About the role
Assistant Accountant
Reports To
Finance Manager
Job Purpose
The Assistant Accountant supports the finance function by maintaining accurate financial records, assisting with month-end processes, preparing financial reports, and ensuring compliance with company policies and accounting standards. The role plays a key part in providing timely and accurate financial information to support business decision-making.
Key Responsibilities
Financial Accounting
* Assist in the preparation of monthly management accounts. * Maintain and reconcile general ledger accounts. * Perform bank, supplier, and balance sheet reconciliations. * Process journal entries and ensure accurate financial records. * Assist with month-end and year-end closing activities.
Accounts Payable and Receivable
* Process supplier invoices and employee expense claims. * Ensure timely payment of suppliers and creditors. * Monitor customer accounts and assist with credit control activities. * Resolve invoice, payment, and account discrepancies.
Reporting and Analysis
* Prepare financial reports and variance analyses. * Support budgeting and forecasting activities. * Assist in monitoring departmental expenditure against budgets. * Provide financial data and reports to management as required.
Compliance and Audit
* Ensure compliance with internal financial controls and procedures. * Assist with external and internal audit requirements. * Maintain accurate financial documentation and records. * Support VAT, payroll, and other statutory reporting processes where applicable.
Systems and Process Improvement
* Assist in maintaining finance systems and databases. * Identify opportunities to improve financial processes and controls. * Contribute to finance-related projects and system implementations.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
* Degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or related discipline.
Desirable
* AAT qualified or studying towards ACCA, CIMA, ACA, or equivalent accounting qualification.
Experience
Essential
* Experience working in a finance or accounting environment. * Experience with reconciliations, journals, and financial reporting. * Proficient in Microsoft Excel and accounting software.
Desirable
* Experience supporting month-end accounts preparation. * Experience using ERP or finance systems such as SAP, Oracle, Sage, or Microsoft Dynamics.
Knowledge and Skills
* Strong understanding of accounting principles and financial controls * Excellent numerical and analytical skills. * High attention to detail and accuracy. * Strong organisational and time management skills. * Ability to work independently and meet deadlines. * Effective communication and interpersonal skills. * Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.
Personal Attributes
* Professional and trustworthy. * Proactive and solutions-focused. * Team player with a collaborative approach. * Committed to continuous learning and development.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
* Accuracy and timeliness of financial reporting. * Reconciliation completion rates. * Compliance with month-end deadlines. * Reduction in accounting errors and discrepancies.
Compensation: £30-£35k