Senior Bookkeeper

Reed; Ashford; Hybrid; GBP 32,000 - 35,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days holiday

Birthday day off

Westfield health benefits

Onsite parking

Job summary

Reed is seeking a Senior Bookkeeper in Ashford for a one-year maternity cover. The role offers a hybrid working arrangement with at least two days in the office and a starting date around the end of September or beginning of October.

You will manage monthly management accounts, journals, VAT, payroll, and liaise with auditors, supporting budgeting and financial analysis throughout the assignment.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a bookkeeper with several years in a senior or supervisory role.
• Strong knowledge of accounting principles and bookkeeping best practices.
• Proficiency with Xero; excellent Excel skills including pivot tables and formulas.

Responsibilities

• Prepare monthly management accounts.
• Post journals, including accruals and prepayments.
• Conduct balance sheet reconciliations.
• Complete month-end and year-end processes.
• Manage VAT returns and statutory reporting.
• Monitor cash flow and assist with forecasting.
• Review sales and purchase ledger activity.
• Maintain fixed asset registers.
• Assist with budgeting and financial analysis.
• Support external auditors and year-end accounts.

Skills

Bookkeeping experience

Senior supervision

Accounting principles

Xero

Excel

Payroll processing

Detail oriented

Education

AAT or equivalent

Tools

Xero

Job description

Senior Bookkeeper

• Annual Salary: £32,000 - £35,000pa
• Location: Ashford
• Job Type: Contract - Fixed term (1 year) - Maternity Cover
• Start Date: End of September / Beginning of October
• Working Arrangements: Hybrid - Minimum 2 days a week in the office, initially more to facilitate a comprehensive handover

Join our clients finance team as a Senior Bookkeeper and contribute to their financial operations during a maternity cover period. This role is ideal for someone with a strong background in bookkeeping who is looking for a dynamic, hybrid working environment.

Day-to-day of the role:

• Preparation of monthly management accounts.
• Posting journals, including accruals and prepayments.
• Performing balance sheet reconciliations.
• Completing month-end and year-end processes.
• Managing VAT returns and statutory reporting requirements.
• Monitoring cash flow and assisting with forecasting.
• Reviewing sales and purchase ledger activity.
• Maintaining fixed asset registers.
• Assisting with budgeting and financial analysis.
• Supporting external auditors and year-end accounts preparation.
• Reporting to external stakeholders.
• Handling payroll responsibilities.

Required Skills & Qualifications:

• Proven experience as a bookkeeper, with several years in a senior or supervisory bookkeeping role.
• Strong working knowledge of accounting principles and bookkeeping best practices.
• Proficiency with accounting software (experience with systems such as Xero preferred).
• Excellent Excel skills (pivot tables, reconciliations, formulas).
• Experience with payroll processing and statutory submissions.
• Strong attention to detail and high level of numerical accuracy.
• Good organisational skills and the ability to prioritise competing deadlines.
• Professional bookkeeping qualification (AAT or equivalent) is desirable but not essential.

Benefits:

• 25 days holiday plus bank holidays.
• Day off on your birthday.
• Westfield health benefits.
• Onsite parking.