Assistant Accountant

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.

Employment type
Full-Time

Work arrangement
No