Finance Assistant

Finance Assistant / Experienced Finance Professional 

Carlisle | £30,000–£55,000 depending on experience and responsibilities | Immediate start | Temporary with potential to become permanent 

Looking for a hands-on finance opportunity where your experience can make an immediate difference? 
Riverside Recruitment is supporting an established, family-owned painting and decorating contractor with operations across the UK. With a strong heritage, a friendly office team and plans for further growth, the business offers the opportunity to work closely with colleagues across finance, commercial and operations. 

An immediate vacancy has arisen for a Finance Assistant. During a transition within the finance team, we’re also open to considering Assistant Accountants, experienced finance professionals and candidates up to Finance Manager level. 
The responsibilities and salary will reflect your experience and the support you can provide. 

What’s on offer? 

• £30,000–£55,000 salary equivalent, depending on experience and agreed responsibilities. 

• An immediate start, subject to availability. 

• An initial temporary opportunity, with potential for permanent employment. 

• 39 hours per week: Monday–Thursday, 8.30am–5pm; Friday, 8.30am–4pm. 

• A friendly, sociable office environment and on-site parking. 

• For a permanent appointment: 25 days’ holiday plus bank holidays and a workplace pension. 

• Potential longer-term development, including qualification support and greater involvement in management accounting. 

The opportunity 
The immediate priority is to keep payroll and essential finance activities running smoothly.

Depending on your experience, your responsibilities could include: 

• Managing weekly payroll and associated journals, with involvement in monthly payroll. 

• Maintaining cashflow information, bank postings and reconciliations. 

• Processing supplier and subcontractor payments. 

• Supporting credit control, invoicing and receipts. 

• Preparing month-end journals, prepayments and fixed asset records. 

• Supporting reporting, overhead analysis and balance sheet reconciliations. 

• Handling VAT, CIS and PAYE tasks within your agreed remit. 

• Working with the commercial team on contract sales and costs. 

For someone with more senior experience, the role could also include supporting colleagues, reviewing processes and taking broader ownership of finance activities during the transition. 

About you 
You’ll bring practical payroll experience, strong attention to detail and the confidence to take ownership of your work following a short handover. 

We’re interested in hearing from people with: 

• Experience in payroll and day-to-day accounting. 

• Good Excel skills and familiarity with finance systems; Sage experience would be useful. 

• A practical approach to resolving queries and keeping deadlines on track. 

• Clear communication skills and the ability to work closely with colleagues across the business. 

Construction-sector experience, including CIS and subcontractor payments, would be an advantage. 
Formal qualifications and experience gained on the job will both be considered. Whether you’re an experienced Finance Assistant or a more senior finance professional seeking a temporary assignment, we’d welcome a conversation. 

Interested? 
Apply with your CV or contact Janine or Emma at Riverside Recruitment to discuss your experience, availability and the level of responsibility you’re looking for.