Accounts Assistant

Reed; Essex; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 35,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Casual dress

Friendly environment

Skills development

Broad accounting duties

Job summary

Reed is seeking a motivated Accounts Assistant to join our finance team in Wickford. The role focuses on sales/purchases ledgers, chasing overdue payments, and maintaining accurate records using Xero.

You will interact with customers and suppliers to ensure timely payments and accurate VAT and month-end processes. The ideal candidate has hands-on experience in accounts administration, strong Excel skills, and a qualification (AAT or equivalent) or willingness to study.

Qualifications

• Experience in Accounts Assistant, book-keeping or finance administration.
• Strong working knowledge of Xero and Microsoft Excel.
• Experience managing both purchase and sales ledgers.
• Credit control experience and ability to chase overdue payments.
• Experience performing bank reconciliations and VAT preparation would be advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Raise and process sales invoices, credit notes, and customer statements.
• Manage the sales ledger and ensure customer accounts are accurate.
• Chase overdue payments via phone and email.
• Process supplier invoices and staff expenses with correct coding and approvals.
• Maintain the purchase ledger and respond to supplier account queries.
• Prepare supplier payment runs and support timely payments.

Skills

Attention to detail

Organisational skills

Time management

Communication skills

Education

AAT or equivalent qualification

Tools

Xero

Excel

Microsoft Office

Job description

Accounts Assistant

Location: Wickford

Salary: £32,000 - £,35,000 per annum

Job Type: Full Time, Permanent

About the Role

We are seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Accounts Assistant to join our finance team and support the smooth day-to-day running of the accounts function. This is a varied, hands-on role that would suit someone with previous experience in accounts, bookkeeping, or finance administration who is confident using Xero and comfortable liaising with customers regarding outstanding payments.

You will play a key role in maintaining accurate financial records, supporting financial processes, and ensuring excellent service is provided to both customers and suppliers.

Key Responsibilities

• Raise and process sales invoices, credit notes, and customer statements.
• Manage the sales ledger, ensuring customer accounts are maintained accurately.
• Monitor outstanding customer balances and proactively chase overdue payments via telephone and email.
• Allocate customer receipts and investigate payment queries when required.
• Process supplier invoices and staff expenses, ensuring correct coding and approvals.
• Maintain the purchase ledger and respond to supplier account queries.
• Prepare supplier payment runs and support the timely processing of payments.
• Complete bank and credit card reconciliations.
• Maintain accurate financial records using Xero.
• Assist with VAT return preparation and month-end accounting tasks.
• Keep supplier and customer account information up to date.
• Provide general administrative support to the finance function.

About You

The successful candidate will possess:

• Previous experience in an Accounts Assistant, Bookkeeping, or Finance Administration role.
• Strong working knowledge of Xero.
• Experience managing both purchase ledger and sales ledger activities.
• Previous credit control experience and confidence chasing outstanding payments.
• Experience completing bank reconciliations.
• Good understanding of basic accounting principles.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Excellent organisational and time management skills.
• Professional communication skills when dealing with customers and suppliers.
• Good Excel and Microsoft Office skills.
• Experience assisting with VAT returns and month-end processes would be advantageous.
• A bookkeeping or accounts qualification (AAT or equivalent) or a willingness to study towards one would be beneficial.

Benefits

• Competitive salary of £32,000 to £35,000 depending on experience.
• Casual dress.
• Supportive and friendly working environment.
• Opportunity to develop and broaden finance skills.
• Exposure to a wide range of accounting duties within a growing business.
• Work Location: In Person