Accounts Administrator

Confidential; Essex; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

Confidential in Essex is seeking an organised Accounts Administrator to support finance and administration, covering accounts, payroll, VAT returns and general office duties. Experience with Sage and a finance background are essential.

You will manage supplier and customer accounts, process invoices and payments, maintain records, and help with year-end tasks while ensuring GDPR compliance and professional communication.

Qualifications

• Experience in an Accounts Administrator or similar finance role.
• Strong bookkeeping and credit control knowledge.
• Sage Accounts and Sage Payroll experience.
• Good Excel and data entry skills.
• High level of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Strong organisational and time management skills.
• Ability to work independently.
• Professional communication and telephone manner.

Responsibilities

• Manage supplier, customer and third-party accounts.
• Process bank receipts and deposits.
• Reconcile accounts and investigate discrepancies.
• Raise and process invoices, including proformas and export documentation.
• Carry out credit control, customer statements and payment chasing.
• Manage supplier payments and monthly payment runs.
• Process credit card transactions and maintain accurate VAT records.
• Prepare and submit quarterly VAT returns.
• Maintain accounting records, databases and spreadsheets.
• Set up direct debits, customers and suppliers.
• Assist with year-end accounts and filing.
• Maintain GDPR compliant employee records within payroll systems.
• Support HR/payroll onboarding and contractor administration.

Skills

Bookkeeping

Credit control

Excel

Data entry

Attention to detail

Organisation

Independent work

Communication skills

Telephone manner

Tools

Sage Accounts

Sage Payroll

Job description

Accounts Administrator

Overview

We are seeking an organised and detail-oriented Accounts Administrator to support the finance and administration functions of the business. The role covers accounts, payroll, credit control, VAT returns, and general office support. Experience with Sage and a finance or accounting background are essential.

Key Responsibilities

Accounts Administration

• Manage supplier, customer and third-party accounts.
• Process bank receipts and deposits.
• Reconcile accounts and investigate discrepancies.
• Raise and process invoices, including proformas and export documentation.
• Carry out credit control, customer statements and payment chasing.
• Manage supplier payments and monthly payment runs.
• Process credit card transactions and maintain accurate VAT records.
• Prepare and submit quarterly VAT returns.
• Maintain accounting records, databases and spreadsheets.
• Set up direct debits, customers and suppliers.
• Assist with year-end accounts and filing.

Payroll Administration

• Maintain employee records within Sage Payroll.
• Process payroll, including overtime, bonuses, deductions and statutory payments.
• Verify employee hours before payroll processing.
• Generate payslips, P45s and annual P60s.
• Process pension and National Insurance contributions.
• Respond to payroll-related queries.
• Onboard new employees onto HR, payroll and pension systems.
• Process leavers and update pension records.
• Assist with payroll year-end and P11 D requirements.
• Ensure employee records remain GDPR compliant.

General Administration

• Answer phones and assist with reception duties.
• Monitor and report staff absences.
• Order PPE, stationery and office supplies.
• Prepare letters and correspondence when required.
• Ensure company certifications and documentation remain up to date.
• Liaise with insurance providers and utility suppliers regarding renewals.
• Support contract renewals and supplier management.
• Provide cover for colleagues during periods of absence.
• Undertake ad hoc administrative duties as required.

Skills & Experience

Essential

• Previous experience in an Accounts Administrator or similar finance role.
• Strong bookkeeping and credit control knowledge.
• Sage Accounts and Sage Payroll experience.
• Good Excel and data entry skills.
• High level of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Strong organisational and time management skills.
• Ability to work independently.
• Professional communication and telephone manner.

Desirable

• VAT return preparation experience.
• Payroll administration experience.
• HR administration and employee onboarding experience.
• Experience within manufacturing, engineering or similar sectors.

Personal Attributes

• Reliable and trustworthy.
• Proactive and self-motivated.
• Strong problem-solving skills.
• Able to manage multiple priorities.
• Professional when handling confidential information.
• Flexible team player.