We are thrilled to be seeking a Financial Accounting Assistant to join our Forge Finance Team on a 12-month Fixed Term Contract.
At Forge Holiday Group, we don’t just do holidays, we create memories. With market-leading brands like Sykes Holiday Cottages, Forest Holidays, and Bachcare in New Zealand, we’re 1,700+ strong and powered by four values: One Business One Team, Keep it Simple, Grow & Learn, Sustainable Impact.
- Salary: Up to £29,000 per annum
- Contract Type: 12-month Fixed Term Contract (Maternity Cover)
- Working Pattern: 37.5 hours, Monday to Friday, 9am until 5:30pm
- Location: Chester HQ - Hybrid working with a minimum of 2 days per week in the office.
- Report To: Senior Financial Accountant
- Team: Operational Finance - Financial Accounting
About the Role
The Financial Accounting Assistant is responsible for maintaining the accuracy and integrity of the company's daily accounting records and supporting the finance function in the delivery of timely, reliable financial information. The post-holder will provide hands-on support to the wider accounting team, ad hoc financial analysis whilst ensuring compliance with accounting standards and internal controls.
Your Accountabilities
- Maintain the daily cashbook
- Perform monthly bank reconciliations, identifying and investigating differences between bank statements and the cashbook
- Assist in the preparation of monthly management accounts, including P&L, balance sheet, and cash flow statements
- Post month-end journal entries for accruals, prepayments, depreciation, and other required adjustments
- Production of daily receipts reconciliations
- Reconcile ledgers/cost centres to the general ledger (creditors, debtors, fixed assets etc)
- Partner reconciliations (Airbnb etc)
- Prepare and maintain balance sheet schedules, ensuring accurate period cut-off
- Support the production of financial reporting to internal and external stakeholders
- Meet agreed month-end close deadlines and contribute to the timely delivery of financial information
- Assist with the production of the year end statutory accounts in compliance with IFRS
- Assisting with the completion of government surveys and any other compliance related queries
- Provide support for internal audit, external audit or compliance requests as required
- Maintain accurate and up-to-date process notes for areas of responsibility
- Proactively identify opportunities to improve processes and raise these with the Group Purchase Ledger Manager including the use of AI
- Ensure compliance with relevant financial controls, data protection and confidentiality requirements at all times
Essential Experience
You’ll bring:
- Minimum - training for or AAT qualified (or equivalent)
- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and general IT literacy
- Strong numeracy skills and attention to detail
- Ability to manage and prioritise a busy workload and meet deadlines
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to work accurately and efficiently under pressure
- Team player with the ability to work independently using own initiative
- Excellent written and interpersonal skills
- The ability to challenge constructively
- Effective team working and networking skills
Desirable Experience
- Experience with SAP Business By Design
- Experience utilising AI or automation tools in day-to-day processes
- Experience working in a multi-entity or Group finance environment
Forge Holiday Group Benefits
- Annual bonus scheme based on company performance
- 33 days’ holiday(including bank holidays), plus up to 5 extra with long service.
- Option to purchase extra holiday days if you wish.
- A day off for your birthday
- 2 volunteering days per year.
- Access to Spark, our health and wellbeing platform
- Health cash plan & life assurance.
- Enhanced parental leave (24 weeks maternity, 3 weeks paternity at full pay).
- Discounted and last-minute stays at Forest Holidays and Sykes Cottages for you, your friends & family.
- Pension scheme with employer contributions
- Training & development opportunities.
- On-site gym and parking at Chester HQ (near train station).
- Employee savings scheme
- Long service awards and company events
Diversity and Inclusion
We encourage and welcome our people to bring their authentic and best selves to work every day. We know the power that comes from different ideas, backgrounds and perspectives. We recognise the role diversity plays in achieving our goals as a business. We actively welcome applications from as wide a range of backgrounds as possible. If you need any particular support or accommodations as part of your application process, please get in touch - our recruitment team are happy to help.