The role of Accounts Assistant at our client is vital for the ongoing financial management of their business at a key period in its growth. The role requires strong experience of bookkeeping with a good understanding of the company and its structure. This is principally a temporary position as maternity cover, however as the business grows over the next 12 months there could be the opportunity for a permanent role for the right person. The post holder will be required to work closely with the Finance Manager, reviewing current procedures and implementing change where required, ensuring that we are fit for growth.

They will have the responsibility to provide sound financial control and support for colleagues, thus enabling good decision making across the Senior Management Team. They will also be responsible for the monthly payroll for all staff – those on an hourly rate and salaried. Pension, student loan and salary sacrifice deductions are all required and are calculated through Sage Payroll.

Principle duties include but are not limited to:
~ To post all supplier invoices and manage the purchase ledger, dealing with discrepancies and requesting credit notes as required.
~ To allocate supplier invoices to payment runs according to our payment terms.
~ Bank reconciliations.
~ Cash reconciliations.
~ To work with the Finance Manager to control the bank balance and maintain a healthy cash–flow.
~ To post all sales invoices and manage the sales ledger, ensuring our credit terms are adhered to and any issues with non–payment are escalated to the Finance Manager.
~ To prepare for and run the monthly payroll process and distribution of wage slips.
~ To assist the Finance Manager in identifying areas where procedures can be improved.
~ To aid the Finance Manager in the preparation of statutory returns.
~ Management of the prepayments and accruals through manual journals.
~ To implement changes to the systems where required.
~ To carry out additional roles within the scope of the role of Accounts Assistant as required.
~ To maintain good relations with suppliers, customers and staff alike.
~ To remain aware of potential savings and cost efficiencies, ensuring suppliers and providers remain competitive.

Other Responsibilities
~ To attend internal/external training and development sessions relevant to the role.
~ To be responsible for your own personal health and safety as well as anybody else who may be affected by your acts or omissions.
~ To maintain good and clear communication between all members of the team.
~ Ensure confidentiality is maintained at all times.
~ To undertake such other duties that may be determined from time to time within the general scope of the post Key skills.
~ A formal accountancy / book keeping qualification is preferred (AAT, ICB, IAB etc.)
~ Experience of managing a payroll process is essential.
~ Proficiency with Sage Payroll.
~ Experience of working with Xero is preferred although full training will be given.
~ Team oriented, proactive and flexible.
~ An ability to work quickly and accurately.
~ Good concentration with an eye for detail.
~ Honest, discreet and trustworthyPersonable and welcoming.
~ Commercially aware.

General Requirements:
~ In addition to the above, there are some general requirements that apply to all roles within the company
~ Participation in staff meetings as requiredParticipation in personal development and review schemes.
~ Participation in any relevant quality assurance systems.
~ Participation in the weekend cover rota as required.
~ All duties must be carried out to comply with Health and safety requirements.

The Benefits:
~ We work hard to deliver a package that recognises staff commitment and provides opportunities to develop a career with us.
~ All of our team members are offered:
~ A competitive Salary.
~ Pension Scheme.
~ Full Induction.
~ Training Opportunities.
~ Career progression opportunities.
~ Discounted rates on all produce.
~ Childcare voucher scheme.
~ Cycle to work scheme.
~ Long service rewards.

Hours of Work Hours are typically 8.00am to 5.00pm Monday to Friday with a half hour for lunch