Junior Finance Officer
Overview
£22k - £32k
Training Required
Entry Level
This career guide is designed to help those interested in becoming a Junior Finance Officer in the green finance sector. It covers what the role involves, how to get started, and opportunities for growth in a fast-evolving field where finance meets environmental impact.
What is a Junior Finance Officer?
A Retrofit Assessor evaluates buildings to identify energy inefficiencies and suggests improvements to reduce carbon emissions. You’ll inspect properties, collect data about their current energy performance, and recommend retrofitting measures, such as insulation or heating upgrades.
Your role involves conducting on-site assessments, using software to calculate energy performance, and preparing reports for clients or project managers. You may work with homeowners, landlords, or local councils to help them understand the benefits of retrofitting and guide them through the process.
This job is ideal if you enjoy problem-solving, working with people, and contributing to a more sustainable future.
What career progression is available?
A retrofit assessor is a great starting point for building a career in retrofit. See below career progression opportunities:
Description
Qualifications
Junior Finance Officer
Description
Entry-level support role in finance teams, focused on processing, record-keeping, and basic reporting.
Qualifications
Good numeracy, IT and admin skills. Familiarity with sustainability or Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) frameworks is a plus.
Finance Officer / Accounts Technician
Description
Takes on more responsibility for budgeting, reporting, and regulatory compliance. May support funding or ESG reporting.
Qualifications
AAT Level 3 or 4, or part-qualified ACCA/CIMA. Understanding of green or grant-funded project finance.
Assistant Management Accountant
Description
Helps produce financial reports and forecasts. May track the performance of environmental projects or investments.
Qualifications
- Strong Excel and analytical skills
- AAT Level 4 or above, or working towards professional qualification.
Finance Analyst (Green Finance)
Description
Analyses financial and sustainability data to support investment decisions, funding strategies or carbon tracking.
Qualifications
- Strong analytical and sector knowledge.
- ESG-specific training or experience with green bonds, funds, or reporting frameworks (e.g. TCFD, SFDR).
What transferable skills do I need?
Numeracy and Accuracy
You’ll work with financial figures daily, so precision matters.
Organisation & Time Management
You may handle multiple deadlines or monthly reporting cycles.
Interest in Sustainability
You’ll need to understand (or want to learn about) how finance supports green outcomes.
Excel & Financial Software Skills
Spreadsheets are your day-to-day tool – knowledge of formulas, pivot tables, and accounting software is key.
Team Support and Communication
You’ll work closely with project managers, auditors, or sustainability leads.
What training is required?
Formal qualifications are not always essential, but these can help you stand out:
- AAT Level 2 or 3 Diploma in Accounting (a common entry route)
- Finance Assistant or Accounts Technician Apprenticeship (Level 2/3)
- Introduction to ESG or Sustainable Finance short courses (e.g. via CFA Institute, FutureLearn, or CISL)
- Microsoft Excel for Finance training.
If you're a graduate, a degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or Environmental Studies with a sustainability module is also valued.
