Finance Assistant Jobs in Southampton SO15 | Immediate Start with HireNow

Finance Assistant Job Description

HireNow is partnering with established businesses across the Southampton SO15 area, including maritime logistics firms, retail head offices, and professional service providers, to recruit a meticulous and proactive Finance Assistant. This is a pivotal support role within busy finance departments, offering an excellent pathway for those looking to build a stable career in accountancy or to gain valuable commercial experience with a leading local employer.

By applying through HireNow, you benefit from our deep local market knowledge and strong employer relationships. We don't just fill a vacancy; we match you with a role that suits your skills and career aspirations. Whether you're seeking an immediate start after a period of job hunting, or are looking to transition from a similar role like a Caretaker in Luton LU1 into a more office-based finance position, our consultants will guide you through a streamlined process. For employers, we offer the same strategic approach as detailed in our resource on Recruitment Outsourcing in London, but tailored to the Southampton market.

Key Responsibilities & Daily Duties

As a Finance Assistant in Southampton, your role will be diverse and integral to the smooth running of the finance function. You will be expected to take ownership of key transactional processes while providing high-quality support to senior team members.

• Purchase & Sales Ledger Management: Processing a high volume of invoices accurately and efficiently, matching to purchase orders, and preparing payment runs. Reconciling supplier statements and resolving any discrepancies promptly to maintain strong vendor relationships.
• Bank Reconciliation & Cash Management: Performing daily and weekly bank reconciliations for multiple accounts, posting cash and cheque receipts, and monitoring company cash flow positions. Identifying and investigating any unpresented cheques or unusual transactions.
• Credit Control Support: Assisting with the credit control process by preparing and sending customer statements, chasing overdue payments via email and telephone, and updating the sales ledger with payment allocations. This requires a polite but firm telephone manner and excellent record-keeping.
• Expense Processing & Petty Cash: Checking, coding, and processing employee expense claims in line with company policy. Managing the petty cash float, ensuring all disbursements are properly authorised and documented with valid receipts.
• Month-End & Reporting Assistance: Providing crucial support during the month-end close process. This includes preparing accruals and prepayments, running aged debtors and creditors reports, and assisting with the preparation of management account packs for review by the Finance Manager.
• Administrative & Ad-Hoc Support: Providing general administrative support to the finance team, including filing, photocopying, and mailing. Responding to internal and external finance queries in a professional and helpful manner. Assisting with VAT return preparation and other ad-hoc projects as required.

Essential Skills & Candidate Requirements

We are looking for candidates who are not only technically competent but also possess the right attitude and professional demeanour to thrive in a dynamic finance environment. A proactive problem-solver with a keen eye for detail will excel in this Southampton-based role.

• Proven Experience: At least 1-2 years of hands-on experience in a similar finance assistant, accounts assistant, or bookkeeping role is essential. Experience with both purchase and sales ledger is highly desirable.
• Software Proficiency: Strong working knowledge of major accounting software such as Sage 50, QuickBooks, Xero, or similar ERP systems. Advanced competency in Microsoft Excel is a must, including the use of VLOOKUPs, pivot tables, and basic formulas.
• Numeracy & Accuracy: Exceptional numerical skills and a meticulous attention to detail. The ability to process high volumes of data accurately while meeting strict deadlines is non-negotiable for success in this position.
• Communication & Teamwork: Excellent written and verbal communication skills. You must be able to communicate effectively with colleagues, suppliers, and customers, both in person and over the phone, as part of a collaborative team.
• Organisation & Initiative: Outstanding organisational and time-management skills, with the ability to prioritise a varied workload. We value candidates who show initiative and a willingness to learn and take on new challenges.
• Qualifications: A minimum of GCSEs (or equivalent) in Maths and English at grade C/4 or above. Candidates studying towards or holding AAT qualifications (Level 2 or 3) will be given strong preference.