Finance Assistant Jobs in Northampton NN1 | Immediate Start
Recruiting Today is urgently seeking a meticulous and experienced Finance Assistant for a leading client in the Northampton NN1 area. This temporary position offers an immediate start, competitive pay, and the potential for a permanent role for the right candidate.
Northampton NN1
Central & surrounding areas
Immediate
ASAP – Urgent Requirement
Competitive
Based on experience & qualifications
Temporary
Temp-to-perm opportunity
Finance Assistant Job Description
Our client, a reputable and growing organisation based in the heart of Northampton NN1, is seeking a skilled and proactive Finance Assistant to join their busy finance department on an immediate temporary basis. This role is perfect for a candidate with a solid grounding in accounting principles and a keen eye for detail, who thrives in a fast-paced environment where accuracy and timeliness are paramount.
As a specialist agency connecting talent with opportunity, Recruiting Today manages the entire recruitment process for this role. By applying through us, you gain access to a wide network of local finance jobs in Northampton and benefit from our expertise in securing competitive pay rates and clear career pathways. Whether you're looking for an immediate start or a stepping stone to a permanent position, this Finance Assistant vacancy represents a significant opportunity.
Key Responsibilities & Duties
- Processing Invoices & Payments: Accurately process high volumes of purchase and sales invoices, manage supplier payments, and reconcile statements, ensuring all transactions are recorded in a timely manner within the accounting software (e.g., Sage, Xero, QuickBooks).
- Bank Reconciliations & Cash Management: Perform daily and weekly bank reconciliations, monitor cash flow, and prepare petty cash reports. You will be responsible for investigating and resolving any discrepancies swiftly.
- Credit Control & Accounts Receivable: Support the credit control function by issuing customer statements, chasing overdue payments via phone and email, and updating the sales ledger to maintain healthy cash flow for the business.
- Administrative & Reporting Support: Provide comprehensive administrative support to the finance team, including filing, data entry, and preparing routine financial reports. You may also assist with VAT return preparation and year-end audit processes.
- Cross-Departmental Communication: Act as a key point of contact for internal departments regarding invoice queries, purchase orders, and payment schedules, maintaining professional and clear communication at all times.
Essential Skills & Candidate Requirements
To be successful in this Northampton-based Finance Assistant role, you will need a blend of technical accounting knowledge and strong soft skills.
Technical Skills
- Proven experience with accounting software (Sage 50, Xero, QuickBooks)
- Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel (VLOOKUPs, Pivot Tables)
- Thorough understanding of bookkeeping & double-entry
- Experience with invoice processing & bank reconciliations
Personal Attributes
- Exceptional attention to detail & numerical accuracy
- Strong organisational & time-management skills
- Excellent written & verbal communication
- Ability to work independently & as part of a team
A relevant qualification (AAT Level 2/3 or similar) is highly desirable, but candidates with substantial proven experience as a Finance Assistant, Accounts Assistant, or Bookkeeper will be strongly considered. The ability to start immediately is a key advantage.
How Temp Work Can Lead to Permanent Roles
Many of our temporary Finance Assistant placements in Northampton have evolved into permanent positions. Understanding the pathway from temp to perm is crucial for career planning. Watch our expert guide on making the most of temporary opportunities.
Apply Now for Immediate Consideration
This Finance Assistant role in Northampton NN1 is interviewing now. Submit your details and CV today to be shortlisted.
If you are interested email your cv and info to [email protected]
Email Your CV NowOr call +44 20 3086 9080 to speak to our team.
Why Choose Recruiting Today?
As a leading recruitment agency in Northampton, we specialise in connecting skilled finance professionals with local businesses. Our services extend beyond this single role; we are experts in on-demand staffing for various sectors.
- 1 Weekly pay & hassle-free payroll
- 2 Access to exclusive, unadvertised roles
- 3 Career advice & upskilling opportunities
- 4 A dedicated consultant who knows the local finance job market
Related Finance & Admin Roles
Explore other immediate opportunities in Northampton and the wider region.
Salary, Benefits & Career Progression
Understanding the full remuneration package and long-term potential is key when considering a Finance Assistant position.
Competitive Pay Structure
Pay for this Northampton Finance Assistant role is competitive and will be discussed upon application, based on your specific experience, qualifications, and the exact requirements of the client. Rates are aligned with market standards for the NN1 area and are paid weekly.
Temp-to-Perm Pathway
This temporary assignment has a clear temp-to-perm potential. Many of our clients use temporary placements as an extended interview process. Exceptional performance as a Finance Assistant can lead to a permanent contract, often with enhanced benefits.
Career Development
Working as a Finance Assistant with a reputable Northampton employer provides invaluable experience for career progression. This role can be a stepping stone to positions such as Senior Finance Assistant, Assistant Accountant, or Management Accountant, especially if you pursue qualifications like AAT.
The Local Advantage: Working in Northampton NN1
Northampton's town centre (NN1 postcode) is a thriving commercial hub with excellent transport links via road (M1) and rail. This makes the location highly accessible for commuters from surrounding areas like Milton Keynes, Rugby, and Bedford.
The local business community is diverse, encompassing sectors from manufacturing and logistics to professional services and retail, all of which require skilled finance and administrative support. By registering with Recruiting Today, you position yourself at the heart of this dynamic job market.
Our agency has deep roots in the region, and we frequently place candidates in similar roles such as concierge jobs in Northampton NN4 and supervisory roles in logistics, demonstrating our wide network.
If you're seeking flexible work patterns, we also specialise in temporary education staffing and construction staffing, offering varied opportunities across sectors.
Frequently Asked Questions
The client requires an immediate start. The recruitment process is fast-tracked. Once you apply via email or phone, our team will review your CV promptly. Suitable candidates will be contacted for a quick pre-screen call, often on the same day, with interviews arranged within 24-48 hours. A start date can be confirmed shortly after a successful interview.
The client uses a mainstream cloud-based accounting package (specific system disclosed upon shortlisting). Essential experience includes any of the following: Sage 50cloud, Xero, QuickBooks Online, or similar. Proficiency in core functions like invoice processing, bank feeds, reconciliation, and reporting is more critical than knowledge of a specific brand. Training on the client's specific processes will be provided.
The office is located in central Northampton (NN1) with excellent public transport links. There are several public car parks within a short walking distance (typically a 5-10 minute walk). Some limited on-street parking may be available. Specific details regarding recommended parking options and any potential travel cost support will be discussed with shortlisted candidates during the interview process.
The initial temporary assignment is for a minimum of 3 months, with a high likelihood of extension based on business needs and performance. As mentioned, there is a clear temp-to-perm pathway. The client views this as a long-term need, and a successful Finance Assistant could transition to a permanent contract within this period.
While an AAT Level 2 or Level 3 qualification is highly desirable and will strengthen your application, it is not an absolute barrier. The client prioritises practical, hands-on experience. Candidates with 2+ years of solid experience in a similar Finance Assistant or Accounts Assistant role, demonstrating proficiency in the key responsibilities listed, will be seriously considered. A willingness to study towards AAT may be viewed positively.
Your Next Career Move Starts Here
Don't let this opportunity for an immediate-start Finance Assistant role in Northampton NN1 pass you by. Join the many professionals who have advanced their careers through Recruiting Today.
If you are interested email your cv and info to [email protected]
Recruiting Today
A leading recruitment and temporary staffing agency serving Northampton NN1 and the wider UK. Connecting exceptional talent with forward-thinking businesses.
Contact Details
Phone: +44 20 3086 9080
Email: [email protected]
Location: Serving Northampton NN1 & Surrounding Regions
Recruiting Today is an equal-opportunities employer and recruitment agency. © Recruiting Today. All rights reserved.
Real Career Progression: A Northampton Case Study
To illustrate the genuine long-term potential of this role, consider the journey of Sarah, who registered with Recruiting Today in early 2023. Sarah was placed in a temporary Finance Assistant role with a Northampton-based manufacturing firm, similar to the position advertised here. Her initial 3-month contract was extended twice, and after 8 months of demonstrating exceptional accuracy, initiative, and a willingness to learn complex reporting systems, she was offered a permanent Assistant Management Accountant position with a 22% salary increase and a full study support package for her CIMA qualifications.
Initial Role (Month 1-3)
Core duties: Processing 100+ invoices weekly, basic bank reconciliations, and supporting month-end.
Extended Duties (Month 4-8)
Took on credit control, assisted with VAT returns, and created departmental spend reports in Excel.
Permanent Promotion (Month 9+)
Permanent Assistant Management Accountant role, overseeing junior staff and budgeting processes.
This pathway is not unique. Many of our temporary finance placements are designed to identify talent for long-term growth. Employers in the NN1 area value the flexibility of a temp-to-perm model, allowing them to assess cultural fit and capability before making a permanent commitment.
A Day in the Life: What to Expect
Beyond the job description, understanding the daily rhythm and challenges of this specific Finance Assistant role will help you assess your fit. Based on our detailed briefing from the client, here’s a realistic snapshot.
Morning Reconciliation & Prioritisation
Your day typically starts by logging into the accounting system and checking the bank feed for overnight transactions. You’ll prioritise the day’s invoice batch, often focusing on any urgent supplier payments flagged by the procurement team. Communication with other departments about pending purchase orders happens early to avoid processing delays.
Core Processing & Query Resolution
This block is dedicated to high-volume tasks: coding and inputting purchase invoices, matching them to purchase orders, and preparing payment runs. You’ll also spend time resolving invoice discrepancies—this may involve contacting suppliers or liaising with internal budget holders. Accuracy here is critical to maintain supplier relationships and accurate cash flow forecasting.
Afternoon Focus: Credit Control & Reporting
Post-lunch, the focus may shift to the sales ledger. You’ll issue customer statements, make polite but firm collection calls for overdue accounts, and update the aged debtors report. You may also be tasked with generating weekly cash position reports or assisting with the compilation of data for the monthly management accounts, requiring those advanced Excel skills mentioned.
End-of-Day Wrap Up
The final hour involves ensuring all processed invoices are authorised, filing (digital and sometimes physical), and sending out remittances to suppliers. You’ll provide a brief handover note to the Finance Manager on any urgent pending items or significant queries that need follow-up the next day. The role demands a clear close to each day’s tasks.
Market Insight: The Northampton NN1 Finance Sector
Positioning yourself strategically requires understanding the local economic landscape. Northampton's NN1 postcode is not just an administrative centre; it's a hub for finance roles across several key industries.
Key Employing Sectors in NN1
- Logistics & Distribution: Major players have HQs here, requiring finance teams to handle high-volume transactional accounting.
- Professional Services: Legal and accountancy firms themselves need skilled Finance Assistants for their internal accounts.
- Retail & E-commerce: National retailers with centralised finance functions offer roles focused on inventory accounting and supplier payments.
- Manufacturing: Supporting cost accounting, job costing, and large-scale purchase ledger work is common.
Skills in Highest Demand
Our data from recent placements shows that while technical accounting skills are a baseline, candidates who excel in Northampton’s market often possess these additional attributes:
- 1Adaptability to Sector-Specific Software: Experience with niche packages used in logistics (e.g., Descartes) or manufacturing (e.g., SAP Business One) is a significant advantage.
- 2Commercial Awareness: Understanding how your finance role impacts the wider business goals, particularly in fast-paced sectors like e-commerce.
- 3Resilience During Peak Periods: The ability to maintain accuracy and a positive attitude during month-end, year-end, or seasonal peaks (like Black Friday for retail clients).
Application Advice for an"Immediate Start" Role
The urgency of this vacancy means the hiring process is condensed. Your application needs to immediately signal your readiness and suitability. Here’s how to tailor your approach.
Your CV & Cover Email
- Subject Line is Key: Use"Immediate Start Finance Assistant - [Your Name]" in your email subject. This shows you’ve read the brief.
- Front-Load Readiness: In the first line of your email, state your availability:"I am available for an immediate start and can interview at short notice."
- Quantify Your Experience: On your CV, don't just list duties. Use metrics:"Processed 150+ invoices per week with a 99.8% accuracy rate" or"Reduced debtor days from 45 to 38 within 3 months."
- Software Proficiency Table: Include a clear, simple table listing accounting software (Sage, Xero, etc.) and your skill level (Advanced, Intermediate). This saves the recruiter time.
The Interview & Pre-Screen
- Prepare for Speed: Expect the interview process to move quickly. Have your examples ready using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) focusing on times you resolved a complex reconciliation or improved a process.
- Ask Informed Questions: Demonstrate your seriousness by asking about the specific challenges in the current finance team, the key priorities for the first month, and the long-term digital strategy for the finance function.
- Discuss Logistics Upfront: Be prepared to confirm your ability to commute to NN1 and your available start date definitively. Hesitation on these practical points can disadvantage you in a fast-track process.
- Follow-Up Promptly: Send a concise thank-you email within a few hours of the interview, reiterating your enthusiasm and immediate availability. This reinforces your proactive nature.