Assistant Accountant

Job Description

Assistant Accountant Permanent Daventry NN11

Job Purpose:

Our client is seeking an experienced and detail-oriented Assistant Accountant to join their finance team. This is a varied hands-on opportunity suited to an experienced finance professional who is looking to take the next step in their career and develop their accounting responsibilities within a successful and growing organisation.

Reporting to the Finance Manager the Assistant Accountant will support the day-to-day financial operations across multiple entities within the Group. The role will have responsibility for maintaining accurate accounting records completing reconciliations preparing journals supporting month-end processes and producing reliable financial information within agreed deadlines.

This opportunity is with a well-established UK-based diversified business group operating across fuel distribution forecourt retail automotive hospitality and property sectors. Through strong operational management disciplined financial control and strategic investment the Group has built a successful portfolio of businesses including multi-site forecourts convenience retail stores fuel supply operations automotive sales and workshops and premium hospitality venues.

The role will provide exposure across multiple companies and a broad range of accounting activities making this an excellent opportunity for an Assistant Accountant looking for a varied role with increased responsibility and opportunities for development.

Main Duties and Responsibilities:

• Maintain and reconcile general ledger accounts across multiple companies.
• Assist with the preparation of monthly management accounts and month-end reporting.
• Prepare and post journals including accruals prepayments and other accounting adjustments.
• Complete regular bank credit card and balance sheet reconciliations.
• Process and review accounts payable and accounts receivable transactions.
• Reconcile intercompany balances and investigate discrepancies.
• Monitor and maintain accurate debtor and creditor records.
• Record and review day-to-day financial transactions including invoices payments and expenses.
• Assist with month-end and year-end accounting processes.
• Support the preparation of financial reports and management information.
• Monitor cash flow and assist with maintaining and updating cash flow forecasts.
• Assist with payroll preparation and administration where required.
• Liaise with external accountants auditors and other professional advisers as required.
• Investigate financial discrepancies and resolve queries in a timely manner.
• Maintain accurate and well-organised financial documentation and supporting schedules.
• Ensure accounting records are maintained accurately and in accordance with company procedures.
• Support the Finance Manager and wider management team with ad hoc financial analysis and reporting.
• Work closely with management to ensure reporting deadlines set by the Board are achieved.
• Identify opportunities to improve financial processes controls and reporting procedures.

Person Specification:

• Highly organised with excellent attention to detail.
• Strong numerical and analytical skills.
• Strong understanding of accounting principles and financial processes.
• Able to take ownership of tasks and work independently.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet strict deadlines.
• Professional reliable and accountable approach.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to build effective working relationships.
• Proactive approach to problem-solving and continuous improvement.
• Comfortable working across multiple companies and accounting requirements.
• Ability to identify discrepancies and investigate issues effectively.

Experience:

• Proven experience within an Assistant Accountant Accounts Assistant or similar accounting role.
• Strong practical experience across general ledger accounting and reconciliations.
• Experience preparing and posting journals including accruals and prepayments.
• Experience supporting month-end accounting and management reporting.
• Operational experience using Xero.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel.
• Strong understanding of bookkeeping and double-entry accounting principles.
• Experience with bank credit card and balance sheet reconciliations.
• Experience working to strict reporting deadlines.
• Ability to analyse financial information and investigate discrepancies.
• Experience working within a multi-company environment.
• Experience of payroll preparation and administration.
• Experience supporting the preparation of management…