Accountant

Reed; Essex; On-site; GBP 29,000 - 40,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Free on-site parking

Dedicated office space

Full handover during onboarding

Job summary

Reed in Colchester is seeking an experienced Accountant to take ownership of the finance function on a sole-charge basis. The role covers day-to-day processing through to month-end, with responsibility for management reporting and VAT returns.

The position is 16 hours per week at £25 per hour, with a flexible working pattern and on-site premises in Colchester. A friendly, supportive team environment with the opportunity to contribute to process improvements awaits.

Qualifications

• Experience in standalone or senior finance roles.
• Experience producing month-end accounts.
• Strong understanding of reconciliations, VAT and credit control.
• Ability to work independently and manage a varied workload.
• Good communication with internal and external stakeholders.
• Flexible, hands-on approach with willingness to support the wider business.
• Knowledge of budgeting and cash flow forecasting.

Responsibilities

• Owns the company accounts function using Sage 50.
• Process purchase ledger invoices and manage supplier accounts.
• Run monthly supplier payments and allocate/ reconcile payments.
• Perform bank reconciliations across multiple accounts.
• Manage credit control and chase outstanding debt.
• Prepare trial balances; produce P&L and balance sheets.
• Prepare quarterly management reports for Directors.

Tools

Sage 50

Job description

Accountant

Colchester Area

16 Hours per Week £25 per Hour Flexible Working Pattern

About the Company

Our client is an established business operating within the construction supply sector. With an annual turnover of approximately £3 million and a team of 14 employees, the business has built a strong local reputation and offers a friendly, supportive working environment.

Based in modern premises in the Colchester area, the successful candidate will benefit from a dedicated office and the opportunity to take ownership of the finance function within a growing business.

The Opportunity

We are seeking an experienced Accountant to take ownership of the finance function on a sole-charge basis. This is a varied and hands-on role covering everything from day-to-day transactional processing through to management reporting and month-end duties.

Key Responsibilities

• Sole responsibility for the company accounts function using Sage 50
• Processing purchase ledger invoices
• Managing supplier accounts and responding to queries
• Running monthly supplier payment runs
• Allocating payments and maintaining accurate account reconciliations
• Performing bank reconciliations across multiple bank accounts
• Managing the full credit control process and chasing outstanding debt
• Posting company credit card transactions
• Preparing trial balances
• Producing monthly profit & loss accounts and balance sheets
• Preparing quarterly management reports and presenting financial information to Directors
• Preparing and submitting VAT returns
• Assisting with year-end accounting requirements
• Producing budgets and cash flow forecasts
• Preparing payroll information for submission to an external payroll bureau
• Distributing payslips to employees
• Building relationships with external accountants, banking partners, solicitors and HMRC
• Identifying opportunities to improve financial processes and minimise financial risk

Person Specification

Essential

• Previous accounting experience in a standalone or senior finance role
• Experience producing month-end accounts
• Strong understanding of reconciliations, VAT and credit control
• Ability to work independently and manage a varied workload
• Good communication skills and confidence working with both internal and external stakeholders
• Flexible, hands-on approach with a willingness to support the wider business when required
• Knowledge of budgeting and cash flow forecasting

Desirable

• Sage 50 experience
• Experience preparing management accounts and financial reports
• CIS knowledge (advantageous but not essential)
• Experience improving finance processes and procedures

Salary & Benefits

• £25 per hour
• Approximately 16 hours per week
• Flexible working pattern to suit individual circumstances
• 20 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays (pro rata)
• Free on-site parking
• Dedicated office space
• Full handover and support during onboarding

Team Fit

The successful candidate will enjoy working within a close-knit business environment, be comfortable taking ownership of the finance function, and bring a proactive, hands-on approach to their work. A personable individual who enjoys building positive working relationships and contributing to a collaborative team culture will thrive in this position.