We are looking for an organised and detail-focused Accounts Assistant to support the day-to-day finance operations of a varied portfolio of businesses. This isa broad, hands-on role covering purchase and sales ledgers, bank reconciliations, payroll, VAT, management accounting support and general finance administration.
You will join a collaborative finance team and take ownership of accurate, timely processing across multiple entities. The role would suit someone who is confident using Xero, understands VAT and payroll requirements, and enjoys improving financial processes.
The role
Purchase ledger
- Process supplier invoices accurately.
- Match purchase invoices to purchase orders where applicable.
- Reconcile supplier statements and investigate discrepancies.
- Prepare and process supplier payment runs.
- Maintain supplier records and respond to supplier queries.
Sales ledger
- Raise customer invoices.
- Monitor aged debtors and assist with credit control procedures.
- Allocate receipts and maintain accurate customer account records.
- Resolve customer account queries promptly and professionally.
Bank and cash management
- Perform daily bank reconciliations across multiple entities and bank accounts.
- Process receipts and payments accurately.
- Monitor cash balances and report any issues to management.
- Assist with cash flow reporting and forecasting.
- Maintain accurate petty cash records.
Management accounting support
- Assist with monthly management accounts preparation.
- Prepare accruals, prepayments, and journals as required.
- Reconcile balance sheet accounts.
- Maintain fixed asset registers.
- Assist with budget preparation and variance analysis.
VAT and compliance
- Prepare VAT workings and support VAT return submissions – including partial exemption calculations.
- Ensure transactions are coded correctly according to VAT regulations.
- Maintain accurate records to support audits and regulatory requirements.
- Assist with year-end accounts preparation and external accountant requests.
Payroll
- Process payroll including Benefits in Kind, compliance with HMRC and workplace pension schemes.
Finance administration and improvement
- Support the wider finance team with ad hoc projects.
- Respond to internal and external financial enquiries.
- Assist with continuous improvement of financial processes and controls.
About you
Essential skills and experience
- AAT level 3 minimum or the equivalent in experience.
- Strong knowledge of VAT including partial exemption.
- Excellent working knowledge of Xero accounting software.
- Experience in payroll and a good understanding of HMRC requirements.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel.
- Excellent attention to detail and accuracy.
- Strong organisational and time management skills.
- Ability to work across multiple entities and prioritise workload effectively.
Desirable experience
- Experience within property, lettings, agriculture, hospitality, rural estate, or land agency sectors.
- AAT qualification or working towards AAT/ACCA/CIMA.
- Experience with multi-company accounting environments.
- Knowledge of Brightpay software.
What you will bring
- Professional and discreet when handling confidential information.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- Proactive and self-motivated.
- Flexible approach with willingness to support a varied portfolio of businesses.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Problem-solving mindset with a keen eye for detail.
Systems you will use
- Xero
- Brightpay
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft Teams
- Online banking platforms
- Property management and booking systems (where applicable)
Salary, hours and location
Salary: £34,000 per annum
Hours: Full time, 37.5 hours per week, with flexibility/part-time available.
Working pattern: Monday to Friday, five days per week
Location: This is an office-based role
What we offer
- Pension scheme
- Holiday entitlement
- Professional development support
- Parking
Interested?
If you are an experienced Accounts Assistant looking for a varied role with responsibility across multiple businesses, we would welcome your application.
Closing Date: 18 September 2026
Please submit your CV, together with a covering letter outlining your suitability for this position, and send by email to [email protected]
Pay: £30,000.00-£34,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company pension
- On-site parking
Work Location: In person