The Finance Assistant plays a key role in monitoring and maintaining the overall financial health and profitability of Whitby Wood. This role reports primarily to the Financial Controller but will also liaise with senior leadership and engineering team leads to obtain the necessary information to execute key responsibilities and assist with general finance support.
This role involves a variety of accounting tasks, including managing accounts receivable and payable, bank reconciliations, taking ownership of the credit control process, and contributing to financial reporting and analysis to monitor KPIs and satisfy statutory requirements.
Responsibilities
* Cash allocation and bank reconciliation: Perform daily cash allocation and ensure accurate bank reconciliation.
* Accounts receivable and credit control: Manage accounts receivable processes, issue invoices and credit notes, monitor ageing debtors, and implement strategies to chase overdue payments.
* Accounts payable: Manage purchase ledger and liaise with suppliers to ensure payment terms are met, including setting up new clients, consultants, and suppliers on internal systems.
* Data analysis and reporting: Assist with financial data analysis and preparation of reports for the leadership team, identifying trends and providing actionable insights where necessary.
* Expense management: Oversee employee expenses, ensuring they are processed in accordance with company policies.
* Ad-hoc finance projects: Undertake any finance-related projects or tasks as assigned by the Financial Controller or directors.
* Statutory reporting: Assist the Financial Controller and external accountants in the preparation of monthly management accounts, quarterly VAT returns, and annual financial reports.
Key Skills
* Experience with Xero is preferred, but not essential.
* Awareness and practical application of GAAPs, IASs, IFRSs and VAT accounting.
* Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Excel, including the ability to create and manipulate spreadsheets, manage large datasets, and perform financial calculations.
* A high level of accuracy and a keen eye for detail, ensuring all financial transactions are processed accurately.
* Ability to manage your workload with minimal supervision, prioritising tasks and meeting deadlines.
* Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to liaise effectively with colleagues at all levels, including senior leadership, clients, and external stakeholders.
* At least 2 years of relevant experience in finance or accounting roles.
* A hardworking, professional, dedicated, and resilient attitude, capable of managing multiple tasks and adapting to changing priorities.
* Personable, friendly, flexible, and enthusiastic with a collaborative approach to working in a team.
* Confident in communicating with all levels of teams, companies, and clients, with the ability to build trusted relationships and go the extra mile for stakeholders.
Qualifications
* Degree in a relevant field or qualified by experience.
* AAT level 3 qualification/ part-qualification or plans to begin
* Experience in financial reporting and budgeting.
* Exposure to VAT and tax compliance.
* Knowledge of UK GAAP or IFRS accounting standards.
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