Assistant Accountant

RPC; Bristol; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading professional services firm in Bristol is looking for a qualified or part qualified accountant to join their finance team. This key role involves assisting with the month-end close, maintaining accurate records, and ensuring compliance with regulations. Candidates should have a minimum of 3 years' experience in a professional setting, strong organizational skills, and the ability to communicate effectively with various stakeholders. This opportunity offers a dynamic work environment with opportunities for professional growth.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3 years' experience in a professional environment.
• Legal or professional services experience an advantage.
• Experience with VAT regulations beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Assist with month-end close process, including maintenance of balance sheet.
• Support production of management accounts, variance analysis, and KPI reporting.
• Respond to internal and external finance queries promptly.

Skills

Organised

Initiative

Attention to detail

Good communication skills

Education

Qualified or part qualified accountant

Strong desire to complete a recognized accounting qualification

Tools

Finance systems

Job description

A key role within the finance team supporting the finance function by producing accurate financial reports, assisting with preparation of the firm management accounts, and ensuring timely processing of financial transactions. The role provides essential support to the Finance Manager and contributes to effective financial control, compliance and reporting across the business.

Key Internal Relationships

• Finance Manager
• Head of Financial Control
• Financial Planning and Analysis team
• Directors and Heads of other Business Services Departments

Departmental Structure

The Finance department comprises approximately 50 members organised into four main functions being Financial Control, Working Capital, Business Finance and Pricing, each headed by a senior team leader reporting to the CFO. Management Accounting is a distinct sub-function of Financial Control and is where this role sits.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Assist with the month end close process, including maintenance of balance sheet line items such as accruals and prepayments.
• Maintain accurate and up to date postings to the general ledger.
• Support compliance with company policies, tax, VAT and regulatory requirements.
• Support the production of management accounts, variance analysis and KPI reporting.
• Support the business with advice on the correct accounting treatment for transactions.
• Assist in preparing audit schedules and responding to auditor queries.
• Assist in the preparation of the statutory financial statements.
• Use the organisation's finance systems effectively and help identify opportunities for process automation or efficiency improvements.
• Respond to internal and external finance queries promptly and professionally.

Qualifications

• Qualified or part qualified accountant, or with a strong desire to complete a recognised accounting qualification, with a minimum of 3 years' experience in a professional environment.
• Legal or professional services experience an advantage.
• Experience with VAT regulations beneficial.

Attributes

• Organised with ability to manage workload to multiple deadlines.
• Initiative and focus to get the job done, and get it done to a high standard.
• Enthusiastic and flexible approach.
• Confidence to liaise with staff at all levels within the business.
• Strong technical ability & a desire to continue learning.
• Willingness to collaborate with others to achieve success as a team.
• Good written and verbal communication skills.
• Understanding of the need for accuracy, timeliness and consistency and the balance between these.