Assistant Accountant

Sagentia Defence; Harston; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

Sagentia Defence is seeking an Assistant Accountant to join the finance team in Cambridge (Harston). This office-based role reports to the Finance Manager and supports day-to-day financial activities, including billing and purchase ledgers.

A recognised accounting qualification (e.g., AAT) or relevant experience is expected. The role requires strong organisational skills, the ability to manage multiple priorities, and proficiency with Excel.

Qualifications

• Experience in a finance role with month-end routines.
• Ability to interpret financial information clearly and concisely.
• Experience with project reporting is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Assist with daily finance functions including billing and accounts payable.
• Prepare monthly management accounts and variance analyses.
• Complete balance sheet reconciliations and investigate variances.
• Post accruals, prepayments and other journals as required.
• Manage ledgers and respond to queries as escalation point.
• Process and prepare sales invoices and payment runs.

Skills

Organisation & prioritisation

Communication

Financial analysis

Project reporting

Education

AAT/CIMA/ACCA studies

Tools

Excel

Job description

Assistant Accountant

Department: Finance

Employment Type: Permanent - Full Time

Location: Cambridge

Description

Science Group is an international, AIM listed services and product development organisation operating at the cutting edge of science and technology innovation. We are looking for an Assistant Accountant for the Sagentia Defence and Aviation Practices to work with the senior leadership team and be an important contributor to the running of the Division.

Job Role

The Group is seeking an enthusiastic individual to join our finance team within Sagentia Defence & Aviation. This is an office-based role in Harston, Cambridge and will be reporting to the Finance Manager.

The Assistant Accountant will be responsible for supporting the day-to-day finance function engaging efficient, and effective processes and practices.

To be successful in this position you will have worked in a similar role with proven work experience. Along with a recognised accountancy qualification (e.g. AAT) or relevant experience. The ability to interpret financial information effectively as well as having confidence when dealing with a wide variety of people and prioritising competing deadlines.

Key Responsibilities

Familiarity with project reporting requirements and know how to present complex financial information clearly and concisely is an essential part of this role as you’ll support the management of projects across the business unit. The role is to assist the Finance team with its daily activities of the billing and accounts payable functions in support of Consultants and Clients.

• Preparation of Preparation of monthly management accounts
• Preparation of reports and variance analysis
• Complete balance sheet reconciliations and investigate variances
• Post accruals, prepayments, and other journals as required
• Ledger management including reconciliations and being point of escalation for queries
• Process and prepare sales invoices
• Process and prepare payment runs for purchase ledger, expenses, and credit cards

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

• Hold or studying towards a recognised accountancy qualification (AAT, CIMA, ACCA)
• Previous experience within a similar role
• Ability to present information in a clear and concise manner and use this to influence others (finance and non-finance staff)
• Organised and able to manage competing priorities with multiple stakeholders
• Experience of processing and managing month end routines and process
• Intermediate excel skills are expected

Other requirements:

• Candidates must have an existing right to live and work in the UK
• Candidates must have passed UK security clearance to Security Check level or be able to obtain this level. To gain SC clearance you will normally have had to have been a resident in the UK for a minimum of 5 years.
• Candidates must be able to obtain a basic security check which will normally require you to have been resident in the UK for at least 3 years.

Career Development

We are committed to career development and make a focussed effort to offer bespoke training and mentoring to allow everyone to thrive within their environment and realise personal potential.

We offer a competitive salary and benefits package.