How to Become a Finance Assistant

As a finance assistant, you spend time updating spreadsheets with information related to daily transactions. Preparing receipts and vouchers, creating and setting budgets, and managing records are a major part of your work. You will also create reports and other types of financial documents. You'll occasionally assist with audits when they're needed and adhere to laws and regulations related to your position within the organization. Working to the company's standards is crucial to succeeding in the role and avoiding issues. You will update accounting systems on a continuous basis to stay organized. The duties and tasks you complete allow you to assist and support the financial manager. As financial technology continues to evolve and become more advanced, it requires spending time learning new software programs to boost your productivity and ability to remain organized.

The tasks you spend time completing each day as a financial assistant include processing bank transfer requests, processing and paying invoices, and submitting tax returns. Distributing checks and submitting payments to employees within the company and reconciling travel expenditures are also part of this role.

Finance assistants spend a lot of time on computers performing data entry and managing the budget of the organization. While spending time in the office, you'll use a phone to communicate with other people in your department and with employees or customers. You'll also use printers, copiers, and fax machines. 

You use a lot of different software programs to stay organized and maintain detailed records. Some of the top software programs you use include Xero, Expensify, and PlanGuru. FreshBooks is commonly in use by accounting assistants for billing and payment processing. BrightPay is another resource for payroll management. With tax preparation, Gusto is a top program to use because of the automated forms and taxes it provides. You'll also spend time using cloud-based solutions that include Scout's topShelf or SOS Inventory for inventory management. Using a financial dashboard will allow you to have an overview of the financial health of the company and is useful to review each day.

Finance assistants work in different types of indoor settings and commercial buildings, depending on the industry and the company. It's common to work at a bank or credit union, insurance company, or investment firm. You work normal business hours but will also spend time working overtime when meeting certain deadlines or if the workload increases as the company expands. Most financial assistants work in an office setting. Depending on your level within the company, you may have your own office or work alongside other professionals in the finance department. There are times when you have the ability to work from home, especially when completing tasks on a computer. Many hybrid and remote finance assistant positions are available in different industries, allowing you to spend time working from home or only spending part of your time in an office setting.

When you're working as a finance assistant, one of the main professionals you spend a significant amount of time interacting with during the week is the finance manager. The finance manager is your supervisor and will instruct you on different tasks you need to perform or projects to assist with as you support their position. You also work with other analysts or accountants on the team as you manage the company's money and create budgets. This requires having the skills to communicate effectively and value the contributions of your other team members as you work to improve the processes and find new ways to save the company money. 

An additional professional that you also work closely with in the workplace is an executive that you will report to when discussing budgets or any challenges that arise. You will occasionally participate in meetings where at least one executive is present to discuss challenges and issues within the department.

As a finance assistant, you work at least 20 to 40 hours each week, depending on the company and industry. Some entry-level positions are part-time and require working during the day. Many professionals start out in part-time roles at the beginning of their career, especially as they attempt to gain more experience after earning an associate or bachelor's degree. Full-time finance assistant positions require working during the business hours of the organization. You'll occasionally work in the evening or on the weekend when attempting to meet deadlines, especially when preparing taxes or if your workload increases.

Yes, a finance assistant is a great position that will allow you to move to more advanced roles in your career. It provides you with exciting learning opportunities in an interesting environment.

As a finance assistant, you must have knowledge about different software programs. You should also have strong analytical skills and excellent time management skills.

A finance assistant is technically not an accountant, but you will have the opportunity to grow into the role after gaining more knowledge, experience, and education. You don't need as much education compared to an accountant role, although you share many of the same duties and responsibilities.

Applying for a job as a finance assistant is easy with Spherion. You can search for finance assistant jobs on Spherion.com by job title and location. If you don't see the perfect role, you can submit an open application. Once you submit your contact information and resume through Spherion's open application, a recruiter from the office closest to you will reach out with details about the potential finance assistant roles that fit your skill set and professional goals.