Finance & Accounting Assistant

Golley Slater; Cardiff; Hybrid; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading marketing agency in Cardiff seeks a finance support professional to aid in financial operations, ensuring compliance and accurate reporting. The role includes assisting with month-end activities, VAT returns, and management accounts, while promoting robust financial controls. Ideal candidates will have experience in finance and proficiency in Excel, alongside excellent communication skills. This hybrid position emphasizes accuracy, problem-solving, and collaboration within a dynamic team.

Qualifications

• Previous experience in a finance or accounting support role.
• Strong understanding of accounting principles, including double-entry bookkeeping.
• Excellent attention to detail and organisational skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet strict deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Assist with month-end close activities and journal entries.
• Support the production of management accounts ensuring accuracy.
• Prepare and reconcile balance sheet accounts, resolving discrepancies.
• Assist with VAT returns and ensure compliance with HMRC regulations.
• Provide support for income and cost analysis including variance reporting.
• Utilise accounting software and implement improvements for efficiency.

Skills

Accounting principles knowledge

Microsoft Excel proficiency

Strong communication skills

Attention to detail

Organisational skills

Education

AAT Level 3 or equivalent

Tools

Accounting software

ERP systems

Job description

To provide comprehensive support across finance operations and accounting processes, ensuring accurate financial reporting, compliance with statutory requirements, and efficient transactional processing. This hybrid role bridges day‑to‑day finance administration with elements of management accounting, contributing to the organisation's financial integrity and strategic objectives., Financial Processing & Administration

Month‑End & Reporting

• Assist with month‑end close activities, including preparation of accruals, prepayments, and journal entries.
• Support the production of management accounts, ensuring accuracy and adherence to deadlines.
• Prepare and reconcile balance sheet accounts, investigating and resolving discrepancies promptly.

Compliance & Control

• Assist with VAT returns and other statutory filings, ensuring compliance with HMRC regulations.
• Support internal and external audits by providing documentation and responding to queries.
• Contribute to maintaining robust financial controls and identifying opportunities for process improvement.

Analysis & Forecasting

• Provide support for income and cost analysis, including variance reporting and forecasting.
• Assist in preparing reports for senior management to inform decision‑making.
• Collaborate with the finance team on budget preparation and monitoring.

Systems & Process Improvement

• Utilise accounting software and ERP systems to maintain accurate financial data.
• Identify and implement improvements to streamline finance processes and enhance efficiency.
• Support new business initiatives and system upgrades as required.

Qualifications

• Previous experience in a finance or accounting support role.
• Strong understanding of accounting principles, including double‑entry bookkeeping.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel (pivot tables, VLOOKUP) and familiarity with accounting systems.
• Excellent attention to detail and organisational skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet strict deadlines.
• Strong communication skills for liaising with internal and external stakeholders., AAT Level 3 or equivalent (or working towards).
• Knowledge of VAT and UK accounting standards desirable., Proactive and adaptable with a problem‑solving mindset.
• High level of integrity and commitment to accuracy.
• Collaborative team player with a willingness to learn and develop.