We are recruiting a temporary Finance Assistant for our client to support the finance team in maintaining accurate financial records, processing transactions, and assisting with the preparation of management accounts up to trial balance level. The Finance Assistant will ensure timely and accurate processing of financial data in line with company policies and accounting standards.
Key Responsibilities:
1. Accounts Payable (Purchase Ledger): Process supplier invoices, ensuring correct coding, approvals, and posting to the ledger. Reconcile supplier statements and resolve any discrepancies. Prepare and process supplier payments (BACS/cheques). Maintain up-to-date records of all payables and support month-end closing.
2. Accounts Receivable (Sales Ledger): Raise and issue customer invoices and credit notes accurately and promptly. Record customer receipts and allocate payments against invoices. Chase outstanding debts and maintain an aged debtors report. Resolve customer queries related to billing and payments.
3. Bank and Cash: Post and reconcile all bank transactions on a daily or weekly basis. Prepare regular bank reconciliations for all company accounts. Handle petty cash, process expense claims, and ensure supporting documentation is complete.
4. General Ledger and Month-End: Post journal entries for accruals, prepayments, and other adjustments. Maintain and reconcile control accounts (VAT, payroll, fixed assets, etc.). Assist in preparing trial balance and supporting schedules for month-end and year-end accounts. Support the Finance Manager with management reporting and variance analysis.
5. Payroll Support: Collate and verify timesheets and expense claims. Liaise with HR or payroll provider to ensure accurate payroll processing. Post monthly payroll journals and reconcile related accounts (PAYE, NI, pensions).
6. VAT and Compliance: Assist with preparation and submission of VAT returns. Ensure compliance with financial regulations and internal controls. Maintain accurate and organised financial records for audit purposes.
7. Other Duties: Support budget monitoring and forecasting activities. Assist auditors with year-end audit queries and documentation. Perform ad-hoc financial analysis and administrative tasks as required.
Skills and Qualifications:
AAT Level 3 or 4 (or equivalent qualification/experience).
Strong understanding of double-entry bookkeeping and trial balance.
Experience using accounting software (e.g., Sage, Xero, QuickBooks, or similar).
Proficiency in Microsoft Excel (formulas, pivot tables, reconciliations).
Excellent attention to detail and organisational skills.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
Ability to work independently and meet deadlines.
Desirable:
Experience working in a busy finance department.
Knowledge of payroll and VAT processes.
Progress toward ACCA/CIMA qualification (advantageous).
Robert Half Ltd acts as an employment business for temporary positions and an employment agency for permanent positions. Robert Half is committed to diversity, equity and inclusion. Suitable candidates with equivalent qualifications and more or less experience can apply. Rates of pay and salary ranges are dependent upon your experience, qualifications and training.