Finance Assistant Location: Carlisle, Cumbria Salary: £30,000 - £35,000 DOE Job Type: Full-time Working Hours: 8am - 5pm The Opportunity We are recruiting on behalf of a growing business in Carlisle that is looking for a highly organised, proactive and detail-oriented Finance Assistant to join its team. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced finance professional who enjoys taking ownership of day-to-day financial processes, maintaining accurate records and helping a business operate efficiently. You will play a key role in managing the company's daily financial activities, supporting the management team and ensuring the finance function runs smoothly. The successful candidate will be reliable, confident working independently and comfortable managing a varied workload within a busy working environment. This position would suit someone who is looking to take greater ownership of a finance function and develop their role as the business continues to grow. Key Responsibilities Managing day-to-day bookkeeping and financial administration Processing purchase invoices, supplier payments and customer invoices Managing accounts payable and accounts receivable Completing regular bank and credit card reconciliations Monitoring outstanding invoices and following up on overdue payments Assisting with cash flow monitoring, forecasting and financial planning Preparing monthly financial reports for the management team Supporting the preparation of management accounts Managing and reconciling expenses and company expenditure Assisting with VAT returns and ensuring compliance with relevant financial regulations Liaising with external accountants, suppliers and other stakeholders Supporting payroll administration where required Identifying opportunities to improve financial processes and internal controls Providing general financial and administrative support to the management team Skills and Experience The successful candidate will ideally have: Previous experience within a finance, accounts or bookkeeping role A strong understanding of accounting principles and financial processes Excellent organisational skills and attention to detail Confidence using accounting software such as Sage A good working knowledge of Microsoft Office The ability to prioritise a varied workload and meet deadlines Strong communication and problem-solving skills The confidence to work independently and take ownership of tasks A professional, trustworthy and discreet approach when handling confidential financial information Desirable Experience The following would be beneficial but is not essential: An AAT qualification or equivalent accounting experience Experience preparing management accounts and financial reports Experience managing cash flow and financial budgets Previous experience working within a small or medium-sized business About You We are looking for someone who is more than just good with numbers. You will be proactive, commercially aware and genuinely interested in supporting the continued growth of the business. If you are an experienced finance professional looking for a varied role with genuine responsibility and the opportunity to make an impact within a growing business, we would be keen to hear from you. Please apply with your up to date CV or call Jess on (phone number removed)