Finance Officer

Hamilton Woods Associates; Burton upon Trent; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A financial services firm in the United Kingdom is seeking a Finance Officer to manage day-to-day bookkeeping and payroll functions. Candidates should have proven experience in finance roles and be AAT Level 3 qualified. Key responsibilities include maintaining the general ledger, running payroll, compliance with CIS and VAT regulations, and providing monthly financial reports. The position calls for strong attention to detail and proficiency in tools like Sage or Xero, offering a salary of £30,000 to £35,000, dependent on experience.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a similar accounts/finance role.
• Strong experience in invoicing/supplier payments, bookkeeping, payroll, CIS, VAT, and month-end reporting.
• Ability to work independently and manage competing priorities.

Responsibilities

• Maintain the general ledger and post all transactions accurately.
• Run payroll for all employees on time and accurately.
• Prepare monthly and quarterly month-end accounts.
• Monitor cashflow and provide support.
• Prepare VAT returns and liaise with HMRC.

Skills

Bookkeeping

Payroll

CIS Compliance

Month-end Reporting

Attention to Detail

Excel Proficiency

Education

AAT Level 3 qualified

Accounting degree

Tools

Sage

Xero

Job description

Job Description

Finance Officer

📍 Location: Burton Upon Trent
💰 Salary: £30,000 - £35,000 + benefits
💼 Type: Permanent
⏰ Hours: Full time, on site

The Role

This is a hands-on role involving day-to-day bookkeeping, payroll, CIS compliance, month-end accounts, cashflow monitoring, and liaising with external accountants. The successful candidate will be highly organised, accurate, and able to work independently, providing timely financial insight to support business operations and growth.

Key Responsibilities:

Bookkeeping & Day-to-Day Accounting

• Maintain the general ledger and post all transactions accurately
• Manage accounts payable and accounts receivable
• Perform weekly/monthly bank reconciliations
• Track and chase debts, handle supplier queries
• Record purchase invoices and supplier payments

Payroll & CIS Compliance

• Run payroll for all employees on time and accurately
• Calculate and process CIS deductions for subcontractors
• Prepare and submit monthly CIS returns to HMRC
• Ensure compliance with PAYE and other statutory payroll obligations

Month-End & Reporting

• Prepare monthly and quarterly month-end accounts
• Post journal entries, accruals, and prepayments
• Reconcile key balance sheet accounts (cash, bank, debtors, creditors, retentions)
• Compile management reports and high-level P&L commentary for directors
• Track project costs and provide simple job cost summaries

Cashflow

• Monitor cashflow
• Maintain oversight of debtors, creditors, and retentions
• Support cashflow planning with directors and external accountants

Compliance & External Liaison

• Prepare VAT returns and liaise with HMRC
• Assist external accountants with audits and year-end accounts
• Ensure accounting records comply with relevant standards and company policies

Process Improvement & Systems

• Suggest improvements to accounting processes
• Maintain and develop finance systems and reporting tools
• Keep organized, accurate financial records

Role Requirements:

• Proven experience in a similar accounts/finance role
• AAT Level 3 qualified
• Strong experience with invoicing/supplier payments, bookkeeping, payroll, CIS, VAT, and month-end reporting
• Proficiency in Excel and accounting software (e.g., Sage, Xero)
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy
• Ability to work independently and manage competing priorities

Desirable

• Accounting degree
• Previous experience in construction, contracting, or small-to-medium sized business environments