Accounts Assistant

Confidential; Basildon; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job summary

Confidential is seeking an experienced Accounts Assistant to join its finance team in Basildon. The role covers day-to-day transactional accounting, Management Accounts, CIS, Purchase Ledger and Sales Ledger, with a hands-on, proactive approach.

You will work both independently and as part of a team, ensuring accuracy and timely reporting. The position is full-time and office-based, with a focus on delivering reliable financial data and supporting wider financial operations.

Qualifications

• Experience in an Accounts Assistant or similar role.
• Experience with Management Accounts.
• Strong knowledge of Purchase Ledger and Sales Ledger processes.
• Experience handling CIS returns and subcontractor payments.
• Good understanding of double-entry bookkeeping principles.
• Experience with accounting software such as Sage, Xero, QuickBooks.
• Strong Excel skills with reconciliations and reporting.
• Attention to detail and organisational skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• AAT qualification or studying towards AAT advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Assisting with the preparation of monthly Management Accounts.
• Maintaining accurate Purchase Ledger and Sales Ledger records.
• Processing supplier invoices and managing payment runs.
• Raising sales invoices and monitoring customer accounts.
• Credit control and chasing overdue payments.
• Reconciling bank accounts and investigating discrepancies.
• Processing and reconciling employee expenses.
• CIS administration including subcontractor verification and CIS returns.
• Performing regular account reconciliations.
• Assisting with month-end and year-end processes.
• Supporting cash flow reporting and forecasting.
• Maintaining accurate financial records and procedures compliance.
• Providing administrative support to the wider finance function.

Skills

Attention to detail

Organisational skills

Time management

Communication skills

Independent worker

Education

AAT qualification or studying towards AAT

Tools

Sage

Xero

QuickBooks

Excel

Job description

Accounts Assistant

Location: Basildon
Salary: £32,000 to £38,000
Hours: Full Time (Office Based)

The Role

We are seeking an experienced and proactive Accounts Assistant to join our finance team. This is a varied, hands-on role suited to an all-round finance professional who is comfortable managing the day-to-day transactional accounting function while supporting wider business operations.

The successful candidate will have experience with Management Accounts, CIS, Purchase Ledger, and Sales Ledger, and will be confident working independently as well as part of a team.

Key Responsibilities

• Assisting with the preparation of monthly Management Accounts.
• Maintaining accurate Purchase Ledger and Sales Ledger records.
• Processing supplier invoices and managing payment runs.
• Raising sales invoices and monitoring customer accounts.
• Credit control and chasing overdue payments.
• Reconciling bank accounts and investigating any discrepancies.
• Processing and reconciling employee expenses.
• Managing Construction Industry Scheme (CIS) administration, including subcontractor verification and CIS returns.
• Performing regular account reconciliations.
• Assisting with month-end and year-end processes.
• Supporting cash flow reporting and forecasting.
• Maintaining accurate financial records and ensuring compliance with company procedures.
• Providing administrative support to the wider finance function when required.

Skills & Experience Required

• Previous experience in an Accounts Assistant, Finance Assistant, or similar accounting role.
• Experience preparing or assisting with Management Accounts.
• Strong knowledge of Purchase Ledger and Sales Ledger processes.
• Experience handling CIS returns and subcontractor payments.
• Good understanding of double-entry bookkeeping principles.
• Experience with accounting software such as Sage, Xero, QuickBooks, or similar.
• Strong Excel skills, including reconciliations and reporting.
• Excellent attention to detail and organisational skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• AAT qualification or studying towards AAT would be advantageous.

Personal Attributes

• Reliable and conscientious.
• Strong communication skills.
• Positive and flexible approach to work.
• Able to work independently and use initiative.
• Team player willing to support across all areas of the finance function.
• Comfortable working within a fast-paced environment.