Assistant Accountant

Scottish Friendly Assurance; Glasgow; Hybrid; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A financial services firm in Glasgow seeks an Accounting Associate to join their Operational Finance team. The role involves maintaining financial controls and producing management reports. The ideal candidate will have strong accounting experience and advanced Excel skills, contributing to the firm's commitment to high-quality financial reporting.

Benefits

Recognition awards

Refer-a-friend scheme

25 days annual leave

10% employer pension contribution

24/7 GP access

Qualifications

• Proven experience in accounting, including trial balance preparation.
• Experience in high-volume reconciliation environments.
• Clear and confident communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and reconcile monthly control accounts and bank statements.
• Investigate and resolve reconciliation discrepancies.
• Manage daily banking activities and payment runs.

Skills

Accounting experience

Transaction processing

Advanced Excel skills

Strong analytical skills

Clear communication skills

Education

Degree in Accounting or Finance

Job description

Overview

Do you want to be part of something more than just a financial services business? Do you believe everyone, regardless of wealth, should have the opportunity to save and look after their loved ones? Do you want to be part of something that has been here for 160 years and help it be here for 160 more?

Scottish Friendly have an exciting opportunity to join our team. Based in Glasgow City Centre, we are one of the most progressive mutual life insurance offices in the UK. We have a strong, clear culture which has grown since 1862 with our customers and colleagues of today and the future being at the heart of that growth.

Join our dynamic Operational Finance team at Scottish Friendly, where you\'ll play a key role in maintaining financial controls and supporting the production of accurate financial and management reports. This is a hands-on role ideal for someone with a sharp eye for detail, a solid grounding in accounting principles, and a proactive approach to problem-solving.

You\'ll be responsible for daily, weekly, and monthly reconciliations, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards including the CASS Sourcebook. Your work will directly contribute to the delivery of high-quality internal and external financial reporting.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and reconcile monthly control accounts, bank statements, accruals, and prepayments with accuracy and timeliness.
• Investigate and resolve reconciliation discrepancies in collaboration with finance and customer service teams.
• Manage daily banking activities, payment runs, and cheque processing.
• Upload and reconcile data between source systems and the general ledger.
• Process and reconcile client money transactions in line with CASS regulations.
• Identify and implement process improvements to enhance efficiency and accuracy.
• Liaise with internal stakeholders and external auditors to support financial reporting and compliance.
• Contribute to ongoing and new finance projects as required.

Skills & Qualifications

Essential:

• Proven experience in accounting, including trial balance preparation and control account management.
• Strong background in transaction processing and reconciliation, especially in high-volume environments.
• Advanced Excel skills and analytical capabilities.
• Self-motivated, quick learner with excellent time management and prioritisation skills.
• Clear and confident communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team.

Desirable:

• Experience in a Finance role in the financial services industry.
• Degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field / Progress toward a professional accounting qualification.
• Experience handling client money and understanding of CASS compliance.
• Exposure to management and statutory account preparation.

About the role & Benefits

With assets under management of over £5bn and more than 700,000 members we have lots to look after and lots more to do. If you want to be part of the team and you think this is you, we would love to hear from you.

We support life inside and outside work, offering:

• Recognition awards: Win exciting prizes, including one weeks\' annual leave plus £3,000 spending money.
• Refer-a-friend scheme: Earn rewards for bringing talented friends to our team.
• Annual Leave: 25 days annual leave (rising to 28 with service) plus 8 bank holidays, and options to buy or sell extra days.
• Supporting the future: 10% employer pension contribution, 4 x group life cover.
• Getting around: Access to cycle-to-work schemes, Electric Vehicle scheme* and travel loans.
• Wellbeing: 24/7 GP access, EAP, Private Healthcare, and free legal/financial advice a variety of savings at top high street and online retailers.
• Hybrid model with up to three remote days per week, totalling 35 hours per week Monday to Friday.

We are committed to creating an inclusive environment where all colleagues feel valued, respected and represented. If you require any accommodations during the application process, please don\'t hesitate to let us know.