what is a finance assistant?
As a finance assistant, your role is supportive since you handle day-to-day activities in the accounting department and report to the finance or accounting manager. You accomplish the tasks efficiently to ensure the smooth running of department operations. You should know the company's accounting principles and financial reporting policies.
Since finance assistant is an entry-level position, your role includes basic bookkeeping activities and administrative tasks. For instance, you manage bank reconciliations and expenses using data entry platforms and accounting software to ensure the company accounts are up-to-date. You also update monthly forecasts and company budgets and pass those reports to the relevant managers. Sometimes, you work with the human resource (HR) department to prepare payroll or the sales and procurement departments to issue invoices, pay suppliers, and prepare quarterly tax returns.
As a finance assistant, being highly organised helps you juggle multiple tasks. You should have financial knowledge like bookkeeping and accounting principles. It is also crucial to be detail-oriented since accounting records must be accurate.
find your jobaverage finance assistant salary
According to Payscale, the salary of finance assistants in India is ₹303,350 per year. The salary range depends on experience, educational qualifications and company size. Entry-level jobs attract a lower salary of ₹183,000 annually due to the minimal experience required. When you gain expertise and advanced qualifications, your earnings increase significantly. Senior finance assistants take home over ₹640,000 per year.
what factors influence the salary of a finance assistant?
The earnings of a finance assistant mainly depend on qualifications and area of expertise. For instance, being proficient in using accounting and financial tools improves your earnings. Having the necessary certification for bookkeeping is an added advantage.
Aside from qualifications and experience, the company you work for also affects your earnings. A small company may not have the resources to pay higher salaries. However, working in a large company improves your earning potential due to the complexity of the tasks.
types of finance assistants
As a finance assistant, you can perform general bookkeeping tasks or specialise in specific roles in the finance department like:
- account payables and receivables: finance assistants manage accounts receivables and payables. In accounts receivables, you track incoming cash flow, issue invoices and handle billing statements. Sometimes, you inquire about unpaid bills. Payables keep records of the company's debts and payment plans.
- financial planning: as a finance assistant, you participate in financial planning roles like budgeting. You also help your employer research the best investments to improve their financial position.
- risk management: finance assistants assist with risk management by reviewing the company's investment portfolio. Your job is to evaluate risks and opportunities. You help your employer find ways to exploit opportunities and deal with risks.
- cash flow management: as a finance assistant, you help the finance manager control the company's cash flow. Your job is to evaluate the company's liquidity.
working as a finance assistant
If you are detail-oriented with a knack for numbers, you will enjoy working as a finance assistant. The job demands accurate accounting information recording and excellent organisational skills for dealing with daily activities. Let's explore the duties and work environment of a finance assistant.
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finance assistant job description
Some typical responsibilities of finance assistants include:
- supporting senior staff: your job is to support the finance manager and senior accountants with their duties. You help them prepare accounting reports and assist with budgeting and strategic planning. Sometimes, your duties involve scheduling meetings with investors on behalf of finance managers.
- carrying out clerical and administrative tasks: your role involves routine clerical and administrative tasks. For instance, you file financial documents and photocopy or organise files for your superiors. You also collect and record financial data in spreadsheets and accounting software. It is crucial to keep all the information up-to-date for proper financial reporting.
- preparing financial reports: as a finance assistant, you utilise accounting principles and techniques to prepare the company's financial statement. You prepare reports under the supervision of senior managers, and your job involves basic bookkeeping duties, such as preparing receipts or vouchers and recording them into accounting software. You perform accounting computations and identify discrepancies before generating the financial statements. You also check the accuracy of financial records during the reporting stages.
- assisting with audits: as a finance assistant, you are involved in regular audits and ensure the company's accounting system complies with the financial policy and regulations. You handle inquiries on the company's fiscal policies and procedures. If you work under an internal auditor, you review financial statements for accuracy and transparency.
- preparing budgets: your role involves helping the finance team with budget planning and preparation. For instance, you prepare a list of company expenses and revenue sources discussed in meetings and make the necessary estimates.
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work environment
Finance assistants work in various business sectors and industries. Whether it's a construction company or a manufacturing unit, you can find a finance assistant position in any industry. Often, the work setting is an indoor office environment in a well-maintained office with temperature control and good lighting to provide a comfortable work environment. As a finance assistant, you likely work from a small cubicle or workstation, while senior finance roles have separate offices.
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who are your colleagues?
Depending on the industry you work in, you interact with diverse professionals. You work alongside accountants, accounts assistants and data entry clerks. You also collaborate with auditors, advisors and finance controllers. Other professionals you are likely to work with include finance analysts, office administrators and office managers.
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work schedule
As a finance assistant, you can commit to a full-time or part-time work schedule. Full-time schedules are typically between 35 to 40 hours a week, while part-time positions require a maximum of 30 hours a week. Most roles are the standard 9-to-5 work routines, but some employers offer flexible work arrangements. Working overtime hours and weekends is rare except during busy periods, like audit and tax seasons. Travel is minimal unless you work for a company that provides services to various clients.
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job outlook
A finance assistant role is a great way to join the finance industry. The entry-level position provides exciting learning opportunities that often lead to better roles. With additional training and certification, you can become an accountant or chartered accountant before moving into a finance manager position. If you follow the auditing path, you can become a junior auditor after gaining the necessary experience.
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advantages of finding a finance assistant job through randstad
Finding your finance assistant job through Randstad provides important advantages such as:
- a wide variety of training and development opportunities
- an experienced contact person to provide help if needed
- a range of opportunities in your area
- get paid on a monthly basis
- temporary and permanent contracts
Want a permanent contract? A temporary job as a finance assistant is often a stepping stone to an attractive permanent job. Every year, thousands of people earn a permanent contract with great employers thanks to a temporary job found through Randstad. What's more, many companies recruit their permanent employees through Randstad too!
education and skills
To work as a finance assistant, you require a bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, economics or business. Consider pursuing a Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) or Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Finance. While universities have different requirements for admission, some of the most common entrance exams include the Symbiosis Entrance Test (SET) and the IP University Common Entrance Test (IPU CET).
You don't need a post-bachelor qualification to become a finance assistant in India, but consider pursuing certifications to boost your skills. For instance, you can get certification to become a Certified Public Accountant from the Institute of Chartered Accountants in India (ICAI).
finance assistant skills and competencies
As a finance assistant, you need the following skills and competencies:
As a finance assistant, you need the following skills and competencies:
- maths skills: you need good maths and numeracy skills to carry out quick calculations and ensure accurate computations of financial data. Maths skills help you maintain the accuracy of financial documents.
- communication and interpersonal skills: you work alongside various workers in the organisation. It is vital to have good communication and teamwork skills to collaborate with others and ensure efficient communication.
- time management: as a finance assistant, you juggle numerous tasks and deal with strict deadlines. Without time management skills, you cannot keep up with the tasks.
- attention to detail: as a finance assistant, you ensure the accuracy of financial data since minor errors can cause serious issues. Your detail-oriented skills help you spot errors in financial statements and spreadsheets during reporting.
- computer skills: many companies use accounting software and computerised systems to record transactions. Your computing skills help you navigate the software easily.
FAQs about working as a finance assistant
Here, you will find the answers to the most frequently asked questions about the profession of a finance assistant.
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is a finance assistant the same as an accountant?
A finance assistant helps accountants with various tasks. You assist a team of accountants with data entry duties and the preparation of financial statements. While an accountant may perform similar tasks as finance assistants, they also handle other duties like ensuring tax compliance.
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is finance assistant a good job?
Yes. Working as a finance assistant boosts your career opportunities. While it is an entry-level role, you gain valuable accounting and financial statement preparation skills, which are useful in higher-level roles like financial controller.
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what is the role of a finance assistant?
As a finance assistant, you keep track of the company’s finances. Your duties range from data entry tasks, like recording receipts and invoices, to entering data into the company’s databases. You also prepare financial statements and support accountants through the accounting process.
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what skills do you need as a finance assistant?
You require good organisation skills to keep track of invoices and receipts from business activities. Since you conduct cost analysis, you rely on your analytical skills to come up with accurate conclusions that help managers with decision-making. It also helps to have problem-solving skills to handle discrepancies in the accounts.
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what is the salary of a finance assistant in India?
The average salary of finance assistants is ₹303,350 per year. In an entry-level role, you are likely to earn a salary of ₹183,000 annually, while an experienced finance assistant takes home over ₹640,000 yearly.
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how do I apply for a finance assistant vacancy?
Applying for a finance assistant job is easy: create a Randstad profile and search our job offers for vacancies in your area. Then simply send us your CV and cover letter. Need help with your application? Check out all our job search tips here!