Assistant Accountant

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

Job summary

A family-owned construction business located in Aberdeen is looking for an Assistant Accountant to oversee daily finances. This hands-on role requires managing ledger activity, payroll, and assisting with VAT and year-end tasks. Ideal candidates will have strong communication skills, financial acumen, and the ability to work independently. A competitive salary of up to £35,000 is offered, along with flexible working hours in a supportive culture.

Benefits

Flexible start/finish times

Car parking available

Qualifications

• Effective communication in English, both written and verbal.
• Demonstrated problem solving capabilities.
• Strong ability to prioritize multiple tasks.
• Experience working independently with minimal supervision.
• Accuracy in managing numerical financial data.
• Strong customer service orientation.
• Teamwork and collaboration skills.
• Time management skills that ensure deadlines are met.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to train new staff members.
• Awareness of general business operations.
• Sufficient understanding of VAT regulations.
• Familiarity with end of year tax return processes.

Responsibilities

• Manage day-to-day ledger activities and credit control.
• Process client invoices and payments to suppliers.
• Assist in monthly accounting tasks and VAT submissions.
• Handle payroll and financial administration duties.
• Maintain accurate records and assist with recruitment tasks.
• Support general administrative duties including responding to inquiries.

Skills

English Communication

Problem Solving

Task Prioritization

Independence

Numerical Accuracy

Customer Service

Teamwork

Time Management

Microsoft Office

Training Others

Business Awareness

VAT Knowledge

Tax Return Knowledge

Job description

Based on the outskirts of Aberdeen, his family owned construction business are 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 back up, 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 to Apply

• 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

Summary

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 to maintain strong financial records.

IN ORDER 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.

This vacancy is being handled by Darren Cadman – Kenton Black Finance.

Kenton Black Finance operate across the UK as a market leading recruitment partner, specialising in the attraction of finance talent across both permanent and interim requirements. With a team of dedicated experts, each with longevity operating in the finance arena, we maintain a proven track record and have established partnerships with businesses both large, small and those in their infancy. Market leaders, we provide recruitment solutions from entry level finance to directorship professionals. Operating from local offices in Manchester, Leeds, Liverpool, Birmingham and Glasgow, Kenton Black Finance remain a dynamic and effective recruitment partner who represent and attract only the finest finance talent in the local area and across the UK.