Finance Assistants are the backbone of a business’s financial operations - yet their importance is often underestimated. From maintaining accurate financial records to supporting payroll, invoicing, and budget tracking, these professionals ensure that everything runs smoothly behind the scenes.

In a fast-paced, high-stakes market like London, finding a Finance Assistant who is both technically competent and a good organisational fit can be challenging. That’s where recruitment agencies - particularly those with a specialism in finance roles - prove their value.

The role of a Finance Assistant has evolved. With increasing compliance obligations, automation tools, and demands for real-time reporting, finance teams are under more pressure than ever. A capable Finance Assistant doesn’t just follow instructions - they help the business stay organised, accurate, and audit-ready.

Key responsibilities often include:

• Processing invoices and expenses
  
• Reconciling accounts
  
• Assisting with month-end reporting
  
• Supporting payroll functions
  
• Handling petty cash, purchase orders, and supplier queries
  
• Liaising with internal departments and external suppliers
  
  

When performed well, these tasks create the foundation for strategic financial decision-making.

Why Hiring in London Is So Competitive

London’s talent pool is large - but so is the demand. Businesses across every sector need strong financial support staff, from fintech firms and SMEs to large corporates and non-profits.

Common hiring challenges include:

• High competition for junior finance roles with 1–3 years’ experience
  
• Candidates who look good on paper but lack attention to detail
  
• Poor understanding of your industry’s specific accounting needs
  
• Difficulty assessing cultural fit or reliability from a CV alone
  
  

Without the right support, the hiring process becomes slow, inefficient, and risky.

The Benefits of Working With a Recruitment Agency

1. Access to Pre-Vetted Finance Talent

Specialist recruitment agencies maintain networks of finance professionals who have already been assessed on their technical skills, work ethic, and references. This significantly reduces the time and risk involved in hiring.

2. Understanding of Finance-Specific Requirements

Whether you’re using Xero, QuickBooks, or SAP - or need someone comfortable with multi-currency transactions - a finance-focused recruiter can help identify candidates with the exact experience you require.

3. Faster Hiring Process

While internal HR teams juggle multiple roles, a recruitment agency focuses solely on finding the best candidate for your vacancy. That means faster turnaround times without sacrificing quality.

4. Support With Role Definition and Benchmarking

Unsure whether you need an Accounts Assistant, Finance Assistant, or Bookkeeper? A recruitment partner can help you define the role, craft an accurate job description, and offer salary insights based on current market conditions.

5. Improved Candidate Retention

Agencies like Eden Recruitment go beyond skills - they assess candidates for cultural fit, long-term goals, and reliability. This means you’re more likely to hire someone who stays and grows with your business.

Traits to Look for in a Strong Finance Assistant

• Numerical accuracy and attention to detail
  
• Familiarity with common accounting systems
  
• Clear, professional communication skills
  
• Ability to handle confidential information
  
• Proactive approach to problem-solving
  
• Willingness to learn and support broader finance functions
  
  

The right candidate can lift the workload from senior finance staff and contribute meaningfully to the business’s financial control.

Common Hiring Mistakes

How Can We Help You?

At Eden Recruitment, we’ve placed highly skilled Finance Assistants into London-based companies ranging from boutique firms to large corporates. We understand the unique pressures of financial roles and deliver candidates who are accurate, adaptable, and aligned with your business culture. Let’s help you strengthen your finance function - get in touch with our team today.