Job Title: Construction Accounts Officer (Xero)
Location:
Loughborough, Leicestershire
Department:
Finance / Accounts
Reports To:
Group Financial Controller
Job Type:
Full-time
Job Overview:
We are seeking a diligent and detail-oriented
Construction Accounts Officer
to join our finance team. The ideal candidate will be proficient in using
Xero
accounting software and will be responsible for managing day-to-day accounting tasks, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, project costing, and reconciliation. You will support the smooth financial operation of the business by ensuring accurate and timely recording of all financial transactions, with a specific focus on construction-related activities and project-based accounting.
Key Responsibilities:
Accounts Payable & Receivable
* Process supplier invoices
: Ensure all supplier invoices are matched with purchase orders and delivery notes before approval for payment.
* Manage subcontractor payments
: Verify and process subcontractor invoices, ensuring compliance with contracts.
* Raise customer invoices
: Generate accurate invoices for completed work and ensure timely billing for both ongoing and completed construction projects.
* Monitor and follow-up on outstanding payments
: Proactively communicate with clients and suppliers to resolve payment issues and ensure collections are made on time.
Project Costing & Tracking
* Track and allocate project costs
: Assist in tracking project expenses and ensure accurate allocation of costs to the relevant construction projects in
Xero
.
* Assist with project budgets
: Work closely with project site managers to monitor project budgets and provide regular updates on costs and forecasted expenditures.
* Retentions management
: Track and manage retention amounts in line with project contracts, ensuring proper documentation and timely release when required.
Bank Reconciliation & Financial Reporting
* Reconcile bank accounts
: Perform monthly bank reconciliations, ensuring that all transactions are accurately recorded in
Xero
.
* Reconcile supplier statements
: Ensure supplier accounts are reconciled on a monthly basis to match the financial records in
Xero
.
* Prepare financial reports
: Assist with the preparation of financial reports, including profit and loss statements, balance sheets, and project cost reports, for internal and external stakeholders.
General Ledger Management & Data Entry
* Post journal entries
: Assist with posting general ledger journal entries and ensure the accurate recording of financial data.
* Maintain accurate records
: Ensure that all financial data, including invoices, payments, receipts, and journal entries, is entered accurately and promptly into
Xero
.
VAT & Tax Compliance
* Prepare VAT returns
: Assist with the preparation and submission of monthly or quarterly VAT returns, ensuring compliance with all relevant tax regulations.
* Tax compliance
: Ensure all tax-related matters are accurately processed and recorded, including PAYE and CIS (Construction Industry Scheme) deductions.
Ad-hoc Financial Support & Administration
* Assist with audits
: Support the finance team during external audits by providing accurate records and documentation for review.
* Handle administrative tasks
: Perform general accounting administrative duties, such as filing financial documents, preparing internal reports, and responding to financial queries from other departments.
Qualifications:
* Education
:
* A degree or diploma in
Accounting
,
Finance
,
Construction Management
, or a related field is preferred.
* Professional certification such as
AAT
or equivalent is an advantage.
* Experience
:
* 2+ years of experience in an
accounts officer
or similar role, preferably in the
construction industry
.
* Hands-on experience with
Xero
accounting software is essential.
* Strong knowledge of
construction accounting practices
, including project costing, subcontractor management, and retention.
* Skills
:
* Proficient in
Xero
and other accounting software, as well as MS Office applications (especially Excel).
* Strong understanding of
project-based accounting
, including cost allocation and budgeting for construction projects.
* Excellent attention to detail and strong organisational skills.
* Ability to prioritise tasks and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
* Strong communication skills, with the ability to liaise with various internal and external stakeholders.
* Personal Attributes
:
* Self-motivated, reliable, and proactive in resolving financial issues.
* Team-oriented with a collaborative approach to work.
* Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
Preferred Attributes:
* Construction Industry Experience
: Familiarity with
construction contracts
,
retention
systems, and
subcontractor payments
.
* Certifications
: An
AAT
qualification or other professional certifications in accounting or finance would be beneficial.
* Taxation Knowledge
: Experience with
CIS (Construction Industry Scheme)
and VAT compliance in the construction industry is a plus.
Why Join Us?
* Competitive salary and benefits.
* Opportunity for professional development in the construction finance sector.
* Work in a dynamic, fast-paced environment with exposure to a variety of construction projects.
* Friendly and supportive finance team with opportunities for growth.
This role provides an excellent opportunity to grow your career in construction finance and contribute to the smooth financial operations of a thriving business. If you are an experienced
Construction Accounts Officer
with strong Xero skills and a passion for construction accounting, we would love to hear from you.