Assistant Accountant

Sherry FitzGerald Limited; Belfast City District; Hybrid; GBP 26,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job summary

Simon Brien invites applications for an Assistant Accountant to join our finance team based at the Lisburn Road Office in Belfast. The role supports day-to-day office accounts, handling invoices, reconciliations and financial records for operations across sales, lettings and property management.

The ideal candidate will have at least 3 years in a finance department, AAT Level 4 (or equivalent) and be studying ACCA/CIMA/ACA. Strong Excel and accounting software experience are essential.

Qualifications

• AAT Level 4 or equivalent and/or studying toward ACCA/CIMA/ACA.
• Minimum 3 years in a finance department, including Assistant Accountant duties with management accounts, balance sheet reconciliations, journals and budgeting support.
• Strong understanding of accounting principles, financial controls and month-end procedures.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel (formulas, pivot tables, analytics).
• Experience using accounting software and financial management systems; VAT knowledge is beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Process purchase ledger and supplier invoices; code to cost centres and prepare payments.
• Raise sales ledger invoices and allocate incoming payments; monitor balances.
• Post bank transactions and reconcile cash, resolve discrepancies.
• Assist with month-end procedures, reconciliations and reporting.
• Support Audit preparation and respond to auditor requests.
• Identify process improvements within the finance function.

Skills

Attention to detail

Numerical ability

Analytical thinking

Time management

Communication

Independent work

Education

AAT Level 4 or equivalent

ACCA/CIMA/ACA study

Relevant degree

Tools

Excel

Sage

Accounting software

Job description

Simon Brien has an exciting opportunity for an Assistant Accountant to join our team.

This is a permanent position based in our Lisburn Road Office.

The Assistant Accountant will support the finance function by managing the day-to-day office accounts, ensuring accurate processing of invoices, payments, reconciliations, and financial records.This role focuses on company operational finances and client deposits for new developments, supporting the smooth running of the business across sales, lettings, and property management departments.

Responsibilities

Purchase Ledger (Accounts Payable)

• Process supplier invoices related to office and operational expenses.
• Ensure invoices are correctly coded to departments or cost centres.
• Prepare supplier payment runs and ensure payments are made in line with agreed terms.
• Reconcile supplier statements and resolve any discrepancies.
• Maintain accurate supplier records.

Sales Ledger (Accounts Receivable)

• Raise office-related invoices such as referral fees, service charges, or intercompany invoices where applicable.
• Record and allocate incoming payments.
• Monitor outstanding balances and assist with credit control where required.
• Maintain accurate customer account records.

Bank & Financial Reconciliations

• Assist with daily or weekly bank reconciliations.
• Post bank transactions to the accounting system.
• Investigate and resolve discrepancies.

Financial Administration

• Maintain accurate financial records and filing systems.
• Assist with month-end procedures including reconciliation of accounts and reporting.
• Support preparation of financial reports where required.
• Assist with Audit preparation and provision of requested information.
• Ensure all transactions are processed in accordance with company financial policies.

Systems & Process Support

• Work within the company’s accounting system.
• Ensure financial information recorded in operational systems matches accounting records.
• Support improvements to finance processes and reporting.

Requirements

• AAT Level 4 qualified (or equivalent) and/or currently studying towards ACCA, CIMA, or ACA.
• Minimum of 3 years' experience within a finance department, including at least 12 months performing Assistant Accountant or equivalent duties. Experience must include preparation of management accounts, balance sheet reconciliations, posting journals, and supporting budgeting and forecasting processes.
• Strong understanding of accounting principles, financial controls, and month-end accounting procedures.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including formulas, pivot tables, and financial analysis.
• Experience using accounting software and financial management systems.
• Preparing monthly management accounts.
• Performing complex bank and balance sheet reconciliations.
• Posting and reviewing journals, accruals, and prepayments.
• Producing and submitting VAT returns.
• Assisting with annual audits and responding to auditor requests.
• Analysing financial performance and investigating variances against budget.
• Supporting budgeting, forecasting, and cash flow reporting processes.
• Managing multiple accounting deadlines while maintaining a high degree of accuracy.
• Identifying and implementing process improvements within the finance function.

Essential Skills & Competencies

• Excellent attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
• Strong numerical, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to interpret financial information and provide meaningful insight.
• Excellent organisational and time management skills.
• Ability to prioritise workload and work to strict deadlines.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to liaise effectively across departments.
• Ability to work independently while contributing as part of a wider finance team.
• High level of professionalism, integrity, and confidentiality.

Desirable

• Experience working in estate agency,
• Experience using Sage an advantage but not essential
• Relevant degree,
• Basic understanding of UK VAT and financial processes.

Simon Brien is an equal opportunity employer. All job applicants are considered solely on their ability to do the job and selection criteria will firmly reflect the needs of the job.