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.