Job Title: Assistant Accountant (Contract) Location: Basildon, Essex (Office-based, 5 days per week) Contract Type: Outside IR35 Rate: Negotiable hourly rate We are seeking an experienced Assistant Accountant to join our small and friendly finance team on a contract basis. Reporting to the Management Accountant and working closely with our Accounts Clerk, you will support a wide variety of routine and ad-hoc finance tasks covering the full function. This role requires someone with strong all-round accounting experience, confidence to work independently, and excellent attention to detail. Key Responsibilities * Processing employee expense claims and credit card statements in line with company policy * Processing supplier invoices (including multi-currency) and ensuring accurate VAT posting * Checking and posting sales invoices * Bank and balance sheet reconciliations * Timesheet processing and issue resolution in Microsoft Business Central (BC) * Setting up new vendors and projects in BC, ensuring compliance and bank verification * Monitoring the shared accounts inbox and responding professionally to queries * Assisting with company vehicle records and general record keeping * Supporting training of new colleagues on finance processes * Providing assistance with audit preparation, month-end close, and ad-hoc finance tasks Skills & Experience * Essential: Previous experience using Microsoft Business Central * Minimum 2 years’ experience in a similar accounting role * Broad knowledge of sales ledger, purchase ledger, reconciliations, and double-entry bookkeeping * AAT/ACCA/CIMA studier (preferred) * Strong IT skills (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook) – Excel proficiency essential * Knowledge of UK VAT is beneficial * Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to work well with both internal and external stakeholders * Proactive, adaptable, and able to work with discretion