ACCOUNTS ASSISTANT

Institute of Hospitality; Greater London; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A professional association in Greater London seeks an Accounting Assistant to support financial operations. Responsibilities include processing payments, maintaining ledgers, and performing bank reconciliations. The ideal candidate should have a Level 3 education, relevant accounting experience, and strong skills in Sage and Excel. Attention to detail and effective communication skills are essential for success in this role.

Qualifications

• Experience in an accounting function is essential.
• Knowledge of hospitality, leisure and tourism industries is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Provide accounting assistance for the Institute.
• Maintenance of Purchase and Sales Ledger and Cash Books.
• Bank reconciliations and financial communication.
• Support department needs as required.

Skills

Basic management report production

Good communication

Attention to detail

Interpersonal skills

Ability to prioritize

Teamwork

Flexible approach

Numeracy and literacy

Education

Level 3 education and accounting/business qualification

Tools

Sage Accounting systems

Excel

Job description

HOURS: 35 hours per week Monday – Friday 9.00am-5.00pm

LOCATION: Institute of Hospitality, The Counting House, 14 Palmerston Road, Sutton, Surrey SM1 4QL

RESPONSIBLE TO: Head of Finance

SUMMARY OF POST

To provide accounting assistance for the Institute of Hospitality

KEY TASKS & RESPONSIBILITIES

The key tasks and responsibilities appropriate to this post are listed below:

• Receipt & payment processing
• Maintenance of Purchase and Sales Ledger and Cash Books
• Bank reconciliations
• Petty cash Maintenance
• Receiving and updating procedures where appropriate
• Provision of reconciliations and accounts analysis as required
• Providing support within the department as required by the Head of Finance
• Credit Control
• To undertake any reasonable request outside of this job description
• Carry out all duties and responsibilities in line with the Institute’s Articles of Association and Bye Laws

Organisational

• To assist in the functioning of the department in the absence of any staff colleagues
• To work to strict deadlines

Communication/Co-ordination

• Liaising with auditors, bank, suppliers, customers and members as necessary
• Liaising with Institute staff in relation to financial issues

Administrative/Secretarial

• Maintenance of accounting documents and filing systems

Specialist Technical

• Proficient in Sage Accounting systems
• Proficient in use of Excel spreadsheets

General

• Give attention to detail ensuring that all work produced is of a high quality and to deadline
• Demonstrate the necessary level of accuracy and correctness in dealing with information and data
• Sensitively handle all aspects of member data and maintain confidentiality at all times
• Undertake relevant training or development as required by the post

Collaborative Working

• To promote the aims and objectives of the Institute
• To work as part of the Institute team as required
• To maintain confidentiality on sensitive financial matters
• To carry out other duties as required by the Institute

PERSON SPECIFICATIONS

QUALIFICATIONS

The post holder should normally be educated to at least Level 3 and hold an accounting or business qualification.

EXPERIENCE

• Experience in an accounting function is essential.
• Knowledge of business, education or charity settings and an understanding of the hospitality, leisure and tourism industries and their spheres of interest would be useful.

SKILLS/KNOWLEDGE/ABILITIES

• Ability to produce basic management reports on a monthly and ad-hoc basis
• Good communication skills are required
• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy
• Good interpersonal skills
• An ability to prioritise activities and work to agreed targets and timetables
• Ability to work as part of a team and contribute suggestions/ideas to improve its efficiency
• Flexible approach to the work involved and able to work well under pressure.
• Adaptability to changing circumstances
• Understanding and commitment to equal opportunities both for members of the Institute and in the workplace
• Excellent numeracy and literacy skills

Equal Opportunities Statement

The Institute of Hospitality is committed to equality of opportunity and welcomes applications from all sections of the community.