Job Description:
About Buckhurst Plant Hire
Buckhurst Plant Hire is a leading supplier of plant, tools, and equipment to the construction, utilities, and civil engineering sectors. With a strong focus on customer service, safety, and reliability, we pride ourselves on delivering efficient hire solutions across our network of depots.
Overview:
We are seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented Part-Qualified Assistant Accountant to join our growing plant hire business. The successful candidate will support the finance function with the preparation of management accounts, financial reporting, balance sheet reconciliations, and transactional processing. The role requires strong analytical skills, commercial awareness, and the ability to work closely with operational teams across multiple depots.
This is an excellent opportunity for an ambitious individual studying towards ACCA, CIMA or ACA who is looking to develop their career within a dynamic and fast-paced business.
Key Responsibilities
Management Accounts & Reporting
- Assist in the preparation of monthly management accounts.
- Prepare and post journals including accruals, prepayments, depreciation, and payroll.
- Reconcile balance sheet accounts and investigate variances.
- Assist with month-end and year-end close procedures.
- Produce departmental and depot performance reports.
- Support budgeting and forecasting processes.
- Analyse revenue, plant utilisation, and operational costs.
Sales Ledger & Revenue
- Review and reconcile hire revenue transactions.
- Assist with customer invoicing and revenue recognition.
- Monitor aged debt reports and support credit control activities.
- Investigate customer account queries and resolve discrepancies.
Purchase Ledger & Cost Control
- Review supplier invoices and ensure correct coding.
- Assist with payment runs and supplier reconciliations.
- Monitor plant maintenance, transport, fuel and operating costs.
- Ensure expenditure is allocated accurately across depots and cost centres.
Fixed Assets & Plant Accounting
- Maintain the fixed asset register.
- Record additions, disposals, transfers and depreciation of plant and machinery.
- Support periodic verification of company assets and plant inventory.
- Assist with capital expenditure reporting and analysis.
Cash & Banking
- Perform daily and monthly bank reconciliations.
- Assist with cash flow reporting and forecasting.
- Monitor and investigate unreconciled items.
Audit, Compliance & Controls
- Assist with external audit requirements and year-end statutory accounts preparation.
- Ensure compliance with company financial procedures and controls.
- Support VAT returns and other regulatory reporting requirements.
- Maintain accurate and complete financial records.
Business Support
- Work closely with depot managers and operational teams.
- Provide financial information and analysis to support business decisions.
- Identify opportunities to improve financial processes and efficiencies.
- Participate in finance and system improvement projects.
Person Specification
Essential
- Part-qualified ACCA, CIMA or ACA.
- Minimum 2 years' experience within a finance or accounting role.
- Strong understanding of double-entry bookkeeping.
- Experience preparing balance sheet reconciliations and journals.
- Intermediate to advanced Microsoft Excel skills.
- Excellent attention to detail and organisational skills.
- Strong communication and interpersonal abilities.
- Ability to work independently and meet deadlines.
Desirable
- Experience within plant hire, construction, equipment rental, transport, or a related industry.
- Knowledge of fixed asset accounting.
- Experience with ERP or hire management systems.
- Understanding of VAT within a multi-site business environment.
- Experience supporting management accounts preparation.
Key Competencies
- Commercial awareness
- Analytical thinking
- Problem-solving
- Accuracy and attention to detail
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Time management
- Continuous improvement mindset
Benefits
- Study support package (ACCA/CIMA/ACA)
- Company pension scheme
- Annual leave entitlement
- Career development opportunities
- On-site parking
Equality and Diversity Statement
We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone is treated fairly and with respect. We welcome applications from all individuals regardless of age, disability, gender identity, marriage and civil partnership status, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation, in line with the Equality Act 2010.
Work Location: In person
