Accounts Assistant

Reed; Rayleigh; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

Reed in Rayleigh is seeking an experienced Accounts Assistant for a varied, hands-on role on a 9-month fixed-term contract. You will support both the finance function and wider business operations, working closely with the Director and project teams to keep daily operations running smoothly.

The role is office-based with standard hours, paying £28,000–£30,000 per annum. Responsibilities include processing invoices, CIS and VAT tasks, timesheets, expenses, reconciliations, and assisting with

Qualifications

• Experience as Accounts Assistant or similar all-round finance role.
• Essential experience with CIS and VAT processes.
• Proficiency with Xero or similar accounting software.
• Strong Excel and MS Office skills.
• Excellent organisation and communication abilities.

Responsibilities

• Process supplier and customer invoices
• Credit control and chasing outstanding payments
• Manage timesheets and expenses
• CIS and VAT reconciliations/returns prep
• Support reporting for accountant using Xero
• Assist with admin across finance and operations

Skills

CIS & VAT knowledge

Excel

Organisational skills

Communication skills

Multi-tasking

Tools

Xero

Microsoft Office

Job description

Accounts Assistant

9 Month Fixed Term Contract

Rayleigh, Essex £28,000 - £30,000 per annum 9-Month Fixed Term Contract (Starting End of October) Monday to Friday, 8:00am - 5:00pm Fully Office-Based

Accounts Assistant - Rayleigh

Are you an experienced Accounts Assistant looking for a varied and hands-on role within a growing business? We're seeking a proactive and organised individual to join our team on a 9-month fixed-term contract, supporting both the finance function and wider business operations.

Working closely with the Director and project teams, you'll play a key role in ensuring daily operations run smoothly while managing a broad range of accounting, administration and operational responsibilities.

This is a fully office-based position and does not offer hybrid or remote working.

The Role

Accounts & Finance

• Processing supplier and customer invoices
• Credit control and chasing outstanding payments
• Managing timesheets and expenses
• CIS and bank reconciliations
• Preparing information for VAT returns
• Resolving invoice queries and producing reports
• Supporting payment applications and accountant reporting through Xero

Office Administration

• Managing holiday and sickness records
• Coordinating office utilities and service providers
• Organising staff training and meetings
• Completing Pre-Qualification Questionnaires (PQQs)

Fleet & Administration

• Coordinating vehicle and plant hire
• Arranging MOTs, servicing, repairs and maintenance
• Ensuring fleet compliance, insurance and account management remain up to date

Site Support

• Obtaining quotations and placing supplier orders
• Coordinating plant, equipment and labour requirements
• Arranging travel, accommodation and site logistics
• Supporting site setup documentation and purchase orders

Executive Support

Providing administrative support to the Director, including:

• Diary and appointment management
• Travel and hotel bookings
• Teams meeting coordination
• Minute-taking and action tracking

About You

To be successful in this role, you'll have:

• Previous experience in an Accounts Assistant or similar all-round finance position
• Essential experience with CIS and VAT processes
• Strong accounts administration experience
• Experience using Xero or similar accounting software
• Good Microsoft Office skills, particularly Excel
• Excellent organisational skills and attention to detail
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• The ability to manage multiple priorities and work independently
• A proactive, flexible approach and willingness to support across all areas of the business

What's on Offer?

• Salary of £28,000 - £30,000
• A varied and busy role with genuine responsibility
• Close collaboration with senior leadership
• Friendly and supportive working environment
• Opportunity to develop your skills across finance and operations
• Stable Monday-Friday working hours
• Convenient Rayleigh location

If you're an experienced Accounts Assistant with CIS and VAT knowledge who enjoys a varied role and being at the heart of a business, we'd love to hear from you.