Assistant Accountant

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.

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 accounts.

Experience with in a Group structure. AAT qualification or part-qualified / studying towards ACCA, CIMA or equivalent would be…