Assistant Accountant

CK International; Dungannon; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

CK International in Dungannon, United Kingdom, is seeking an Assistant Accountant to support the finance function with accurate records and timely reporting. You will assist with month-end close, reconcile ledgers, and help maintain financial controls across accounts payable/receivable, VAT, and statutory reporting.

The role requires a degree in accounting or related field, with AAT/ACCA/CIMA/ACA studies desirable.

Qualifications

• Degree in Accounting, Finance, Business or related discipline.
• AAT qualification or studying towards ACCA, CIMA, ACA, or equivalent accounting qualification.

Responsibilities

• Assist in monthly management accounts preparation.
• Manage and reconcile general ledgers; perform bank, supplier, and balance sheet reconciliations.
• Process journal entries and support month-end and year-end closing activities.
• Handle accounts payable/receivable, invoices, payments and credit control tasks.
• Prepare financial reports and variance analyses; support budgeting and forecasting.

Skills

Numerical skills

Analytical skills

Attention to detail

Time management

Communication

Education

Degree in Accounting/Finance/Business

AAT / ACCA / CIMA / ACA desirable

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Sage

SAP

Oracle

Microsoft Dynamics

Job description

Assistant Accountant

Reports To

Finance Manager

Job Purpose

The Assistant Accountant supports the finance function by maintaining accurate financial records, assisting with month-end processes, preparing financial reports, and ensuring compliance with company policies and accounting standards. The role plays a key part in providing timely and accurate financial information to support business decision-making.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Accounting

• Assist in the preparation of monthly management accounts.
• Maintain and reconcile general ledger accounts.
• Perform bank, supplier, and balance sheet reconciliations.
• Process journal entries and ensure accurate financial records.
• Assist with month-end and year-end closing activities.

Accounts Payable and Receivable

• Process supplier invoices and employee expense claims.
• Ensure timely payment of suppliers and creditors.
• Monitor customer accounts and assist with credit control activities.
• Resolve invoice, payment, and account discrepancies.

Reporting and Analysis

• Prepare financial reports and variance analyses.
• Support budgeting and forecasting activities.
• Assist in monitoring departmental expenditure against budgets.
• Provide financial data and reports to management as required.

Compliance and Audit

• Ensure compliance with internal financial controls and procedures.
• Assist with external and internal audit requirements.
• Maintain accurate financial documentation and records.
• Support VAT, payroll, and other statutory reporting processes where applicable.

Systems and Process Improvement

• Assist in maintaining finance systems and databases.
• Identify opportunities to improve financial processes and controls.
• Contribute to finance-related projects and system implementations.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

• Degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or related discipline.

Desirable

• AAT qualified or studying towards ACCA, CIMA, ACA, or equivalent accounting qualification.

Experience

Essential

• Experience working in a finance or accounting environment.
• Experience with reconciliations, journals, and financial reporting.
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel and accounting software.

Desirable

• Experience supporting month-end accounts preparation.
• Experience using ERP or finance systems such as SAP, Oracle, Sage, or Microsoft Dynamics.

Knowledge and Skills

• Strong understanding of accounting principles and financial controls
• Excellent numerical and analytical skills.
• High attention to detail and accuracy.
• Strong organisational and time management skills.
• Ability to work independently and meet deadlines.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.

Personal Attributes

• Professional and trustworthy.
• Proactive and solutions-focused.
• Team player with a collaborative approach.
• Committed to continuous learning and development.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Accuracy and timeliness of financial reporting.
• Reconciliation completion rates.
• Compliance with month-end deadlines.
• Reduction in accounting errors and discrepancies.