Finance Assistant
Location: Kirkby Lonsdale, Cumbria
This is primarily an office-based position in Kirkby Lonsdale. Applicants must be able to commute to our offices. Following a successful probation period, there is the opportunity to work from home on an agreed basis.
About the Role
We are seeking a highly organised and detail-oriented Finance Assistant to support our Finance Manager with the day-to-day operation of the finance function.
The successful candidate will play a key role in maintaining accurate financial records, processing transactions, and ensuring compliance with statutory and internal reporting requirements. This position requires excellent bookkeeping skills, strong experience with Sage 50 Accounts, and the ability to work accurately in a fast-paced, compliance-driven environment.
Key ResponsibilitiesFinancial Systems & Accounting
- Maintain accurate financial records using Sage 50 Accounts and Microsoft Office.
- Process and maintain general ledger entries, including journals, accruals and prepayments.
- Perform bank reconciliations for GBP, EUR and other foreign currency accounts.
- Ensure all accounting records are accurate and up to date.
Purchase & Sales Ledger
- Process purchase invoices accurately and promptly.
- Schedule and process supplier payments in GBP, Euros and other currencies.
- Manage customer invoicing and credit control.
- Produce and distribute monthly customer statements.
- Monitor aged debtors and liaise with customers regarding outstanding balances.
VAT & Compliance
- Assist with the preparation and submission of VAT returns.
- Ensure financial records comply with HMRC requirements and company procedures.
- Support the Finance Manager with statutory reporting and financial compliance.
Employee Finance
- Maintain employee holiday entitlement records.
- Process and verify employee expense claims.
- Process Directors' expense claims.
Skills & Experience Essential
- AAT Level 3 qualification.
- Previous bookkeeping or finance assistant experience.
- Strong working knowledge of Sage 50 Accounts.
- Good understanding of accounts payable, accounts receivable and general ledger accounting.
- Experience processing multi-currency transactions.
- Experience assisting with VAT returns.
- Excellent attention to detail and a high level of accuracy.
- Strong organisational and time management skills.
- Ability to prioritise workload and work independently.
- Confident communication skills and a professional manner.
Personal Attributes
- Methodical, organised and conscientious.
- Honest, trustworthy and able to handle confidential information.
- Proactive with a positive, problem-solving attitude.
- Comfortable working within a structured, regulated environment.
- Reliable with a strong commitment to accuracy and quality.
What We Offer
- Competitive salary, depending on experience.
- Private Healthcare
- Office-based role with hybrid working available after probation.
- Supportive and professional working environment.
- Opportunity to develop your skills within a growing business.
Pay: From £14.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Company events
- Company pension
- Health & wellbeing programme
- Private medical insurance
- Profit sharing
- Work from home
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Kirkby Lonsdale LA6 2HP: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Application question(s):
- Describe your experience with Sage 50 Accounts software
- Any other relevant information you would like to inform us?
- Are you located within 15 miles distance of Kirkby Lonsdale?
Experience:
- Bookkeeping: 3 years (required)
- Sage 50 Accounting: 3 years (required)
Language:
Licence/Certification:
- Driving Licence (preferred)
- AAT Certification (preferred)
Work authorisation:
- United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person
