Finance Assistant, RS Components

## Opportunity Review: Finance Assistant (Fixed-Term Contract) This review offers a professional perspective on the Finance Assistant role advertised by RS Integrated Supply, aiming to guide potential candidates and highlight the advantages and key considerations for their career development.

RS Integrated Supply, a global leader in integrated supply solutions for manufacturing industries, is seeking a dedicated and proactive Finance Assistant for a 12-month fixed-term contract based in Warrington (WA3 6UT). This role presents an excellent opportunity for individuals looking to gain valuable experience within a dynamic and large-scale finance function.

Key Advantages for Candidates:

• Exposure to a Comprehensive Finance Function: The role offers hands-on experience across a wide spectrum of financial processes. This includes critical tasks such as preparing monthly Intrastat returns, managing VAT returns for multiple businesses, and completing Office for National Statistics (ONS) returns.
• Core Accounting Practice: Candidates will be deeply involved in month-end and year-end close procedures, including vital tasks like account reconciliations. This provides a solid foundation in essential accounting practices.
• Financial Reporting and Compliance: A significant aspect of this position is the preparation of financial statements and involvement in FX revaluation. This experience is crucial for understanding broader financial reporting requirements and international currency impacts.
• Audit Support: Gaining practical experience in supporting both internal and external audits is a significant career advantage. This exposure helps in understanding compliance, control environments, and the audit process from a business perspective.
• Process Improvement and Efficiency: The role emphasizes working efficiently and effectively with the wider finance team to meet deadlines and ensure the smooth running of the finance function. This fosters a focus on operational excellence and contribution to team success.
• Industry-Leading Systems: Experience with SAP is a requirement, offering candidates an opportunity to work with a globally recognized enterprise resource planning system, a highly sought-after skill in the finance sector.
• Professional Development Environment: Reporting to a Finance Operations Coordinator and working collaboratively with other Finance Assistants fosters a supportive learning environment. The emphasis on a "positive outlook," challenging the status quo, and driving high performance suggests a culture that encourages growth and proactive contribution.
• Company Values and Culture: RS Integrated Supply operates with strong values such as "We are one team," "We deliver brilliantly," "We do the right thing," and "We make every day better." This indicates a company culture that values collaboration, high achievement, ethical conduct, and continuous improvement – all beneficial for personal and professional development.

Key Considerations for Candidates:

• Fixed-Term Contract: It is important for candidates to note that this is a 12-month fixed-term contract. While it offers significant learning and experience, it is not a permanent position.
• Part-Qualified Accountant: The role is suited for individuals who are part-qualified accountants. This suggests a need for existing foundational accounting knowledge and a commitment to ongoing professional development.
• Strong Communication and Interpersonal Skills: Success in this role relies on the ability to forge strong relationships in a matrix structure. Candidates should possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills to effectively liaunce with various stakeholders.
• Analytical and Organizational Skills: Tasks such as processing/reconciling accruals, prepayments, and intercompany transactions, alongside financial statement preparation, require strong analytical and organizational abilities.
• Advanced Excel Proficiency: Strong Excel skills are a prerequisite. Candidates should be comfortable with data analysis, manipulation, and potentially more advanced functions within Excel.
• Proactive and Team-Oriented Mindset: The description highlights the need for a "personable, enthusiastic, team-oriented" individual who can "lead by example." A proactive and collaborative approach will be key to thriving in this role.

This Finance Assistant position at RS Integrated Supply is a valuable stepping stone for any aspiring finance professional. The breadth of responsibilities, the exposure to a leading global company, and the emphasis on professional development make it a compelling opportunity for those looking to enhance their skills and gain practical experience in a supportive and results-driven environment.