Assistant Financial Accountant

WH Smith PLC; United Kingdom; Hybrid; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading retail company in the UK is seeking an Assistant Accountant to support the Financial Accounting team in Swindon. The role involves production of monthly management accounts, handling reconciliations, and participation in annual budget cycles. Ideal candidates will be studying for an accounting qualification and possess strong IT and analytical skills, along with a basic understanding of double-entry accounting.

Benefits

Hybrid Working Model

4pm Friday Finish

Flexible Working

24 Days holiday plus extra days

Family Friendly Leave

Company Pension scheme

Sharesave Scheme

Annual Bonus

Competitive Salary

Staff Discount Card

Qualifications

• A studier of ACA, ACCA or CIMA or someone that wants to work towards an accounting qualification.
• Highly IT literate with experience of accounting packages and Excel.
• An ability to analyse, interpret, and present data to inform the team and make decisions.

Responsibilities

• Supporting the team in the production of monthly management accounts.
• Taking ownership of routine weekly and monthly reconciliation tasks.
• Producing a monthly intercompany matrix and reviewing the movements.

Skills

High IT literacy

Analytical skills

Interpersonal skills

Basic understanding of double entry accounting

Education

Studying ACA, ACCA, or CIMA

Tools

Accounting packages

Excel

Job description

Overview

We are currently seeking an Assistant Accountant to join the Financial Accounting team based in Swindon. This role will report to the Financial Accountant and will cover a wide range of areas from finance reconciliations, to supporting with the monthly management accounts. You will get a great overview of the entire financial accounting function.

What you'll be doing:

• Supporting the team in the production of both the monthly management accounts, and the statutory entity accounts at the key half-year and full-year reporting periods.
• Taking ownership of routine weekly and monthly reconciliation tasks.
• Producing monthly costs reallocations and recharges.
• Reporting on bank account movements weekly and reviewing how this compares to forecast.
• Forward cash forecasting for a rolling six-week period.
• Raising Concession invoices, posting journals and reconciling statements.
• Producing a monthly intercompany matrix and reviewing the movements.
• Reviewing commission-based supplier invoices and submitting them for payment.
• Supporting in the production of the annual budget cycles.
• Supporting in the delivery of process improvements within the business.
• Producing ad hoc reporting and reconciliations as required.

What we are looking for:

• A studier of ACA, ACCA or CIMA or someone that wants to work towards an accounting qualification.
• Highly IT literate with experience of accounting packages and excel.
• An ability to analyse, interpret and present data to inform the team and make decisions.
• A basic understanding of double entry accounting.
• Strong interpersonal skills to build key relationships within the business units.
• A drive to want to see positive changes within processes.

How we reward our teams:

• Hybrid Working Model from home and in the office
• 4pm Friday Finish
• Flexible Working
• 24 Days holiday, plus your Birthday off, plus Bank Holidays with an opportunity to buy extra days holiday
• Family Friendly Leave
• Company Pension scheme
• Sharesave Scheme
• Annual Bonus based on company and personal performance
• Competitive Salary
• Staff Discount Card for stores and online

About us:

Celebrating over 230 years, we\'re proud to have grown and evolved into a globally recognised brand present in over 30 countries around the world, and we\'re proud to be that air of familiarity people love and trust on their journey, both in life and through life. As a diverse group of over 5,000 colleagues, we are all on the same journey to a better business through our commitments to our planet, people and the communities we serve.

Travel

Our UK Travel office is based in a buzzing part of central London close to Liverpool Street Station. We are an ambitious team that thrives on pace, collaboration and innovation resulting in a real entrepreneurial culture. It\'s perfect for people who are happy to use their initiative and embrace life outside their comfort zone.

At WHSmith, we\'re all about creating an inclusive and welcoming workplace where everyone can be themselves and do their best. No matter your background, age, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, race or ethnicity, marital status, religion, sex, sexual orientation or anything else that makes you, you\'re welcome here.

We\'re also open to flexible working where possible, so if that\'s something you need, let\'s chat. And if you need any adjustments during the selection process, just let our Talent Acquisition team know—we\'re happy to help!