Accounts Assistant - Purchase Ledger & Payroll
Chard, Somerset | Office-based | Manufacturing SME
My client is a well-established, growing manufacturing business based in Chard, Somerset, supplying customers across the UK and internationally. With around 60 employees, they offer a friendly, supportive working environment and are looking for an Accounts Assistant to join their small finance team.
This is an excellent opportunity for someone with accounts experience who is keen to develop their skills in a busy SME environment, with a particular focus on payroll.
Role responsibilities
Purchase Ledger
Process purchase orders on Progress Plus
Match purchase invoices to purchase orders on Progress Plus
Transfer data to the accounts package (currently Sage Line 50)
Maintain the purchase ledger and supplier records
Build and maintain good relationships with suppliers
Deal with supplier queries promptly and professionally
Payroll
Process weekly payroll for c.50 employees (shared responsibility within the team)
Ensure accurate input of hours, pay rates and deductions
Apply UK payroll rules including SSP and statutory leave entitlements (e.g. paternity pay)
Maintain payroll records and support with payroll-related queries
Person profile
Some accounts experience at assistant level (purchase ledger or similar)
Payroll experience essential - ideally weekly payroll and exposure to statutory payments
Experience in an SME environment desirable
Experience with Sage Line 50 and/or Sage Payroll is an advantage, but not essential
Comfortable learning new accounts/payroll software
Pro-active, adaptable and willing to learn
Strong team player (office finance team of three)
Flexible about sharing payroll responsibilities and coordinating holidays to ensure cover
The role
Hours: 39 per week
Monday-Thursday: 8:00am - 5:00pm
Friday: 8:00am - 1:00pm
Office-based in Chard, Somerset
The company operates periodic manufacturing shutdowns during the year
Benefits
25 days' holiday plus bank holidays
Pension
Free on-site parking
Social events
Salary competitive and dependent on experience
The client is particularly keen on a candidate with solid payroll experience (the most technical aspect of the role); purchase ledger is viewed as more easily trainable for the right person