Assistant Accountant

Kenton Black; Aberdeen City; On-site; GBP 29,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A family-owned construction business in Aberdeen is seeking a hands-on Assistant Accountant. The role involves managing day-to-day finances, overseeing payroll and VAT submissions, and supporting recruitment efforts. Ideal candidates will have strong communication skills and experience in accounting tasks. This position offers a salary of up to £35,000 and flexible working hours.

Benefits

Salary up to £35,000

Flexible start/finish time

Car parking

Qualifications

• Ability to communicate effectively in English - written and verbal.
• Excellent problem-solving skills.
• Ability to prioritise tasks.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Accuracy in handling numerical data.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day ledger management and finance administration.
• Manage accounts receivable and payable.
• Assist with payroll and VAT submissions.
• Prepare month-end and year-end accounts.
• Support recruitment processes.

Skills

Effective communication in English

Problem-solving skills

Prioritisation

Independent work

Accuracy in numerical data

Customer service skills

Teamwork

Time management

Microsoft Office

VAT knowledge

End of year tax return knowledge

Job description

Based on the outskirts of Aberdeen, a family-owned construction business is seeking a hands-on accountant to run the day-to-day finances of a busy business. Working alongside management within a small team, this hands-on role will take the lead on all financial activity and remains the sole accounting resource for the business.

Salary and Benefits:

• A salary up to £35,000
• Flexible start/finish time
• Car parking

Your New Role as Assistant Accountant:

Reporting directly to the business owners, your role as accountant will take responsibility for delivering a comprehensive, professional, and hands-on finance service to the business. Leading on the day-to-day ledger management, credit control, payroll, and finance administration, you shall also support on month-end tasks and assist in the VAT submission and year-end accounting tasks.

This is a highly hands-on role, requiring direct involvement in day-to-day financial activity. From processing client invoices and payments to suppliers, this role will provide administrative support for all finance matters as well as month-end management of financial data and year-end close assistance.

Key Responsibilities

Accounts Receivable:

• Raise and issue sales invoices, post them in the accounting system
• Log payments received and update records
• Follow up on outstanding payments with clients
• Monitor bank statements and record bank transfers
• Create client statements
• Check that client purchase orders are correct
• Raise credit notes when required
• Chase missing or late purchase orders from clients
• Prepare invoice backup, detailing labour and material costs

Accounts Payable:

• Process all invoices from suppliers, including utilities
• Write cheques and remittance advice notes, keeping accurate records of all payments made
• Set up Direct Debits
• Set up accounts with new suppliers
• Process receipts for expenses and materials purchased, and process reimbursements
• Reconcile payments made with supplier account statements and check that cheques have been cashed
• Handle telephone or email enquiries and complaints from suppliers

Daily and Monthly Accounting / Payroll / Contracts / Insurance:

• Month and year-end accounts preparation, working closely with external accountant as needed (e.g., for payroll, tax returns)
• Print and post staff payslips
• Assist with preparation of VAT documentation
• Record wages/salaries in the accounting system
• Maintain and process paperwork and payments for insurance policies (e.g., Public Liability insurance)
• Organise/file paperwork for supplier and client contracts
• Process CIS payments/discounts on client and supplier invoicing
• Perform bank reconciliation
• VAT returns

Personnel:

• Assist with recruitment - write job adverts, job descriptions, shortlist CVs, attend interviews
• Liaise with employment agencies (when necessary)
• Assist with maintaining accurate employee records (e.g., training, holidays, attendance, illness, return-to-work forms)
• Prepare payroll hours worked and forward to accountant

General Administration:

• Handle incoming and outgoing mail, and respond to enquiries
• Support with Helpdesk, filing, scanning, staff timesheets, service tickets
• Order office supplies
• Maintain records of stock and materials, as required
• Maintain vehicle records/payments - MOT, road tax, etc.

Experience and Skills Required

• Ability to communicate effectively in English - written and verbal
• Excellent problem-solving skills
• Ability to prioritise tasks
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
• Accuracy in handling numerical and financial data as well as adding value to month-end routine
• Good customer service skills
• Ability to work well as part of a team
• Strong time management
• Microsoft Office - Knowledge of Outlook, Word, and Excel
• Ability to effectively train new staff in the tasks listed above
• General awareness of business needs
• Knowledge of VAT
• Knowledge of end of year tax returns

This is a unique opportunity to join a small family-run business. A hands-on role with varied duties; no day will be the same, and you will enjoy working in a supportive culture and growing organisation. With support from external and internal stakeholders, this position will remain the pulse of financial activity and help them maintain strong financial records.

To be considered, you must be residing in the UK currently, have UK-based HR experience, and have the full right to work in the UK. You must also meet all the 'ESSENTIAL criteria' for your application to be considered.

We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all qualified candidates.