Assistant Accountant

Think Accountancy & Finance; Hempstalls; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

Think Accountancy & Finance is recruiting an Assistant Accountant for a manufacturing client in Stoke-on-Trent. The role focuses on accurate financial reporting, cost control, and daily accounting support within a fast-paced environment.

The successful candidate will contribute to timely month-end processes, stock costing, and adherence to internal controls, with 2–3 years' experience and AAT/ACCA/CIMA/ACA qualifications preferred. Office-based, full-time.

Qualifications

• 2-3 years' experience in an accounting or finance role, ideally within manufacturing.
• AAT qualified/ or Part-qualified ACCA / CIMA / ACA
• Experience with stock, WIP, and cost accounting desirable
• Strong Excel skills (pivot tables, lookups) is essential

Responsibilities

• Assist month-end close: accruals, prepayments, journals, reconciliations
• Support preparation of management accounts and variance analysis
• Maintain and reconcile stock, WIP and cost of sales
• Assist with standard costing and production variance analysis
• Cost allocation for timesheets and expenses
• Support budgeting and forecasting activities
• Process fixed assets, depreciation and capital expenditure reporting
• Assist with VAT returns and statutory reporting requirements
• Support audits and liaise with internal and external stakeholders
• Improve financial processes and controls
• Support SAP implementation (currently XERO)
• Provide support for transactional accounting

Skills

Excel pivot tables

Attention to detail

Analytical mindset

Education

AAT / ACCA / CIMA / ACA

Tools

Xero

SAP

Job description

Assistant Accountant

£32000-£40000 DOE

Stoke on Trent

Fulltime -Office based- Mon-Thurs 7.30-16.30 Friday 07.30-11.00am

The Organisation

Our client is part of a global leader in advanced imaging technology, driving innovation that improves healthcare, safety, and industrial inspection worldwide. Employees work on cutting-edge products used in life-saving medical diagnostics and critical security applications. The business offers a collaborative, technology-driven environment where expertise, curiosity, and continuous improvement are genuinely valued. With global reach and local impact, our client provides strong opportunities for career development and professional growth. It's an ideal place for people who want their work to make a real, measurable difference.

Role Overview

The Assistant Accountant will support the finance function within a fast-paced manufacturing environment, providing accurate financial reporting, cost control support, and day-to-day accounting assistance. The role is key in ensuring timely month-end processes, stock and cost accounting, and compliance with internal controls.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist with month-end close, including accruals, prepayments, journals and balance sheet reconciliations
• Support preparation of management accounts and variance analysis
• Maintain and reconcile stock, WIP and cost of sales
• Assist with standard costing, and production variance analysis
• Responsible for cost allocation specifically for Time allocation ( timesheets) and expense
• Support budgeting and forecasting activities
• Process fixed assets, depreciation and capital expenditure reporting
• Assist with VAT returns and statutory reporting requirements
• Support audits and liaise with internal and external stakeholders
• Improve financial processes and controls
• Support implementation of SAP system (currently XERO)
• Provide support for transactional accounting

Skills & Experience Required

• 2-3 years' experience in an accounting or finance role, ideally within manufacturing
• AAT qualified/ or Part-qualified ACCA / CIMA / ACA
• Experience with stock, WIP, and cost accounting desirable
• Strong Excel skills (pivot tables, lookups) is essential
• Experience using XERO and SAP
• Strong attention to detail and analytical mindset