Finance Assistant in Edinburgh EH1 – Immediate Start & Flexible Roles
Recruiting Today is seeking a detail-oriented Finance Assistant for an immediate, temporary-to-permanent opportunity in Edinburgh EH1. Competitive pay, flexible hours, and a fast-track registration process for skilled candidates.
Finance Assistant Job Description
Recruiting Today is partnering with a respected, dynamic firm in the heart of Edinburgh EH1 to recruit a proactive and meticulous Finance Assistant. This is a critical support role within a busy finance department, offering an excellent opportunity for an individual with strong numerical skills and a keen eye for detail to gain valuable experience in a professional environment. The role is available for an immediate start, making it ideal for candidates seeking to transition quickly into a new position or for those with flexible availability.
Our client operates within a fast-paced sector and requires reliable support to manage daily financial operations. As a specialist in temporary staffing and permanent recruitment across Edinburgh, Recruiting Today connects talented individuals like you with businesses that value efficiency and accuracy. This particular Finance Assistant position not only offers competitive weekly pay but also serves as a potential gateway to a longer-term career with the client for the right candidate. If you have experience in bookkeeping, invoice processing, or general financial administration, we encourage you to apply today.
🌟 Why This Role?
This is more than just a data entry job. You will be an integral part of the financial workflow, gaining exposure to accounting software, client accounts, and month-end procedures. It’s a perfect stepping stone for someone aiming to build a career as an Office Assistant, School Administrator, or specialised Inventory Clerk, as the core skills are highly transferable.
Key Responsibilities & Daily Duties
As the successful Finance Assistant, your day will be varied and engaging, focusing on ensuring the accuracy and timeliness of financial records. You will report directly to the Finance Manager and work collaboratively with the wider team.
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1Processing invoices & expenses: Accurately code, input, and match supplier invoices and employee expenses using Sage/QuickBooks/Xero, ensuring all documentation is complete and authorised.
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2Bank & ledger reconciliation: Perform daily and weekly bank reconciliations, investigate and resolve any discrepancies, and maintain clean nominal and purchase ledgers.
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3Credit control support: Assist with the sales ledger by generating customer statements, chasing overdue payments via email and phone, and updating customer records.
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4Payroll administration: Support the payroll process by collating timesheets, calculating overtime, and processing starter/leaver documentation for a medium-sized workforce.
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5Month-end reporting: Contribute to the month-end close process by preparing accruals, prepayments, and assisting with the production of routine financial reports for management.
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6Ad-hoc financial tasks: Provide general administrative support to the finance team, including filing, scanning, mail handling, and assisting with audit queries as required.
Essential Skills & Candidate Requirements
To be successful in this Edinburgh-based Finance Assistant role, you will need a blend of technical proficiency, soft skills, and the right attitude. We are looking for candidates who are reliable, eager to learn, and can hit the ground running.
Must-Have Experience
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Proven experience in a similar finance, accounts, or bookkeeping assistant role (minimum 6-12 months).
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Practical, hands-on experience with accounting software such as Sage 50, QuickBooks, Xero, or Microsoft Dynamics.
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High proficiency in Microsoft Excel (VLOOKUPs, Pivot Tables, basic formulas) for data analysis and reporting.
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A solid understanding of basic accounting principles: double-entry bookkeeping, VAT, accruals, and prepayments.
Personal Attributes
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Exceptional attention to detail and a methodical approach to work, with a near-zero tolerance for errors.
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Strong organisational skills and the ability to prioritise a varied workload to meet daily and monthly deadlines.
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Excellent written and verbal communication skills for liaising with suppliers, clients, and internal teams.
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A proactive, problem-solving mindset and the willingness to take initiative within the scope of the role.
Desirable (But Not Essential)
Studying towards or holding an AAT Foundation Certificate (Level 2 or 3). Previous experience in a similar industry to our client (e.g., professional services, retail, hospitality). Familiarity with purchase order systems or experience assisting with inventory accounting would be a significant advantage, aligning skills with those of an Inventory Clerk.
Salary, Benefits & How to Apply
Compensation Package
- Hourly Pay Rate: £13 - £16 per hour (dependent on relevant experience and qualifications).
- Payment: Weekly pay, every Friday, via PAYE or Umbrella Company.
- Hours: Full-time, Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM (37.5 hours per week). Some flexibility may be required during month-end.
- Location: Modern, accessible offices in Edinburgh EH1, close to public transport links.
- Contract: Initial 3-month temporary assignment with a strong likelihood of extension or transition to a permanent position for high performers.
The Recruiting Today Advantage
When you register with Recruiting Today for this Finance Assistant role, you're not just applying for one job. You're gaining access to our entire network of Edinburgh employers.
- 1A dedicated consultant who understands the Edinburgh EH1 finance job market.
- 2Fast-track registration – often completed within 24 hours for immediate starts.
- 3Exclusive access to temporary, temp-to-perm, and permanent roles not always advertised publicly.
- 4Career advice and support to help you progress from a Finance Assistant to more senior roles.
How to Apply for This Finance Assistant Role
The application process is straightforward and designed to get you in front of our client quickly. Given the immediate start nature of this position, we encourage prompt action.
- Submit Your CV: Use the"Apply Now" button on this page to submit your most recent CV. Ensure it highlights your finance assistant, bookkeeping, or accounts experience clearly.
- Initial Screening Call: A Recruiting Today consultant will call you for a brief 10-minute chat to discuss your experience, availability, and suitability for the role.
- Fast-Track Registration: If suitable, we will arrange a quick video or in-person registration at our Edinburgh office to verify your right to work and discuss the role in detail.
- Client Interview: We will submit your profile to the client and arrange an interview, often within 1-2 business days.
- Offer & Start: Successful candidates can receive an offer rapidly, with starts often within the same week.
If you are interested email your cv and info to [email protected]
Apply Now for Immediate Consideration →Why Choose Recruiting Today?
As a leading recruitment and temporary staffing agency in Edinburgh, we bridge the gap between talented professionals and top local employers. Our expertise isn't limited to finance; we successfully fill critical roles across sectors, from Warehouse Operatives to Interim Finance Directors.
- Local Market Masters: Deep knowledge of the Edinburgh EH1 job market, from finance to admin, including School Administrator roles.
- Speed & Efficiency: Our streamlined process gets you registered, vetted, and submitted to roles faster than applying directly.
- Ongoing Support: Your dedicated consultant provides continuous support, from interview prep to post-placement check-ins.
- Diverse Opportunities: Access to a wide range of roles. The skills you gain as a Finance Assistant are also in demand for Data Entry Clerks and Inventory Clerks.
Frequently Asked Questions
For candidates with all documentation ready (CV, right-to-work, references), the process can be extremely fast. We have placed candidates in similar immediate start roles within 48-72 hours of first contact. The key is to apply and complete our registration promptly.
Absolutely. Transferable skills from an Office Assistant role – such as data entry, organisation, software proficiency, and communication – are highly valuable. We assess candidates on their overall aptitude and willingness to learn. We recommend emphasising your numerical accuracy and any related tasks (e.g., handling petty cash, processing orders) on your application.
This is initially a temporary assignment to cover a period of increased workload and to evaluate fit. However, our client has a strong history of converting temporary staff into permanent employees. Performance, cultural fit, and business needs will determine the potential for a permanent offer, which is a common pathway we facilitate through our temp-to-perm model.
Our client fosters a professional, supportive, and collaborative environment. The finance team is described as busy but friendly, with a strong emphasis on teamwork and mutual support. They invest in training and are keen to help the right Finance Assistant develop their skills. The Edinburgh EH1 location offers a vibrant city-centre atmosphere.
Yes, constantly. We specialise in filling a wide array of administrative, finance, and clerical positions across Edinburgh and the Lothians. Even if this specific Finance Assistant role is filled, registering with us gives you priority access to similar opportunities, including Accounts Payable/Receivable Clerks, Management Accountants, and Office Administrators. Browse our latest job listings to see what's available now.
Other Immediate Roles in Edinburgh
Administrative Support Officer
Edinburgh City Centre
Data Entry Clerk
Leith, Edinburgh
School Administrator
West Edinburgh
Customer Accounts Assistant
Edinburgh Park
Start Your Finance Career in Edinburgh EH1 Today
Don't let this opportunity pass you by. This Finance Assistant role is interviewing now, and positions are limited. Take the first step towards a rewarding new position with competitive pay and professional growth.
If you are interested email your cv and info to [email protected]
Recruiting Today – Edinburgh
Your trusted partner for temporary and permanent recruitment in Edinburgh EH1 and across Scotland. Whether you're a job seeker looking for an immediate start as a Finance Assistant or an employer needing to scale your team rapidly, we deliver practical, effective staffing solutions.
Explore our comprehensive recruitment services or learn more about our story.
Contact Details
Phone: +44 20 3086 9080
Email: [email protected]
Location: Serving Edinburgh EH1 and the surrounding Lothians region.
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Career Pathways: Where a Finance Assistant Role Can Lead
A position as a Finance Assistant in Edinburgh EH1 is not an endpoint, but a launchpad. The hands-on experience gained in this role builds a robust foundation for several lucrative and stable career trajectories within the financial and business services sector, a major employer in the Scottish capital.
Typical Progression Routes from a Finance Assistant Role
Understanding the potential career map can help you leverage this opportunity strategically. Here’s how professionals often progress:
1 Specialised Clerk
Within 12-18 months, high-performing assistants often specialise. You might transition into a dedicated Accounts Payable Clerk, Credit Controller, or Payroll Administrator role. These positions offer deeper expertise and typically command higher salaries (£24k-£28k).
Skills to develop: Advanced software modules, regulatory knowledge (e.g., VAT returns, PAYE), and process optimisation.
2 Assistant Accountant
By taking on more complex tasks like journal entries, balance sheet reconciliations, and assisting with budget preparation, you pave the way to an Assistant Accountant title. This often coincides with studying for AAT Level 3/4 or ACCA Foundation exams.
Many Edinburgh firms offer study support for relevant qualifications, a key benefit to inquire about during the interview process.
3 Management & Beyond
With 3-5 years of consolidated experience and qualifications, progression to Finance Manager or Management Accountant becomes attainable. These roles focus on analysis, forecasting, and strategic support, with salaries in Edinburgh ranging from £35k to £50k+.
The interpersonal and communication skills honed in an assistant role are critical for these leadership positions.
The Edinburgh EH1 Finance Sector: Your Work Environment
Working in Edinburgh's EH1 postcode means you are at the epicentre of Scotland's financial and professional services industry. This area is home to a diverse mix of employers:
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Legal & Professional Services Firms
Many large law firms and consultancies on George Street and St. Andrew Square require finance teams to manage client accounts, trust funds, and partnership finances. Accuracy and discretion are paramount.
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Investment & Asset Management
The funds and investment sector around Edinburgh's Exchange District offers roles involving transaction processing, fee calculations, and investor reporting, demanding high precision.
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Tech & Start-up Ventures
The growing tech scene in and around the St. James Quarter often seeks agile finance assistants who can adapt to fast-changing environments, handling everything from R&D tax credit documentation to SaaS subscription management.
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Public Sector & Heritage Organisations
Institutions based in the Old Town require finance professionals to manage grants, public funds, and membership income, offering stable roles with clear procedural frameworks.
This diversity means the skills you acquire as a Finance Assistant are not tied to a single industry, making you highly employable across Edinburgh's economic landscape.
A Day in the Life: Detailed Scenarios & Challenges
To give you a genuine feel for the role beyond the job description, let's walk through two common scenarios a Finance Assistant in Edinburgh might face. This illustrates the problem-solving and analytical aspects of the position.
Scenario: The Discrepant Invoice
Morning Task: You're processing a batch of supplier invoices in Xero. One invoice from a regular office supplies vendor doesn't match the corresponding purchase order (PO). The unit price on the invoice is 10% higher.
Your Action:
- You do not process the payment. Instead, you flag the invoice in the system as"On Hold - Query".
- You retrieve the original PO and email the budget holder (e.g., the Office Manager) for clarification, attaching both documents.
- Simultaneously, you check the supplier's last three invoices for any similar patterns or agreed price increases.
- Upon receiving confirmation that the increase was authorised due to a product specification change, you note the approval in the system, update the PO if necessary, and process the invoice.
This demonstrates vigilance, adherence to controls, professional communication, and proactive investigation – all critical soft skills.
Scenario: Month-End Reconciliation Rush
Last Thursday of the Month: The finance team is working towards the month-end close. You're responsible for reconciling the company credit card ledger.
The Challenge: Several transactions are missing receipts, and one large transaction from a hotel doesn't have a clear business purpose logged.
Your Strategy:
- You create a"Missing Items" list and systematically email each cardholder with a polite, firm deadline of EOD.
- For the unclear hotel transaction, you cross-reference the date with the company travel calendar and speak directly to the sales manager who travelled that week.
- You use Excel to track responses, ensuring no query is lost. For any non-compliant expenses, you follow the company policy, potentially moving them to a"Personal to Reimburse" account.
- You provide your manager with a concise update at the daily huddle, highlighting resolved items and any potential delays.
This tests your organisational skills, ability to enforce policy diplomatically, use of tools for tracking, and proactive communication under time pressure.
These scenarios are realistic examples of the thinking required behind the routine tasks. They show why companies value a Finance Assistant who is not just a processor, but a conscientious and analytical member of the team.