Assistant Accountant

Association of International Certified Professional Accountants; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dedicated finance professional to oversee financial management and reporting. This role involves managing payroll processes, preparing monthly accounts, and ensuring compliance with financial regulations. The ideal candidate will demonstrate integrity and professionalism, and will have the opportunity for professional development towards qualified accountant status. Join a dynamic team where your contributions will directly impact the financial health of the organization and support its mission to deliver quality services.

Benefits

Professional Development Opportunities

Flexible Working Hours

Health and Wellbeing Programs

Qualifications

• Experience in financial reporting and payroll management.
• Strong knowledge of VAT returns and audit preparation.

Responsibilities

• Oversee purchase and sales ledger processes and payroll.
• Prepare monthly management accounts and support audits.

Skills

Financial Reporting

Payroll Management

VAT Returns

Budget Forecasting

Audit Preparation

Accounting Software

Education

Qualified Accountant Status

Degree in Finance or Accounting

Tools

Accounting Software

Job description

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Overseeing the purchase and sales ledger processes, resolving any queries in a timely fashion.
• Processing journals for month and year end financial reporting – depreciation, accruals, prepayments, deferred income
• Overseeing the processing and completion of the Monthly payroll process, completing monthly and annual pension return processes for the Teachers Pensions and Local Government pension schemes (where required)
• Monthly reconciliation and review of all balance sheet control accounts Completing monthly VAT returns in accordance with required HMRC guidelines and deadlines
• Assisting the CFO in the preparation of monthly management accounts, analysing and investigating variances as appropriate
• Maintaining and reconciling the Trust’s Fixed Assets Register, updating for fixed asset acquisitions, calculating monthly depreciation charges and processing monthly journals
• Supporting the preparation of annual ESFA returns – Budget forecast return (BFR), Annual accounts return (AAR), Land and Buildings return
• Supporting the CFO in the administration and reporting of grants and funding received from external bodies, updating grant spend reports for colleagues or external agencies including auditors where required
• Monitoring Trust bank account cash balances and topping up funds of the Trust’s control payment cards Perform monthly reconciliations to other Trust systems, e.g. Parent Pay, school trips & visits.
• Processing student bursary payments and updating payment records
• Forecasting of expenditure e.g. utilities
• External audit - processing year end accounts adjustments e.g. prepayments, accruals and preparing year end working papers with supporting evidence
• Internal Audit preparation – assisting the CFO with internal scrutiny reviews

DAY TO DAY FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT

Utilising and operating the Trust’s accounting software to support in the day to day financial activities, the post holder will:

• Process BAC’s, cashbook and debit card payments for creditor invoices accurately and within the deadlines of the weekly timetable operated by the Finance team.
• Monitor aged creditors and take relevant action to ensure suppliers are paid promptly and within the agreed terms and conditions.
• Monitor and review outstanding purchase orders and purchase requisitions.
• Complete new supplier request checks to Companies House, Endole.
• Raise sales invoices, posting cash book receipts to the Trust finance system.
• Support the CFO with the month end close-down process.
• Undertake general finance administrative duties in support of the Central Office team.

ADDITIONAL DUTIES

• Line Management of Staff - To line manage and supervise finance staff within the Central Office team.
• Prevention of Fraud – Act with integrity and professionalism at all times and in line with the standards expected of a finance professional. Adhere to the Academy Trust Handbook and the Trust’s financial regulations at all times. Have awareness of potentially fraudulent activity and misappropriation of public money, taking action to report incidents in line with operational policies and procedures. Safeguarding, Wellbeing and Equal Opportunity – Promote and safeguard the welfare of children and young people you are responsible for or come into contact with. Be aware of and comply with policies and procedures relating to safeguarding, health, safety and security, confidentiality and data protection, reporting all concerns to the appropriate person. Be aware of and support equal opportunities for all and appreciate and support the role of other professionals. Any Other Duties - To undertake any other duties commensurate with the grade, deemed necessary at a particular time by the Chief Executive or Chief Financial officers.
• Professional Development and Training –To undergo any training/professional development required in order to perform the duties and responsibilities of this post efficiently and effectively. Subject top operational requirements, study leave and support with tuition and/or examination fees will be made available for outstanding candidates wishing to secure qualified accountant status. Failure to complete a course or leave within 24 months from the date a qualification being achieved will result in all or some fees being recovered.