Job Purpose and Key Responsibilities
The Finance Accountant is responsible for supporting the day-to-day financial operations of the business, ensuring the accurate processing and maintenance of financial records, compliance with statutory requirements, and the timely production of financial information. The role supports effective cash flow management, financial reporting, and contract performance by maintaining robust financial controls and providing high-quality support to internal stakeholders.
Sales Ledger & Credit Control:
· Set up new customer accounts on Sage, ensuring accurate account information and agreed payment terms are maintained.
· Raise sales invoices promptly and accurately based on instructions received from the Quantity Surveyor.
· Support the credit control process by monitoring outstanding debts, contacting overdue customers on a monthly basis, and recording all collection activity and customer responses within Sage.
· Liaise with Contract Managers to identify outstanding applications and follow up with customers regarding outstanding payments.
· Monitor retention balances and proactively chase payments as they become due.
Purchase Ledger
· Set up supplier accounts on Sage, ensuring correct payment terms and supplier information are maintained.
· Process supplier invoices accurately, coding them to the correct contracts, cost centres and departments.
· Track invoices through the approval process, ensuring all invoices receive appropriate authorisation before payment.
· Carry out regular checks to identify and prevent duplicate invoice processing.
· Prepare BACS payment schedules for review and authorisation by the Head of Finance.
· Reconcile supplier statements, investigate discrepancies and resolve outstanding issues.
· Ensure invoices relating to direct debits are obtained, accurately coded and posted to Sage.
Cash & Bank Management
· Allocate customer and supplier payments accurately.
· Prepare monthly bank reconciliations for all company bank accounts within Sage.
· Investigate and resolve any reconciliation differences promptly.
CIS Administration
· Verify the Construction Industry Scheme (CIS) status of subcontractors and maintain accurate records.
· Prepare and submit monthly CIS returns to HMRC.
· Produce and distribute monthly CIS deduction statements to subcontractors.
VAT & Statutory Compliance
· Reconcile VAT accounts and investigate discrepancies before VAT submissions.
· Prepare VAT returns for approval by the Head of Finance and submit them online.
· Maintain supporting documentation and reports for audit and year-end purposes.
· Ensure compliance with HMRC and other statutory reporting requirements.
Financial Reporting
· Produce monthly contract cost reports for Contract Managers.
· Assist in the preparation of monthly management accounts, including:
· Prepayments
· Accruals
· Fixed asset reconciliations
· Prepare and review trial balances as required.
· Maintain the integrity of the general ledger through regular review of postings and correction of discrepancies.
Audit & Financial Controls
· Liaise with external auditors and provide requested financial information and supporting documentation and financial reports.
· Maintain accurate, organised electronic and paper financial records.
· Ensure all financial processes comply with company policies, procedures and internal financial controls.
General Responsibilities
· Maintain a high standard of customer service for both internal and external stakeholders.
· Build effective working relationships with colleagues, Contract Managers, suppliers, customers and external organisations.
· Support continuous improvement within the finance function by identifying opportunities to improve processes and controls.
· Undertake any other duties appropriate to the role as reasonably requested by the Head of Finance.
Qualifications
- AAT qualified or studying towards ACCA, CIMA or ACA (or equivalent).
- GCSE (or equivalent) in Mathematics and English (Grade C/4 or above).
Skills & Experience
- Previous experience in a finance or accounting role.
- Experience of purchase ledger, sales ledger and bank reconciliations.
- Experience preparing VAT returns and CIS returns.
- Knowledge of double-entry bookkeeping principles.
- Experience using Sage accounting software.
- Good understanding of financial controls and accounting procedures.
- Experience supporting month-end reporting processes.
- Proficient in Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Office applications.
- Ability to investigate and resolve financial discrepancies.
Competencies
Personal Growth
Able to show adaptability and take advantage of new ways of doing things in addition to managing own personal learning and development.
Concern for accuracy
Acting to minimise errors and inaccuracies, maintaining high standards of accuracy and correctness in dealing with information and data. Adopting an orderly and precise approach to work paying careful attention to following procedures and ways of working.
Problem Solving
The ability to analyse in a logical way and identify patterns and connections which are not immediately obvious. The ability to sift out the essential elements from a mass of complex information and integrate and synthesize ideas and information into a coherent whole.
Planning & Organising
Ensuring the successful achievement of results through the effective planning and management of resources, which are in line with the organisation’s strategic direction. The ability to think through and adopt a clear, sensible step-by step approach to planning and organising work making effective use of time, resources in order to get the job done as effectively as possible.
Team Working
Working collaboratively and sharing information within and across Aston Group to contribute to the effective delivery of services. Building and maintaining good working relationships with colleagues to foster team spirit, commitment to the team and achievement of shared goals.
Client Service
Focus on discovering and acting on the client’s needs. A commitment to putting the client first. Clients may include ‘internal’ staff and external clients.
About Aston Group
We are an established, family run, privately owned, business that has been setting standards for efficiency, innovation and quality for over 60 years. We are passionate about providing an excellent service to our clients and stakeholders and pride ourselves on our quality of works and industry reputation. Our values are at the heart of everything we do; building trust, driving quality, delivering together and having respect. We take pride in our colleagues, supporting their hard work and dedication, enabling us to thrive as a team.
To find out more please visit https://astongroup.co.uk/
Our Commitment to Equal Opportunities
You don’t need to tick all the boxes! We invest heavily in learning and development to bridge any gaps.
Our commitment to building and maintaining a diverse, inclusive, and representative workforce is a priority. We encourage applications from people from all backgrounds and welcome you to join a team that celebrates individual cultures and identities.
If you have any accessibility needs that require any extra attention, please let us know.
For more information, please visit https://astongroup.co.uk/careers/work-with-us
Pay: £35,000.00-£40,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company events
- Company pension
- Cycle to work scheme
- Enhanced maternity leave
- Free parking
- Health & wellbeing programme
- Life insurance
- On-site parking
- Paid volunteer time
- Referral programme
- Sick pay
- Work from home
Work authorisation:
- United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Romford RM1 2PT
