Accounts Assistant - Grade 4

Nations Recruitment; Cardiff; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A local recruitment agency in Cardiff is seeking an Accounting Support role focused on financial accounting and reporting. This position involves assisting in budget preparations, monitoring expenditures, and managing banking arrangements. Qualified candidates should have AAT Level 2 or equivalent, and a foundational knowledge of accounting functions. Proficiency in Welsh is a plus. The role also offers flexibility with a hybrid working model, requiring two days in the office weekly.

Qualifications

• Qualifications: AAT Level 2 / Level 2 in NVQ in accounting (or equivalent) and evidence of continuous professional development.
• Ability to communicate in the Welsh language, or commitment to learn.
• Experience and basic understanding of accounting functions.

Responsibilities

• Assist in preparing revenue budget estimates and closure of accounts.
• Monitor and finance expenditure, preparing grant claims.
• Oversee periodic income billing and cashflow.
• Manage CCR's Banking arrangements including reconciliations.
• Improve CCR's financial processes.

Skills

Communication in Welsh

Understanding of accounting functions

Proven computer skills (Word, Excel)

Technical competence

Ability to produce high-quality work

Education

AAT Level 2 / Level 2 NVQ in accounting

Tools

Financial Management System

Job description

Job Category: Admin & Clerical

Job location: Sbarc | Spark, Maindy Road, Cardiff, Cardiff, CF24 4HQ, United Kingdom, Cardiff Capital Region

Hours per week: 37
Start date: Immediate start
Salary: £14.13 per hour

A typical week is 2 days in the office and 3 days remote

Job Purpose

To work closely with the Accountant and Finance Business Partner to oversee CCR’s financial accounting, reporting and internal control environment, ensuring that all inputs to the General Ledger via its feeder systems are accurate, timely and robust.

Additionally, to support the wider finance team, key internal and external stakeholders in respect of all accounting and reporting requirements.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

• Assist the accountant in the preparation of revenue budget estimates, monthly and quarterly closure of accounts and compliance with relevant codes of practice for the council and relevant joint committees.
• Assist the accountant in the monitoring and financing of expenditure, including the preparation and agreement of grant claims and completion of statistical returns as required.
• Oversee the Income Scheduler, ensuring that periodic income billing is completed on time, track the receipt of income payments, and assist to oversee dunning process ensuring that CCR always maximises its cashflow.
• Lead on all aspects of CCR’s Procure to Process, from the timely review and actioning of Purchase Requisitions and PO Generation, through to Goods Receipting and Invoice Receipting, ensuring the overall accuracy and completeness of the CCR’s Purchase Ledger to inform internal management accounts and decision making.
• Ensure the integrity, accuracy and timeliness of all general ledger transactions processed via CIVICA to the specific Projects and programmes and include all relevant supporting documentation for auditing purposes.
• Lead on all aspects of managing and maintaining CCR’s Banking arrangements including bank reconciliations and related support functions (e.g., cash‑flow forecasting).
• Assist with the reconciliation of VAT Control Accounts and the preparation of monthly VAT returns for CCR in‑line with agreed processes and deadlines.
• Contribute to the improvement of CCR’s financial processes, including documenting and improving the use of financial systems. This post supports the accountant to ensure that all financial entries are appropriate, accurate and completed in a timely fashion as documented in CCR’s Monthly, Quarterly and Year closing schedules.
• Be an effective, proactive, and committed member of the Finance Team.

Corporate Requirements

• Participate actively in supporting the principles and practice of equality of opportunity as stated in the CCR’s Equal Opportunities Policy.
• Take reasonable care for the health and safety of yourself and other persons who may be affected by your acts or omissions and comply with all health and safety legislation as appropriate.
• As a term of your employment, you may be required to undertake such other duties and/or times of work as may reasonably be required of you, commensurate with your grade or general level of responsibility within the organisation.
• Although a base will be provided, you will be required to work from various locations in accordance with the needs of the role.

Qualifications and Experience

• Qualifications: AAT Level 2 / Level 2 in NVQ in accounting (or equivalent) and evidence of continuous professional development.
• Ability to communicate in the Welsh language, or commitment to learn.
• Experience and basic understanding of accounting functions and how they interact with each other.
• Knowledge of Local Government / Public Sector Finance.
• Experience working in a project or team environment.
• Technical competence.
• Proven range of computer skills including Word and Excel.
• Use of a Financial Management System.
• Able to produce a high standard of work.
• Able to develop and maintain good working papers for processes undertaken.
• Able to fully research tasks or projects.

Personal Attributes

• Self‑motivated and willing to learn something new.
• Committed to personal and professional development through attendance of courses and seminars as appropriate.