Assistant Accountant

Role Summary: Responsibilities include preparing financial reports, analysing key financial data, and assisting with the upkeep of financial records. Additionally, you will be involved in various aspects of accounts payable and receivable, such as processing invoices, handling payments, reconciling accounts, and chasing up outstanding balances. The successful candidate will demonstrate strong attention to detail, excellent communication skills, and the ability to work effectively with colleagues across different departments to support the business’s financial health.

Primary Duties:

Accounts Receivable:

• Generate and issue invoices for clients, ensuring timely follow-up for overdue payments.
• Issue credit notes where necessary.
• Prepare and distribute customer statements regularly.
• Monitor and collect overdue receivables, addressing any queries promptly.
• Work with the service department to guarantee timely invoicing each month.

Accounts Payable:

• Manage supplier invoices and ensure payments are made within agreed timeframes.
• Liaise with both internal and external stakeholders to resolve any payment discrepancies.
• Set up new supplier accounts in the system.

General Accounting:

• Assist with the monthly and year-end financial closing processes, including the preparation of financial statements.
• Monitor cash flow and working capital on a continuous basis.
• Collaborate with the Controller to prepare and submit necessary reports to regulatory bodies such as HMRC.
• Help maintain strong internal controls within the finance department.
• Support the reconciliation of balance sheet accounts and other accounting functions.
• Provide ad-hoc financial reports and presentations as required.
• Manage petty cash and track related expenses.
• Undertake general administrative duties as necessary.
• Adhere to all relevant company policies, including health and safety guidelines.

Additional Responsibilities:

• Remain adaptable and handle any changes in workload or responsibilities as required.
• Perform other tasks as directed by management.

Key Competencies:

• Proactive Approach: Eager to take on new challenges and tasks with enthusiasm and a sense of urgency.
• Team Collaboration: Builds strong, effective teams by drawing on diverse skills and perspectives to achieve common objectives.
• Business Understanding: Applies knowledge of the business and industry trends to help meet organisational goals.
• Effective Collaboration: Works well with others across the business to meet shared objectives.
• Clear Communication: Able to effectively communicate complex information in a clear and accessible manner.
• Customer Focus: Builds and maintains strong relationships with customers, always aiming to meet their needs.
• Task Direction: Provides clarity and removes obstacles to ensure tasks are completed efficiently.
• Result-Oriented: Achieves consistently positive outcomes, even when faced with challenges.
• Trust and Integrity: Gains trust by consistently demonstrating honesty, integrity, and authenticity.

Essential Qualifications:

Education and Experience:

• Must hold or be part-qualified in a professional finance qualification, such as ACCA, CIMA, or AAT.
• At least 2 years’ previous experience in a finance-related role.

Skills and Knowledge:

• In-depth understanding of accounting principles, financial processes, and best practices.
• Strong numerical, analytical, and critical thinking skills.
• Excellent attention to detail, highly organised, and able to manage time effectively.
• Experience with cost accounting and inventory systems; knowledge of IFS is an advantage.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Outlook.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to interact with individuals at all levels.
• Ability to manage competing deadlines while maintaining high standards of accuracy.

Language Skills:

• Capable of presenting financial information clearly and responding to queries from various stakeholders.

Analytical Abilities:

• Capable of identifying problems, analysing data, and drawing accurate conclusions