Junior Finance Officer

Green Finance
Green Finance
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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 Junior Finance Officer supports the day-to-day financial operations of an organisation, with a specific focus on sustainability-linked funding, green investments, or climate-aligned initiatives. You’ll help process transactions, maintain records, analyse data, and support reporting for projects that aim to reduce environmental harm or promote social value.

Typical responsibilities include:

  • Processing invoices, payments, and expenses
  • Supporting budget monitoring and financial reporting
  • Reconciling accounts and maintaining financial records
  • Assisting with audits, grant tracking, or ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) reporting
  • Supporting the finance team in delivering green project outcomes

This role suits someone who is numerate, organised, and wants to combine financial skills with climate and sustainability goals.

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.

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.