Accounts Assistant Job Description

Job Overview

The Accounts Assistant is a key support role responsible for the efficient execution of administrative and financial tasks. This role ensures accurate processing and reconciliation of financial data, with a specific focus on payments, expenses, and supporting general company operations.

Duties and Responsibilities

Financial and Accounting Duties may include some or all of the following:

Purchase Ledger Invoice Entry and Payments:
Process and accurately input supplier invoices into the accounting system, ensuring payments are scheduled and made on time while adhering to company policies.

Purchase Order Reconciliation:
Compare and reconcile purchase orders against supplier invoices to identify discrepancies and maintain accurate records.

Reconciling Aged Creditors:
Monitor outstanding supplier balances, resolve any discrepancies, and ensure timely payments to maintain good supplier relationships.

Operation of Cashbook:
Maintain and update the company cashbook, recording all incoming and outgoing transactions to ensure accurate cash flow monitoring.

Bank Reconciliations for Sterling, Dollars, and Euro Accounts:
Perform regular reconciliations of multi-currency bank accounts, identifying and resolving any mismatched transactions.

Credit Card Reconciliations:
Process credit card transactions, ensuring all expenses are correctly categorized, documented, and accounted for.

Petty Cash Management:
Maintain petty cash records, process small cash payments, and reconcile the petty cash ledger regularly to ensure accuracy.

Accounting System Maintenance:

Maintain and update the company’s accounting software, ensuring data integrity and proper classification of transactions.

Preparation of Reports:

Assist in preparing financial reports, such as monthly management accounts or expense summaries, for review by senior staff.

VAT Returns:

Support the preparation and submission of VAT returns, ensuring compliance with tax regulations.

Assisting with Year-End Processes:

Assist in gathering and organizing documents for auditors and supporting year-end financial closing activities.

Fixed Asset Register Maintenance:

Record and track fixed assets, ensuring depreciation schedules are up-to-date and accurate.

Customer Invoicing:

Support the preparation and distribution of customer invoices and assist in chasing overdue payments if required.

Process Improvement:

Identify opportunities to improve financial processes and efficiencies within the role or broader team.

Support to Senior Finance Team:

Provide assistance to accountants, finance managers, or other senior team members with ad hoc projects and tasks as required.

Management Responsibilities

No management duties

Skills / Attributes Required

Skills and Attributes Required

Academic Qualification:
Currently studying towards an AAT qualification (part-qualified).
Software Proficiency:
Competent in either Xero or SAGE with strong knowledge of Microsoft Excel, with the ability to create and manipulate spreadsheets for financial analysis and reporting.
Time Management Skills:
Effectively prioritize tasks and manage deadlines in a dynamic work environment.
Attention to Detail:
Demonstrates high levels of accuracy and thoroughness in all aspects of work, particularly in financial records and reconciliations.

Alternative Job Titles

Accounts Administrator | Finance Assistant

Typical Salary Range

£18,000 to £23,000