities.

Payroll Support

  • Assist with payroll administration activities.
  • Prepare and validate payroll data for processing.
  • Support payroll reconciliations and reporting.
  • Liaise with internal stakeholders regarding payroll-related queries.
  • Ensure payroll records are maintained accurately and confidentially.

Data Analysis & Reporting

  • Utilise Microsoft Excel to analyse financial data and produce reports.
  • Prepare spreadsheets and reporting schedules to support decision-making.
  • Assist with data cleansing, validation, and financial analysis projects.
  • Support process improvement initiatives through data-driven insights.

Systems & Process Improvement

  • Support finance systems administration and process improvements.
  • Assist with documentation of finance procedures and controls.
  • Contribute to projects aimed at improving efficiency and standardisation across the finance function.
  • Work collaboratively across departments to support business objectives.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

  • Accuracy of financial data and journal postings.
  • Timeliness of finance administration tasks.
  • Accuracy of payroll support activities.
  • Completion of reconciliations within agreed deadlines.
  • Quality and accuracy of management information.
  • Contribution to process improvement initiatives.
  • Compliance with finance controls and procedures.

Skills, Knowledge & Experience

Essential

  • Degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Management, Information Technology, or a related discipline.
  • Strong Microsoft Excel skills (Intermediate to Advanced).
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • Good numerical and analytical abilities.
  • Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
  • Understanding of online banking platforms and financial processes.
  • Basic understanding of accounting principles and financial reporting.
  • Knowledge or experience of preparing accounting journals.
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities and work to deadlines.
  • Strong organisational skills.
  • Comfortable working independently and remotely when required.

Desirable

  • Previous finance, payroll, administration, or placement-year experience.
  • Experience working within a multi-entity business environment.
  • Exposure to finance systems or ERP platforms.
  • Understanding of payroll processes and controls.
  • Experience using financial reporting tools.
  • Working towards or interested in pursuing a professional accounting qualification (AAT, ACCA, CIMA, ACA).

Personal Attributes

  • Highly organised and methodical.
  • Eager to learn and develop professionally.
  • Positive and proactive attitude.
  • Strong problem-solving skills.
  • Professional and confidential approach to work.
  • Ability to build effective working relationships.
  • Self-motivated and able to work independently.
  • Adaptable and comfortable working within a changing environment.

What Success Looks Like

  • Finance administration tasks are completed accurately and on time.
  • Payroll support activities run smoothly and efficiently.
  • Financial data is maintained to a high standard of accuracy.
  • Strong relationships are built with colleagues across the business.
  • Continuous improvement opportunities are identified and implemented.
  • The role develops into a trusted support function within the Finance team.

Career Development Opportunity

This role offers an excellent opportunity for a graduate seeking practical experience within a professional finance environment. The successful candidate will gain exposure to accounting, payroll, banking, reporting, and business operations while working alongside experienced finance professionals.

The role provides a strong foundation for future progression into Management Accounting, Financial Accounting, Payroll, Commercial Finance, or wider Finance Business Partnering roles.