Financial Accounting Assistant

FORGE HOLIDAY GROUP LTD; Chester; Hybrid; GBP 26,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus scheme

33 days’ holiday

On-site gym

Pension scheme

Job summary

FORGE HOLIDAY GROUP LTD is seeking a Financial Accounting Assistant to join the Forge Finance Team on a 12-month Fixed Term Contract at Chester HQ. The role supports daily accounting records, prepares management accounts, and contributes to IFRS-compliant year-end reporting.

You will maintain the cashbook, perform bank reconciliations, and assist with month-end close, ensuring accuracy and integrity of financial data while using Excel and SAP Business ByDesign.

Qualifications

• AAT qualification or equivalent required or in training.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and IT literacy.
• Strong numeracy and attention to detail with ability to meet deadlines.
• Experience with SAP Business ByDesign or similar ERP is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Maintain the daily cashbook and perform monthly bank reconciliations.
• Assist in preparation of monthly management accounts (P&L, balance sheet, cash flow).
• Post month-end journals for accruals, prepayments, depreciation and other adjustments.
• Produce daily receipts reconciliations and reconcile ledgers to the general ledger.
• Support production of financial reporting for internal and external stakeholders.
• Aim to meet month-end close deadlines and assist with year-end IFRS statutory accounts.

Skills

Excel

Numeracy

Attention to detail

Time management

Communication

Teamwork

Independent initiative

Education

AAT qualified

Tools

SAP Business ByDesign

AI/Automation tools

Job description

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 £29,000per annum

Working Pattern:37.5 hours, Monday to Friday, 9am until 5:30pm

Location:Chester HQ - Hybrid working with a minimum of 2days per week in the office.

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)
• 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

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
• 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

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 toSpark, our health and wellbeing platform

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

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.