Finance Assistant

**ole Overview**

The Finance Assistant will play a vital role in supporting the day-to-day financial operations of the Blackpool Tower and Madame Tussauds. Reporting directly to the Finance Manager, this position will ensure the accuracy and integrity of financial records, assist in reporting and analysis, support payroll and stock processes, and help maintain compliance with internal and external requirements. The role is ideal for someone with strong attention to detail, a passion for numbers, and a desire to develop a career in commercial finance within the attractions and leisure industry.

**Key Responsibilities**

**1. Financial Administration & Reporting**
- Process invoices, payments, and journal entries accurately and on time.
- Assist in month-end close activities including reconciliations, accruals, and prepayments.
- Prepare reports and schedules to support the Finance Manager in monthly management reporting and board packs.
- Maintain accurate records of financial transactions and ensure they align with budget and forecast expectations.

**2. Budgeting & Forecasting Support**
- Assist in the preparation and maintenance of budgets, forecasts, and financial plans.
- Track actual performance against budget and highlight variances to the Finance Manager.
- Support the collation of data for financial models and scenario planning exercises.

**3. Payroll & HR Liaison**
- Support accurate processing of payroll in collaboration with the Finance Manager and HR team.
- Maintain employee data relevant to payroll and pensions.
- Assist in monthly payroll reconciliations and ensure compliance with HMRC regulations.

**4. Stock & Inventory Management**
- Help maintain up-to-date stock records for retail, food & beverage, and attraction inventory.
- Assist with stocktakes and audit preparation, ensuring accurate valuation and reporting.
- Support the Finance Manager in monitoring stock movements and flagging anomalies.

**5. Commercial & Operational Support**
- Assist with basic data analysis related to spend per head, visitor trends, and product performance.
- Help prepare dashboards and reports for operational teams to aid commercial decision-making.
- Work closely with marketing and operational departments to support financial tracking of promotions and packages.

**6. Compliance & Internal Controls**
- Ensure compliance with internal financial processes and controls.
- Maintain audit-ready documentation and support internal and external audit processes.
- Uphold financial policies and recommend improvements where necessary.

**7. Team & Stakeholder Support**
- Provide day-to-day administrative and financial support to the wider finance team.
- Respond to internal queries regarding payments, coding, and transactions.
- Build collaborative relationships with HR, Operations, Retail, and Marketing teams.

**Person Specification**

**Essential**:

- AAT qualified or studying towards ACCA/CIMA (or equivalent).
- Minimum 1-2 years’ experience in a finance or accounting role.
- Strong understanding of basic accounting principles.
- Proficient in Microsoft Excel and financial software (e.g., Sage).
- High level of accuracy and attention to detail.
- Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities.

**Desirable**:

- Experience working in leisure, tourism, hospitality, or retail sectors.
- Familiarity with EPOS or stock management systems.
- Exposure to payroll and/or stock reconciliation processes.
- Interest in developing a career in commercial finance.

**Personal Attributes**:

- Proactive and eager to learn.
- Professional and approachable communication style.
- A team player with a collaborative approach.
- Adaptable to a fast-paced, changing environment.

**Development Opportunities**

This role offers excellent exposure to a wide range of finance functions, with strong development opportunities under the guidance of a commercially focused Finance Manager. Suitable for someone working towards full qualification and looking to grow into a broader finance role in the future.

Pay: £26,000.00-£30,500.00 per year

**Benefits**:

- Company pension
- Discounted or free food
- Employee discount
- Health & wellbeing programme
- On-site parking
- Transport links

Schedule:

- Monday to Friday
- Weekend availability

Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 04/07/2025
Reference ID: Finance Assistant for Blackpool Tourism Limited
Expected start date: 04/08/2025