Assistant Accountant

We are seeking an experienced Assistant Accountant to join our client's finance team. This is a key role supporting the Head of Finance with the preparation of monthly management accounts across three companies within the group structure, while also overseeing the day-to-day running of the finance office and managing a small team.

The successful candidate will have strong accounting experience, excellent organisational skills and the ability to manage finance processes, reporting deadlines and team responsibilities effectively.

• Oversee the day-to-day activities of the Finance Department and manage a team of three
• Support the Head of Finance with the preparation of monthly management accounts
• Manage monthly reporting processes and ensure deadlines are achieved
• Maintain the fixed asset register, ensuring depreciation is correctly accounted for
• Account accurately for profit/loss on asset disposals
• Manage cash flow monitoring, forecasting and reporting
• Complete monthly control files and balance sheet reconciliations
• Administer the accounting system, including user access and licence updates
• Ensure HMRC submissions and payments are completed accurately and on time, including VAT, PAYE, NIC and PSA
• Approve and process weekly/monthly payment runs and payroll payments
• Support quarterly VAT return preparation
• Assist with year-end accounts preparation and external audit requirements
• Carry out monthly bank reconciliations across all group entities
• Prepare holiday accrual calculations
• Review aged debtor and creditor reports and resolve issues with ledger teams
• Reconcile sales and prepare required accruals
• Liaise with purchase ledger teams on supplier statement reconciliations
• Work closely with asset sales teams to ensure invoices, sales and cost of sales are accurately recorded
• Complete monthly stock reconciliations
• Provide excellent service to customers and contractors
• Conduct regular team meetings, objectives and appraisals to support team development

The successful candidate will have:

• AAT, ACCA, CIMA qualification, part qualification or equivalent experience
• Minimum 3 years experience working within an accounting environment
• Previous experience managing or supervising a small finance team
• Strong knowledge of fixed asset accounting
• Experience preparing management accounts and reconciliations
• Excellent knowledge of Microsoft Office, particularly Excel
• Experience using Sage Line 50 or similar accounting systems
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Excellent organisational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced finance professional looking to take ownership of a varied accounting and office management role within a successful organisation.