Junior Accounts Assistant

Richard James Recruitment Specialists Ltd; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 24,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Private health insurance

Life assurance

Cycle to Work

Season ticket loan

Study support

Flexible working

Birthday leave

WFH one day per week

Job summary

A growing shipping and commodity trading business in central London is seeking a Junior Accounts Assistant to join its finance team. You will report to the Finance Director and develop skills across accounts payable and receivable within an international environment.

The role requires a degree in Finance or a related qualification, and experience with Xero and banking reconciliations. You should be detail‑focused, able to work independently, and keen to build a long‑term career in finance.

Qualifications

• Degree in Finance or related qualification.
• Good understanding of accounting principles and practices.
• Experience with accounts payable/receivable bookkeeping.
• Familiar with banking platforms, payment procedures and financial reconciliations.
• Knowledge of Xero and Microsoft 365 applications; shipping/trading systems a plus.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and maintain reports relating to accounts payable and accounts receivable.
• Prepare and process payment runs, ensuring accuracy and adherence to procedures.
• Assist with reconciliation of accounts payable/receivable and intercompany accounts; investigate discrepancies.
• Maintain financial records and ledgers using Xero.
• Reconcile bank and credit card statements.
• Support day-to-day finance operations with the wider accounting team.
• Ensure compliance with internal policies and regulatory requirements.
• Support environmental, health and safety management systems.

Education

Degree in Finance or related qualification

Tools

Xero

Microsoft 365

Job description

A growing shipping and commodity trading business based in central London is looking for a Junior Accounts Assistant to join its finance team. Reporting directly to the Finance Director, this is an excellent opportunity for someone with a background in accounting and payments to develop their skills within a dynamic, international business.

The successful candidate will have a good understanding of accounting principles, experience across accounts payable and receivable, and a strong eye for detail. This role would suit someone who is keen to learn, take on responsibility and build a long-term career within an expanding organisation.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare and maintain reports relating to accounts payable and accounts receivable.
• Prepare and process payment runs, ensuring accuracy and adherence to established procedures.
• Assist with the reconciliation of accounts payable, accounts receivable and intercompany accounts, investigating and resolving discrepancies.
• Maintain accurate financial records and accounts payable and receivable ledgers using Xero.
• Reconcile bank and credit card statements.
• Work closely with the wider accounting team to support day-to-day finance operations.
• Ensure compliance with internal financial policies and procedures, alongside applicable regulatory requirements.
• Contribute to the ongoing effectiveness and improvement of the business's quality, environmental, health and safety management systems.
• Support a safe and positive working environment by reporting accidents, incidents and near misses, and sharing ideas for environmental improvements.

About You

• A degree in Finance or a related qualification.
• A sound understanding of accounting principles and practices.
• Experience in accounts payable and accounts receivable bookkeeping.
• Familiarity with banking platforms, payment procedures and financial reconciliations.
• Working knowledge of Xero and Microsoft 365 applications. Experience with trading or shipping systems would also be beneficial.
• Excellent attention to detail, organisational skills and the ability to manage time effectively.
• The ability to work independently while contributing positively to a team.
• An interest in shipping, logistics, commodity trading and investment reporting.
• A positive attitude, a willingness to learn and a genuine desire to develop your career within a growing business.

Working Hours and Arrangements

• Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 6:00 pm.
• Primarily office-based in central London, with the flexibility to work from home one day per week.
• Additional hours may occasionally be required to accommodate urgent vessel-operational needs or reporting deadlines.
• 25 days' annual leave, plus an additional day off for your birthday.
• Private health insurance.
• Life assurance.
• Cycle to Work scheme.
• Season ticket loan.
• Flexible working arrangements, including one day working from home per week.
• Study support to assist with your ongoing professional development.

This is an excellent opportunity to join an expanding shipping and trading business, gain valuable experience across a broad range of finance activities and develop your career within an international environment.