Accounts Assistant *Permanent - Sunderland*

Officeangels; Sunderland; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension

27 days' holiday

Group life insurance 2 x salary

24/7 employee support helpline

Regular company-wide social events

Discounted professional services

Internal and external training and dev

Job summary

Office Angels in Sunderland City Centre is seeking an Accounts Assistant to join our established finance team. You will work closely with the Finance Manager on day-to-day tasks and develop through exposure to a broad range of activities.

The role offers £26,000-£30,000 DOE, office-based hours, and a path toward AAT qualification support. This entry-level to intermediate position suits numerically confident applicants eager to progress.

Qualifications

• Numerical accuracy and attention to detail required.
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel and financial processes.
• Experience with accounting systems (Xero, LEAP) is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Process supplier invoices and credit notes.
• Allocate receipts and maintain debtor records.
• Support credit control and follow up payments.
• Post bank transactions and maintain cashbook records.
• Perform bank reconciliations and investigate discrepancies.
• Assist with VAT coding and ensuring accurate records.

Skills

Numerical skills

Microsoft Excel

Organisation

Prioritisation & deadlines

Communication skills

Proactive & learning

Independent with team

Long-term finance career

Education

AAT Level 4 sponsorship

Tools

Xero

LEAP

Job description

Accounts Assistant

Sunderland City Centre | £25,000 - £30,000 DOE | Full-time, Permanent

Monday to Friday, 9:00am - 5:00pm | Office-based

Are you looking for a finance role where you can develop your skills, gain valuable experience and build a long-term career? We're recruiting for an Accounts Assistant to join an established business based in Sunderland City Centre.

There's flexibility around the level of experience needed. You may be looking to establish your career in finance, or you could already have accounts experience and be ready for more responsibility and progression. What matters most is that you're numerically confident, detail-focused and motivated to develop.

You'll work closely with the Finance Manager, gaining exposure to a broad range of finance activities and, as your knowledge grows, taking on greater ownership. For the right person, the longer-term opportunity is significant, with the potential to progress towards finance management and ultimately take responsibility for the finance function.

The business will also provide financial support towards professional AAT qualifications, up to Level 4.

Salary & benefits

• £26,000 - £30,000, depending on experience
• Financial support towards professional AAT qualifications, up to Level 4
• Clear career development and progression opportunities
• 27 days' holiday, plus Christmas Eve
• Pension
• Group life insurance of 2 x salary, subject to eligibility
• 24/7 employee support helpline
• Regular company-wide social events
• Discounted professional services
• Internal and external training and development opportunities

The role

Working closely with the Finance Manager, you'll be involved in the day-to-day running of the finance function, with responsibilities including:

• Processing supplier invoices and credit notes
• Allocating receipts and maintaining accurate debtor records
• Supporting credit control and following up outstanding payments
• Assisting with billing queries
• Posting bank transactions and maintaining cashbook records
• Completing bank reconciliations and investigating discrepancies
• Processing staff expenses and checking supporting documentation
• Supporting VAT coding and ensuring transactions are accurately recorded
• Maintaining accurate financial records
• Working with accounting systems including Xero and LEAP
• Supporting financial controls and compliance requirements
• Handling confidential financial and client information appropriately
• Identifying opportunities to improve processes, efficiency and accuracy
• Supporting the wider finance function and taking on additional responsibilities as your knowledge develops

What we're looking for

We're interested in hearing from candidates at different stages of their finance career, and you don't need to tick every box to be considered. You may already have experience as an Accounts Assistant, Finance Assistant, Accounts Administrator or in a similar position. Alternatively, you may have relevant studies, qualifications, transferable experience or some exposure to finance-related duties and be looking for the opportunity to develop this further.

• Good numerical skills and attention to detail
• A good working knowledge of Microsoft Excel
• Strong organisational skills and a methodical approach
• The ability to prioritise your workload and meet deadlines
• Professional written and verbal communication skills
• A proactive approach and willingness to learn
• The ability to work independently while contributing to a wider team
• An interest in developing a long-term career within finance

Where could this role take you?

This is an opportunity to join a business that is prepared to invest in your development rather than limit the role to day-to-day transactional finance. As your experience and technical knowledge grow, there is scope to take on greater responsibility and ownership within the finance function. For someone who wants to continue progressing, the longer-term opportunity could lead towards finance management and potentially running the finance function in the future.

We are an equal-opportunities employer who puts expertise, energy and enthusiasm into improving everyone's chance of being part of the workplace. We respect and appreciate people of all ethnicities, generations, religious beliefs, sexual orientations, gender identities, abilities and more. By showcasing talents, skills and unique experiences in an inclusive environment, we help individuals thrive. If you require reasonable adjustments at any stage, please let us know and we will be happy to support you.

Office Angels acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and an employment business for the supply of temporary workers. Office Angels UK is an Equal Opportunities Employer.

By applying for this role your details will be submitted to Office Angels. Our Candidate Privacy Information Statement explaining how we will use your information is available on our website.