Assistant Accountant

Polo; Cheltenham; Hybrid; GBP 28,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

A financial services company located in Cheltenham is looking for an Assistant Accountant to provide accurate and efficient accounting support. In this role, you will maintain financial records, process transactions, and assist with management accounts while building strong relationships with clients. The ideal candidate should have strong interpersonal skills, organizational capability, and proficiency in Microsoft Excel. This position offers a competitive salary and an extensive benefits package, including flexible working arrangements and private health insurance.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Discretionary annual bonus

Flexible working

Private health insurance

Enhanced pension contributions

Annual Leave Flex Benefit

Employee assistance programme

Volunteering days

Qualifications

• Commitment to high professional and ethical standards.
• Experience in general insurance finance is beneficial but not required.
• Ability to collaborate effectively and manage competing priorities.

Responsibilities

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date accounting records.
• Process and verify transactions in the ledger.
• Reconcile balance sheet and profit & loss items.
• Assist in the preparation of management accounts and forecasts.
• Build and maintain professional relationships with clients.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Client-focused mindset

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Analytical skills

Proficiency in Microsoft Excel

Tools

Microsoft Excel

SUN/Q&A accounting software

Job description

Assistant Accountant

Department: Client Finance

Employment Type: Permanent

Location: Cheltenham

Reporting To: Client Finance Manager

Compensation: £28,000 - £30,000 / year

Description

Join PoloWorks and help deliver exceptional financial services to our clients. In this role, you’ll provide accurate, efficient, and compliant accounting support while building strong client relationships and ensuring a seamless financial experience. We’re committed to creating an inclusive, diverse workplace where everyone can thrive and make an impact.

Key Responsibilities

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date accounting records.
• Process and verify transactions and reference data in the ledger.
• Reconcile balance sheet and profit & loss items.
• Process payments within delegated authority and resolve outstanding invoices/stmts.
• Issue and manage invoices/stmts, ensuring timely resolution of outstanding balances.
• Match receipts to outstanding debts.
• Monitor and manage cash balances effectively.
• Assist in the preparation of management accounts, dashboards, key performance indicators (KPIs), regulatory returns, cash analysis, and forecasts.
• Support the onboarding of new clients and the closure of ceased accounts.
• Build and maintain professional relationships with clients, third parties, and internal teams.
• Identify and report new or evolving risks to management.
• Ensure processes and controls are documented, reviewed, and updated regularly.
• Stay informed about regulatory changes and collaborate with stakeholders to ensure controlled implementation.
• Identify opportunities to enhance efficiency, improve financial processes, and reduce costs while maintaining compliance.
• Support internal and external audits for clients and PoloWorks.
• Maintain information security protocols in daily operations.
• Contribute to additional projects and tasks as required.
• Adherence to client service-level agreements (SLAs).
• Accuracy and compliance with quality standards.

Skills, Knowledge & Expertise

Experience in general insurance finance is beneficial but not required.

Commitment to high professional and ethical standards.

Strong interpersonal skills and ability to collaborate effectively.

Client-focused with a proactive and solutions-driven mindset.

Commercial awareness and financial acumen.

Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities.

Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.

Analytical and problem-solving abilities.

Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, and Outlook.

Knowledge of SUN/Q&A accounting software and internet banking is beneficial but not required.

Demonstrates behaviours aligned to the PoloWorks PRIDE values:

• Pioneering – we don’t stand still
• Responsible – We do the right thing
• Inclusive – we all play a role
• Delivery Focused – we provide services we are proud of
• Empowering – we equip people to be their best

Job Benefits

As well as a competitive salary, discretionary annual bonus, and a minimum 24 days of annual leave (with the option to buy or sell up to 5 days using our Annual Leave Flex Benefit), you will also get an excellent benefits package, including flexible, hybrid working, private health insurance, life assurance, income protection, enhanced pension contributions, and occupational maternity and paternity pay.

You will also have access to company volunteering days, an Electric Vehicle (EV) leasing scheme, an employee assistance programme with retail discounts and savings, a generous employee referral scheme, regular sports and social events, and free Cheltenham bus travel.

Benefits band 2