Mess Accountant

Sodexo Group; Colchester; Hybrid; GBP 21,000 - 23,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

On-the-job training

Fully funded apprenticeship

Career development

Wellbeing support

Financial benefits

Cycle to Work Scheme

Flexible work

Uniform provided

Job summary

Sodexo Group in Colchester is seeking a Mess Accountant to support the Officers Mess at Merville Barracks. You will manage financial administration, prepare monthly bills, and maintain accurate records for military personnel.

No formal accounting qualification is required; training will be provided. The role offers a balance of independent work and teamwork, with 30 hours per week and flexible start times within a Monday–Friday 08:00–15:00 window.

Qualifications

• Experience in accounts, finance administration, billing or similar roles.
• Strong numeracy and accuracy with financial data.
• Proficient in Excel, Word and Outlook.
• Excellent attention to detail and accurate data-entry skills.
• Good organisational skills with ability to meet monthly deadlines.
• Professional approach when dealing with customers, colleagues and military personnel.
• Ability to work independently while part of the Mess team.
• Experience using accounting software or in a military environment would be advantageous, but not essential.
• A bookkeeping or accounting qualification would be beneficial but not essential.

Responsibilities

• Manage the day-to-day financial administration and accounts for the Mess, ensuring information is accurate and up-to-date.
• Prepare and issue accurate monthly Mess bills, meeting deadlines.
• Enter monthly charges onto the accounting system and maintain records for Mess members.
• Process payments, receipts and supplier invoices with accurate records.
• Monitor outstanding payments and support collection of monies owed to the Mess.
• Complete reconciliations and prepare monthly financial information and reports for stakeholders.
• Ensure supplier payments are processed on time following approvals.
• Respond to account and billing queries from military Mess members and stakeholders.
• Maintain accurate member information and update accounts as personnel join/leave.
• Keep accounting systems and records up to date for easy access.
• Support recording and reconciliation of monies received with proper cash-handling procedures.
• Build positive relationships with military personnel, colleagues and key stakeholders.
• Handle financial and personal information with discretion and confidentiality.

Skills

Numeracy

Attention to detail

Organization

Independent work

Professional communication

Tools

Microsoft Office

Excel

Word

Outlook

Job description

• 30 hours per week
• Monday - Friday - 08:00 - 15:00
• Flexibility available around working days and start/finish times – working pattern can be discussed
• £13.46 per hour
• Free Car parking

Check your local transport links here: Plan Your Journey | Traveline - the destination you should input is Colchester, CO2 7UT

Job Description:

As a Mess Accountant with Sodexo at Officers Mess, Merville Barracks, Colchester, CO2 7UT, you'll play an important role in supporting the smooth running of the Officers' Mess, looking after financial administration and Mess accounts on behalf of military personnel.

This isn't a role where you need to be a qualified accountant. We're looking for someone who is organised, comfortable working with numbers and has a great eye for detail. If you have experience in accounts, finance administration, billing or a similar administrative role, we can provide the training you need to learn our specialist in-house systems.

You'll be part of a supportive team within the Officers' Mess, while having the independence to manage your own workload and take ownership of the financial administration for the military. You'll work to clear monthly deadlines, ensuring accounts, billing and records are accurate and up to date.

The role offers a good balance of independent working and team support, making it ideal for someone who is organised, confident working with numbers and enjoys having responsibility for their own area. With 30 hours per week and flexibility around how those hours are worked, it's also a great opportunity for someone looking for a role that offers a good work-life balance.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage the day-to-day financial administration and accounts for the Mess, ensuring information is accurate and kept up to date.
• Prepare and issue accurate monthly Mess bills, ensuring they are completed within the required deadlines.
• Enter monthly charges onto the accounting system and maintain accurate records for Mess members.
• Process payments, receipts and supplier invoices, maintaining accurate financial and banking records.
• Monitor outstanding payments and support the collection of monies owed to the Mess.
• Complete regular reconciliations and prepare monthly financial information and reports for relevant stakeholders.
• Ensure supplier payments are processed accurately and within agreed timescales, following the appropriate approval processes.
• Respond to account and billing queries from military Mess members and other stakeholders, providing a helpful and professional service.
• Maintain accurate member information, including updating accounts and billing details as personnel join, leave or change circumstances.
• Keep accounting systems and financial records up to date, ensuring information can be easily accessed when required.
• Support the accurate recording and reconciliation of monies received, following the correct financial and cash-handling procedures.
• Build positive working relationships with military personnel, colleagues and other key stakeholders across the Mess.
• Handle financial and personal information with discretion and confidentiality at all times.

Skills & Experience:

• Previous experience within accounts, finance administration, billing, bookkeeping or a similar administrative role would be beneficial.
• Strong numeracy skills and confidence working accurately with financial information.
• Good Microsoft Office skills, particularly Excel, Word and Outlook.
• Excellent attention to detail and accurate data-entry skills.
• Good organisation skills with the ability to manage your own workload and work to important monthly deadlines.
• A confident and professional approach when dealing with customers, colleagues and military personnel.
• The ability to work independently while also being part of the wider Mess team.
• Previous experience using accounting software or working within a military environment would be advantageous, but isn't essential.
• A bookkeeping or accounting qualification would be beneficial but isn't essential.

What we offer:

• On-the-job training with experienced professionals
• Fully funded apprenticeship qualifications
• Career development opportunities within Sodexo
• A friendly and supportive work environment
• Wellbeing Support – Unlimited online resources, a free health app with 24/7 virtual GP, and an Employee Assistance Programme.
• Financial Benefits – Discounts for you and your family, salary finance support, retirement plan, and a death-in-service benefit.
• Career Growth – Apprenticeships, learning tools, and development opportunities.
• Work Perks – Cycle to Work Scheme, volunteering opportunities, flexible work, full training, and a protective uniform.

Sodexo reserves the right to close this advert early if we are in receipt of a high number of applications