Finance Assistant

Job Description

Job Title: Finance Assistant

Department: Finance

Reports To: Head of Operations

Location: Halifax Office, Hybrid

Employment Type: Part-Time (28 Hours) Temporary 3-6 Months

Salary: £28,000 pro rata, per year

About EMS

EMS is a specialist equipment management solutions provider to large manufacturing organisations across the UK, Europe and North America; with offices in Belfast, Dublin and Halifax. Operating mainly within the FMCG sector, EMS controls equipment pools that are used to distribute our customers' products to market.

Job Summary

The Finance Assistant supports the finance team in managing the company's day-to-day financial operations. This role includes processing financial transactions, assisting with credit control, and supporting month-end procedures. The Finance Assistant will also help with financial reporting, reconciliations, and ensuring accurate records of accounts payable, accounts receivable, and other financial activities. The ideal candidate should have a solid understanding of accounting principles and a willingness to develop their skills in both finance and credit management.

Responsibilities and Duties

Financial Transactions & Reconciliation:

• Process daily financial transactions, including accounts payable (AP) and accounts receivable (AR)
• Reconcile bank statements and other financial accounts to ensure accuracy and completeness.
• Assist with the posting of journal entries and maintaining the general ledger.
• Help process payroll in compliance with company policies.

Credit Control:

• Assist in the management of the credit control function by ensuring timely collection of outstanding debts.
• Monitor customer accounts and send reminders for overdue payments.
• Communicate with customers regarding their invoices and payment terms, addressing any queries they may have.
• Conduct basic credit checks for new customers and recommend appropriate credit limits.

Credit Risk Monitoring:

• Support in monitoring customer payment behaviour and flag any potential credit risks.
• Maintain up-to-date records of customer accounts and payment histories.

Month-End & Year-End Close:

• Assist with month-end and year-end close activities, including reconciliations and adjustments.
• Prepare simple accruals and prepayments under supervision
• Support the Finance Manager in gathering data for the preparation of financial statements.

Financial Reporting:

• Help prepare financial reports such as profit and loss statements, balance sheets, and cash flow statements.
• Assist in gathering data and performing basic analysis on variances in financial performance.

Audit & Compliance:

• Prepare documentation for internal and external audits as needed.
• Ensure accurate financial records are maintained and compliant with company policies and regulatory requirements.

Process Support:

• Assist in identifying areas for process improvement within daily financial tasks.
• Provide support in implementing new finance systems and procedures where needed.

Qualifications and Skills

Education & Experience:

• 3+ years of experience in a finance or accounting role, including credit control responsibilities.
• Professional accounting qualifications or part-qualification.

Skills & Competencies:

• Strong attention to detail and accuracy in managing financial data.
• Good organisational and time-management skills, with the ability to prioritise tasks effectively.
• Good understanding of credit control practices, with the ability to handle customer accounts professionally.
• Effective communication skills and a customer-focused approach to credit management.

Technical Skills

• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and competent user of accounting software (e.g. Sage, QuickBooks, Xero).

Renumeration & Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Professional development and training opportunities
• Pension scheme and other financial incentives
• Hybrid working (Office 3 Days / Home 2 Days)
• Flexible working environment

Job Types: Part-time, Temporary

Contract length: 3-6 months

Pay: £28,000.00 per year

Expected hours: 28 per week

Benefits:

• Additional leave
• Bereavement leave
• Free parking
• Health & wellbeing programme
• On-site parking
• Sick pay
• Work from home

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Halifax HX3 5AH