Job Description

Job Title: Finance & Accounting Assistant

Role Purpose

To provide comprehensive support across finance operations and accounting processes, ensuring accurate financial reporting, compliance with statutory requirements, and efficient transactional processing. This hybrid role bridges day-to-day finance administration with elements of management accounting, contributing to the organisations financial integrity and strategic objectives.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Processing & Administration

Maintain accurate and timely processing of

sales and purchase ledger transactions

, including invoice matching and coding. Manage

credit card reconciliations

, expense claims, and petty cash transactions. Ensure all financial records comply with company policies and audit requirements.

Month-End & Reporting

Assist with

month-end close activities

, including preparation of accruals, prepayments, and journal entries. Support the production of

management accounts

, ensuring accuracy and adherence to deadlines. Prepare and reconcile

balance sheet accounts

, investigating and resolving discrepancies promptly.

Compliance & Control

Assist with

VAT returns

and other statutory filings, ensuring compliance with HMRC regulations. Support internal and external audits by providing documentation and responding to queries. Contribute to maintaining robust

financial controls

and identifying opportunities for process improvement.

Analysis & Forecasting

Provide support for

income and cost analysis

, including variance reporting and forecasting. Assist in preparing reports for senior management to inform decision-making. Collaborate with the finance team on

budget preparation

and monitoring.

Systems & Process Improvement

Utilise accounting software and ERP systems to maintain accurate financial data. Identify and implement improvements to streamline finance processes and enhance efficiency. Support new business initiatives and system upgrades as required.

Skills & Experience

Previous experience in a finance or accounting support role. Strong understanding of

accounting principles

, including double-entry bookkeeping. Proficiency in

Microsoft Excel

(pivot tables, VLOOKUP) and familiarity with accounting systems. Excellent attention to detail and organisational skills. Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet strict deadlines. Strong communication skills for liaising with internal and external stakeholders.

Qualifications

AAT Level 3 or equivalent (or working towards). Knowledge of VAT and UK accounting standards desirable.

Personal Attributes

Proactive and adaptable with a problem-solving mindset. High level of integrity and commitment to accuracy. * Collaborative team player with a willingness to learn and develop.