Finance Assistant

The Financial Management Service plays a vital role in ensuring the strong financial health, governance, and operational resilience of Gateshead Council. Bringing together Corporate Finance, Group Finance, Strategic Finance, Internal Audit, Insurance and Risk, and a wide range of support services, the service provides the insight, assurance, and expertise that underpin effective decision-making across the organisation. By safeguarding resources, maintaining high-performing financial systems, and delivering robust professional advice, the service enables the council to operate confidently, sustainably, and compliantly in an increasingly complex and dynamic environment., We're looking for a Finance Assistant to play a key part in the effective delivery of the Council's Exchequer Services. Working closely with the Finance Officer, you will help ensure high-quality financial support is provided across the organisation, in line with council policies, procedures and financial regulations. The role is varied and people-focused, combining hands-on financial processing, system and data accuracy, and the supervision and development of staff. If you are organised, detail-driven and enjoy supporting others while keeping essential financial services running smoothly, this could be the ideal next step in your finance career. What you'll get to do:

• Assist in ensuring the efficient and effective delivery of financial support services to groups in line with council policies, procedures and financial regulations.
• Assist in the effective and efficient operation of the council's financial systems and support the continuous review of systems and procedures.
• Supervise employees within Exchequer as allocated and support staff development.
• Monitor and maintain IT systems and computerised records ensuring information is accurate and up to date.
• Provision of financial and statistical information as required.
• Undertake projects within Financial Management as required.
• Deal with complex queries from suppliers and customers.
• Assist with the authorisation procedures of creditor payments, debtors and other Exchequer functions.
  
  Practical experience within a financial or accounting environment, with confidence using financial systems to support accurate and timely processing.
• Strong IT capability, including regular use of Microsoft Office packages such as Excel and Word to manage data, reports, and correspondence.
• A solid educational foundation, including at least 5 GCSEs at Grade 4 or C or above (or equivalent, including maths and English).
• Proven experience supporting or supervising team members, alongside the ability to train and develop colleagues effectively.
• Highly organised with excellent time-management skills, able to prioritise workloads and consistently meet tight and competing deadlines.
• Excellent written and oral communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build positive working relationships and deliver a high standard of customer service.
• A flexible and proactive team player, capable of working independently as well as collaboratively within a busy team environment.
  
  Do you want to help make Gateshead a place where everyone thrives? If that sounds like you, keep reading - we might be the perfect match.
We're delighted that you're interested in working with us. You'd be joining us at a very exciting time. We pride ourselves on our ambitious and forward-thinking approach to taking care of Gateshead and its people, and we passionately believe that our employees reflect that spirit in truly enabling Gateshead to thrive. At Gateshead Council you'd be a highly valued member of a team that recognises and respects the skills that you bring to your role, encourages creativity and passionately advocates a great work / life balance. Our actions speak louder than words, and with flexi-time and hybrid working available across many of our roles, as well as a full suite of outstanding employee benefits, we're confident that it isn't just the salary that attracts our staff.


• Competitive Salary: We offer fair and transparent pay that reflects your skills and experience.
• Outstanding Pension Scheme: We don't just offer a great salary - we invest in your future too. Find out what benefits a Local Government Pension provides: https://twpf.info
• Generous Annual Leave: Enjoy 28 days of annual leave, rising to 32 days after 5 years (2 of which can be fixed by the Council), plus the option to buy up to 10 extra days.
• Flexible Working Hours: Benefit from up to 26 flexi days per year (subject to business needs), giving you more control over your time.
• Hybrid & Flexible Working: We support a healthy work-life balance with flexible and hybrid working options.
• Learning & Development: Access a wide range of training, development, and progression opportunities to help you grow your career.
• Health & Wellbeing Support: From discounted gym memberships through our partner GLL to mental health resources, we care about your wellbeing.
• Cycle to Work Scheme: Save money and stay active with our tax-efficient cycle to work programme.
• Electric & Hybrid Car Scheme: Get behind the wheel of a brand-new electric or hybrid vehicle through our salary sacrifice car scheme in partnership with NHS Fleet Solutions - a cost-effective, environmentally friendly way to drive (after 12 months service).
• Exclusive Discounts & Salary Sacrifice: Through our VIVUP employee benefits platform, enjoy discounts on shopping, travel, and services - plus salary sacrifice options on white goods, electronics, and more, helping you spread the cost of essential purchases (after 6 months service).