Every thriving business runs on precise financial management. Whether you are a fast-growing SME navigating your first audit, a listed company managing multi-entity consolidations, or a charity balancing grant compliance — the right finance professional makes all the difference. Staff Direct, one of the UK's most responsive administration and finance staffing agencies, specialises in sourcing part-qualified accountants, AAT-qualified finance assistants, and CIMA-trained management accountants for temporary, contract, and permanent placements across London and the wider United Kingdom.
From same-day finance cover to strategic longer-term placements, our dedicated finance desk is built for speed, precision, and quality — the three pillars every numbers-driven business demands.
Finance Professionals We Place — From Assistants to Management Accountants
Our finance talent pool spans the full spectrum of accounting and financial management disciplines. Below are the core finance roles Staff Direct places on both a temporary and permanent basis:
Finance Assistants
Accounts payable, accounts receivable, bank reconciliation, and purchase ledger roles — ideal for AAT studiers and recent graduates.
Part-Qualified Accountants
Candidates actively studying ACA, ACCA, CIMA or AAT qualifications, ready to contribute while continuing their professional development.
Management Accountants
CIMA or ACCA-qualified professionals delivering budgeting, forecasting, variance analysis and board-level reporting.
Bookkeepers & Payroll Staff
Experienced bookkeepers and payroll administrators proficient in Xero, Sage, QuickBooks, and HMRC RTI compliance.
Credit Controllers
Specialists in debt collection, credit risk assessment, aged debtor reporting, and maintaining healthy cash flow for your business.
Finance Managers & Controllers
Senior-level finance leadership covering month-end close, statutory accounts, audit preparation and team management.
Part-Qualified, AAT and CIMA Finance Staffing — What It Means for Your Business
Understanding the difference between finance qualification levels helps you make the right hiring decision. Here is a practical overview:
AAT-Qualified Finance Assistants
The Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT) qualification is the benchmark for transactional finance roles across the UK. AAT-qualified staff placed by Staff Direct are proficient in double-entry bookkeeping, VAT returns, payroll processing, and financial statement preparation. For SMEs needing reliable day-to-day financial operations without a full finance department, an AAT-qualified assistant from Staff Direct is often the single most cost-effective hire you can make.
Typical hourly rate range: £14 – £22 per hour | Available for temp, contract, and permanent
CIMA-Qualified Management Accountants
The Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) produces finance professionals skilled in strategic financial management, cost accounting, business decision support, and performance reporting. Staff Direct's CIMA-qualified candidates are ideal for growing businesses that need commercially minded accountants rather than just compliance-focused bookkeepers. Whether you need management accounts produced weekly or a finance business partner embedded in your operations team, our CIMA network delivers.
Typical hourly rate range: £22 – £40 per hour | Available for interim and permanent roles
Part-Qualified Accountants (ACA / ACCA / CIMA studiers)
Part-qualified candidates — those actively studying toward ICAEW ACA, ACCA or CIMA — represent outstanding value. They bring theoretical grounding, fresh energy, and up-to-date technical knowledge while remaining cost-effective compared to fully chartered accountants. Staff Direct carefully screens part-qualified candidates to confirm their study progress and exam history, ensuring you hire someone genuinely on track for qualification.
Typical hourly rate range: £16 – £28 per hour | Ideal for temp-to-permanent arrangements
How Staff Direct's Finance Placement Process Works
From your initial call to your finance professional's first day — a straightforward four-step journey.
Current Finance & Accounting Jobs via Staff Direct
A selection of active finance roles available through Staff Direct across the UK. View all live jobs →
| Job Title | Location | Type | Rate / Salary | Apply |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Finance Assistant (AAT) | London, EC2 | Temporary | £16.50/hr | Apply → |
| Part-Qualified Accountant (ACCA) | Manchester, M1 | Contract | £24.00/hr | Apply → |
| Management Accountant (CIMA) | Birmingham, B1 | Permanent | £45,000/yr | Apply → |
| Payroll Administrator | Leeds, LS1 | Temporary | £15.00/hr | Apply → |
| Credit Controller | London, SE1 | Contract | £18.50/hr | Apply → |
| Bookkeeper (Xero/Sage) | Bristol, BS1 | Permanent | £32,000/yr | Apply → |
| Finance Manager | London, W1 | Permanent | £60,000/yr | Apply → |
| Purchase Ledger Clerk | Sheffield, S1 | Temporary | £14.50/hr | Apply → |
| Finance Business Partner | Glasgow, G1 | Contract | £350/day | Apply → |
| VAT & Tax Assistant | London, N1 | Temporary | £17.00/hr | Apply → |
| Audit Junior (ACA Student) | London, EC1 | Permanent | £28,000/yr | Apply → |
| Accounts Receivable Specialist | Edinburgh, EH1 | Contract | £19.00/hr | Apply → |
All rates are above the UK National Living Wage. Rates updated regularly based on market conditions.
Conclusion: Your Finance Staffing Partner — Ready When You Are
Whether your business needs an AAT-qualified finance assistant to manage day-to-day transactional accounts, a part-qualified accountant to support your growing finance function, or a CIMA-trained management accountant to drive strategic decision-making — Staff Direct has the talent, the systems, and the track record to deliver.
Our 24/7 finance recruitment desk, no-show guarantee, qualification verification process, and extensive active candidate register make us the reliable partner for both urgent cover and long-term finance staffing strategy. Explore temporary finance roles or reach out today to discuss your specific requirements with one of our specialist consultants.
Book Your Finance Professional TodayFrequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about finance staffing with Staff Direct