Accounts Assistant

Robert Walters UK; St Albans; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment agency in St Albans is seeking an Accounts Assistant to support the finance team. The role involves managing purchase ledger tasks, supplier communications, and reconciliations. Applicants must have experience in finance support, attention to detail, and proficiency in Microsoft Excel. This position offers a collaborative work environment where accuracy and reliability are highly valued.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in accounting or finance support role.
• Reliable with end-to-end purchase ledger activities.
• Strong communication skills for interacting with stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Support Financial Controller in accounting operations.
• Manage purchase ledger processes and reconcile statements.
• Handle supplier queries and ensure timely payments.

Skills

Attention to detail

Microsoft Excel

Interpersonal skills

Problem-solving

Accounting software usage

Tools

SAP

Job description

A great company based in St Albans is seeking an Accounts Assistant to join their dedicated finance team. This role offers an excellent opportunity to work within a supportive, high-performing environment where your attention to detail and commitment to quality will be valued and rewarded. Reporting directly to the Financial Controller, you will play a key role in ensuring the smooth running of day-to-day accounting operations across both private and commercial client activities.

What you’ll do

As an Accounts Assistant, you will support the Financial Controller across a wide range of accounting responsibilities, ensuring accuracy, efficiency, and compliance in all financial operations. You will take ownership of purchase ledger processes, supplier communications, reconciliations, and payment runs, while also assisting with credit control, VAT returns, and month‑end reporting. You will also liaise with internal teams, clients, and suppliers to resolve queries and uphold the company’s reputation for professionalism and reliability.

Key responsibilities include

• Process purchase ledger transactions in collaboration with part‑time support staff, ensuring accuracy and timeliness in all entries.
• Input invoices into accounting and CRM systems, maintaining precise and up‑to‑date records for retail and contract projects.
• Handle supplier queries with professionalism, resolving issues efficiently through phone, email, or face‑to‑face communication.
• Reconcile supplier statements regularly to ensure accounts remain accurate and discrepancies are resolved promptly.
• Manage weekly payment runs via BACS, coordinating with the finance team to ensure timely payments to suppliers.
• Prepare sales invoices for retail and contract clients, ensuring all documentation meets company and client requirements.
• Oversee credit control procedures, including ad‑hoc sales invoicing and IRP (Dealer) invoice management.
• Assist with balance sheet and bank reconciliations as part of the month‑end process.
• Compile CIS deduction statements and records for review and submission, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Support cash flow reporting and weekly financial analysis to aid management decision‑making.
• Contribute to VAT return preparation and assist with ad hoc accounting tasks as required.

Success in this role will rely on your ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining accuracy and composure. You’ll play a vital part in ensuring that the finance team operates smoothly, supporting business objectives and delivering high‑quality financial insights.

What you bring

You will bring proven experience within an accounting or finance support role, demonstrating reliability, precision, and a proactive approach to problem‑solving. You will be confident managing end‑to‑end purchase ledger activities, reconciliations, credit control processes, and statutory reporting. A knowledge of Microsoft Excel is essential, with experience using accounting software. Exposure to SAP would be an advantage but is not essential. Your communication skills will allow you to build strong relationships across teams and with external stakeholders, ensuring seamless collaboration and exceptional service delivery.

Key skills and attributes

• Strong attention to detail and accuracy in all financial transactions and record‑keeping.
• Confident user of Microsoft Excel for reconciliations, data analysis, and reporting.
• Effective communicator with excellent interpersonal skills when dealing with colleagues, suppliers, and clients.
• Self‑motivated and capable of managing tasks independently while contributing positively to a collaborative team.
• Experience using accounting software; SAP knowledge beneficial but not required.
• Sound judgement when handling sensitive financial information and adhering to confidentiality standards.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and meet deadlines for payment runs, reconciliations, and reporting.
• Willingness to learn and adapt, making the most of ongoing training and development opportunities.
• Demonstrated reliability, professionalism, and integrity in all aspects of financial work.

Robert Walters Operations Limited is an employment business and employment agency and welcomes applications from all candidates.