Assistant to Head of Finance

Arc Recruitment; England; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment firm in the UK is seeking a skilled Assistant to the Head of Finance. This role involves supporting financial operations including transactional finance, statutory compliance, and management reporting. Ideal candidates will have at least 3 years of finance experience and proficiency in accounting software. The position offers a competitive salary ranging from £26k to £32k annually, along with opportunities for growth.

Benefits

Competitive salary package

Supportive work environment

Opportunities for growth and development

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years transactional finance experience (sales/purchase ledger, reconciliations, VAT returns).
• Proficiency in Sage 50, SME Professional, Excel, or similar accounting software.
• Experience in statutory reporting and compliance.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and reconcile the general ledger.
• Prepare and submit quarterly VAT returns.
• Support budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning activities.

Skills

Transactional finance experience

Proficiency in Sage 50

Proficiency in Excel

Statutory reporting experience

Good understanding of GDPR

Excellent organisational skills

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Job description

We are looking for a skilled and detail-focused Assistant to the Head of Finance to support the financial operations of the main trading company. This role covers transactional finance, statutory compliance, management reporting, and internal controls, ensuring accuracy and integrity across all financial activities.

Key Responsibilities

Company Accounting

• Maintain and reconcile the general ledger
• Process sales and purchase ledger transactions including invoicing and payments
• Perform regular bank reconciliations, reconcile intercompany transactions and balances
• Manage accruals, prepayments, and journal entries
• Process staff and director expenses according to policy
• Support month-end and year-end close processes
• Maintain fixed asset registers and depreciation schedules

VAT & Statutory Compliance

• Prepare and submit quarterly VAT returns, maintain VAT records and assist with exemption calculations if applicable
• Assist in preparing statutory accounts
• Liaise with auditors and external accountants during audits and year-end processes

Management Reporting

• Prepare monthly management accounts including P&L, balance sheet, and variance analysis
• Support budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning activities
• Produce financial reports for senior management and stakeholders

Compliance & Data Management

• Ensure GDPR compliance and maintain secure, auditable records
• Support AML and sanctions compliance across financial transactions
• Assist with identity verification and due diligence procedures

Skills & Experience Required

• Minimum 3 years transactional finance experience (sales/purchase ledger, reconciliations, VAT returns)
• Proficiency in Sage 50, SME Professional, Excel, or similar accounting software
• Experience in statutory reporting and compliance
• Good understanding of GDPR, AML, and financial controls
• Excellent organisational, analytical, and communication skills

What We Offer

• Competitive salary package - Salary range is £26k - 32k annum. To be considered for the higher salary you must have 4 years + experience in a similar role.
• Supportive and collaborative work environment
• Opportunities for growth and professional development