Accounts Assistant

1st Choice Staff Recruitment; Bedford; On-site; GBP 23,000 - 29,000; Full time

Job summary

1st Choice Staff Recruitment is seeking an Accounts Assistant for a manufacturing company based in Bedford. You will play an active role in managing key financial processes, including the purchase ledger, reconciliations, and credit control alongside building strong relationships with colleagues, customers, and suppliers.

As part of the finance team, you will handle month-end duties, prepare weekly payment runs, and support the external audit and year-end tasks.

Qualifications

• GCSE English and Maths (Grade 4/C or equivalent).
• QBE or working towards a qualification in ACCA, ACA, CIMA, or AAT.
• Essential: Previous experience in a similar finance role.
• Strong understanding of double-entry bookkeeping.
• Ability to meet tight deadlines and work under pressure.
• Advanced Excel skills and proficiency in Microsoft Office packages.
• Excellent organisational and communication skills, with attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Manage the Purchase Ledger, including query resolution and reconciliations.
• Handle month-end duties, including journals, accruals, RNI, and inventory reviews.
• Oversee Credit Control and ensure timely resolution of issues.
• Conduct sales and production analysis and reporting for the UK and Parent Company.
• Process AP invoices and credit notes, resolve queries, and reconcile accounts.
• Prepare weekly payment runs, ensuring suppliers are paid according to agreed terms.
• Support the annual external audit and complete year-end tasks within timelines.
• Manage multiple finance mailboxes and handle general office duties.

Skills

Double-entry bookkeeping

Advanced Excel

Organisational skills

Communication skills

Education

GCSE English and Maths

ACCA/ACA/CIMA/AAT qualification in progress or below

Tools

Excel

Microsoft Office

Job description

Accounts Assistant

Location: Bedford

Salary: Up to £26,000

Hours: Full-time, Permanent: Mon - Fri, 9am - 5.30pm

Are you an enthusiastic Accounts Assistant looking for an exciting opportunity to grow your career? Our client, a leading manufacturing company based in Bedford, is seeking a proactive and detail-oriented individual to join their finance team.

As an Accounts Assistant, you will take an active role in managing key financial processes, including the purchase ledger, reconciliations, and credit control. You will ensure financial operations are carried out efficiently, while also building strong relationships with colleagues, customers, and suppliers.

Responsibilities

• Manage the Purchase Ledger, including query resolution and reconciliations.


• Handle month-end duties, including journals, accruals, RNI, and inventory reviews.


• Oversee Credit Control and ensure timely resolution of issues.


• Conduct sales and production analysis and reporting for the UK and Parent Company.


• Process AP invoices and credit notes, resolve queries, and reconcile accounts.


• Prepare weekly payment runs, ensuring suppliers are paid according to agreed terms.


• Support the annual external audit and complete year-end tasks within timelines.


• Manage multiple finance mailboxes and handle general office duties.

Qualifications

• GCSE English and Maths (Grade 4/C or equivalent).


• QBE or working towards a qualification in ACCA, ACA, CIMA, or AAT.

Requirements

• Essential: Previous experience in a similar finance role.


• Strong understanding of double-entry bookkeeping.


• Ability to meet tight deadlines and work under pressure.


• Advanced Excel skills and proficiency in Microsoft Office packages.


• Excellent organisational and communication skills, with attention to detail.

1st Choice Staff Recruitment is an equal opportunities employer and acts as both an Employment Agency & Business