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.
