Assistant Accountant

Michael Page (UK); City Of London; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

An established luxury retail company is seeking an Assistant Accountant to join their dynamic finance team in Central London. This role offers an exciting opportunity to develop into a Finance Analyst position while working in a collaborative environment. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in accounts payable and luxury retail, along with excellent Excel skills. With a focus on employee development, the company provides study support and additional benefits. If you're passionate about finance and luxury retail, this is the perfect opportunity to advance your career.

Benefits

Clothing Allowance

Private Healthcare

Study Support Package

Additional Benefits

Qualifications

• 2-3 years of AP or purchase ledger experience with month-end exposure.
• Strong working background in luxury retail and stock knowledge.

Responsibilities

• Assist with monthly management accounts and supplier invoice processing.
• Manage payment runs and reconcile supplier statements.

Skills

Accounts Payable

Month-End Closing

Luxury Retail Experience

Stock/Inventory Knowledge

Multi-Currency Transactions

Excel Skills

Communication Skills

Education

AAT

ACCA

CIMA

Job description

• Based in the Central London (Wapping)
• Luxury fashion retail brand

About Our Client

Our client is a well-established luxury retail company with a large presence in London and Paris. They are renowned for their high-quality clothing products and are considered a market leader within the retail industry. The company prides itself on its collaborative work environment and strong emphasis on employee development. The finance team (made up of 5 people) are looking to add an Assistant Accountant, with the view that they'll develop into a Finance Analyst role. The team is dynamics and progressive, and they offer study support for the right candidate.

Job Description

The successful Assistant Accountant will:

• Assist with the monthly production of the management accounts (balance sheet recs, accruals, prepayments, journals
• Process supplier invoices accurately and efficiently, ensuring proper approvals, coding and tax treatment for overseas invoices.
• Manage weekly and monthly payment runs, including BACS, CHAPS, and international payments.
• Reconcile supplier statements and resolve any discrepancies promptly.
• Maintain strong relationships with suppliers, handling queries and ensuring payments are made on time.
• Assist with month-end closing activities, including accruals, prepayments, and cash reconciliation reporting.
• Monitor and manage aged payables, highlighting any management risks.
• Ensure compliance with company policies and financial controls.
• Work closely with procurement, operations, and finance teams to improve invoice processing efficiency.
• Support internal and external audits by providing necessary documentation and creditor reconciliations.
• Assist with ad-hoc projects and process improvements to streamline AP functions.

The Successful Applicant

The successful Assistant Accountant will:

• Have 2-3 years of AP or purchase ledger experience, as well as a striong level of month-end exposure
• MUST have a strong working background in luxury retail
• MUST have a strong level of stock/inventory knowledge - stock, finished goods and raw materials
• Prior experience working with multiple currencies
• AAT, ACCA or CIMA studier (desirable, not essential)
• Strong Excel skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

What's on Offer

• £34,000 (max)
• Bonus (disc.)
• Clothing Allowance
• Private Healthcare
• Additional benefits
• Study Support package