Finance Assistant

Department: FinanceLocation: Bristol, UK Compensation: £30,000 - £40,000 / yearDescriptionWe’re building the UK's next generation engineering powerhouse, providing critical technology that strengthens national security and resilience.At Rowden, we design and integrate advanced systems that sense, connect, and protect data in challenging environments where quick decisions are vital. Our solutions use intelligent automation to enhance speed and efficiency and are built to be reliable and straightforward for critical operations in remote or high-pressure settings.Headquartered in Bristol (UK), we combine modern engineering methods with cutting-edge commercial technology to create adaptable, mission-critical systems. We focus on solving the tough challenges that others overlook, ensuring our customers can operate effectively in an ever-changing world.The roleWe have an exciting opportunity for a Finance Assistant to join our team. In this role, you will support the finance team with day-to-day financial operations and transactions, including processing invoices, managing expenses, reconciling accounts, and assisting with payroll. You will play a key role in maintaining accurate financial records, preparing reports, and supporting a broad range of finance activities across the team.The ideal candidate for this role will be hands-on, adaptable, detail-oriented and proactive in improving our financial processes. This is a fast-paced role in an ambitious, growing engineering business – there will be a huge amount of opportunity for growth and development for the right person.Mission: To support the day-to-day financial operations of the business, and ensure accurate, efficient, and compliant financial processes that enable business scalability.Key areas of responsibility1. Transactional Finance (Day-to-Day Operations)Accounts Payable: Processing supplier invoices, reviewing and matching POs, handling payment runs and resolving discrepancies.Accounts Receivable: Raising sales invoices, chasing overdue payments, and assisting with credit control.Bank Reconciliation: Ensuring transactions are recorded accurately and reconciling multiple bank accounts.2. Month-End & Reporting SupportAssisting with month-end close processes (e.g., preparing journal entries, reconciling ledgers, and supporting accruals & prepayments).Supporting the preparation of management accounts by providing accurate financial data.Helping to maintain the fixed asset register and tracking capital expenditures.3. Compliance & Process ImprovementEnsuring all transactions comply with accounting policies and financial regulations.Assisting with VAT returns, tax filings, and audit preparations.Identifying and suggesting improvements to finance processes and automation to enhance efficiency.Comfortable with the application of AI tools to automate workflows and speed up financial operations.4. Business Support & CollaborationManagement of finance email inbox.Processing staff expenses (chasing for missing receipts & other required information)Collation of financial information required for monthly project review meetings.Partnering with wider teams (e.g., operations, sales, HR) to ensure accurate financial reporting.Assisting with a range of ad hoc finance duties as required.5. Systems & Tools ManagementUsing accounting software and other financial applications (e.g., Xero, Pleo, ApprovalMax) for data entry and reporting.Helping with ERP system implementation or automation projects as the company scales.Competencies:Proactive: solutions-focused finance professional who consistently anticipates needs and takes initiative to improve processes and outcomes (e.g. embedding the use of AI tools, automating workflows and streamlining processes).Meticulous attention to detail: You have an exceptional eye for detail and take pride in delivering accurate work.Analytical: You are an analytical thinker and able to confidently solve problems. You consider new ways of working and different ways to tackle challenges.Strong interpersonal skills: You can confidently communicate with all members of the Rowden team.Eagerness to learn: You have a hands-on approach and a strong desire to learn new things, adapting quickly to changing demands.Dynamic and adaptable: You are energetic, determined and prepared to face, and adapt to, any challenge with a positive attitude.Organisational skills: You have excellent time management skills – you’re organised and able to prioritise a busy workload in a fast-paced environment.Self-motivated: You can work independently and seek advice when needed but also work well within a small team environment.Key skills, experience and behavioursPrevious experience in a Finance Assistant (or similar bookkeeping) role with a willingness to learn and develop.Experienced processing staff expenses and managing reimbursements.Experienced in transaction processing and monthly account reconciliations.Experience of straight forward month-end tasks, such as prepayments and accruals.Advanced Excel and strong Microsoft Office skills.Experience in using accounting software and other cloud-based applications (e.g. Xero, Pleo, ApprovalMax, Float, Copilot).AAT qualified or part-qualified ACA, ACCA, CIMA (or other relevant qualification) – training support available.Working at RowdenWe are committed to building a flexible, inclusive, and enabling company. Our aim is to create a diverse team of talented people with unique skills, experience, and backgrounds, so please apply and come as you are!We also recognise the importance of flexible working and support this wherever we can. We typically operate a flexible, hybrid-working model, with an average 3 days in the office each week (dependent on the role). We welcome the opportunity to discuss flexibility, part-time working requirements and/or workplace adjustments with all our applicants.Rowden is a Disability Confident Committed company, and we actively encourage people with disabilities and health conditions to apply for our roles. Please let us know your requirements early on so that we can make sure you have everything you need up front to help make the recruitment process and experience as easy as possible.Finally, if you feel that you don’t meet all the criteria included above but have transferable skills and relevant experience, we’d still love to hear from you!