This job is with Compass Group UK & Ireland, an inclusive employer and a member of myGwork – the largest global platform for the LGBTQ+ business community. Please do not contact the recruiter directly.
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
Benefits
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, 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