Strutt & Parker – Accounts Assistant (Maternity Cover)

BNP Paribas Group; Stamford; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the finance sector is seeking an accounts assistant to join their Rural Client Finance team. You will manage a diverse portfolio of clients and be responsible for essential financial reporting and bookkeeping tasks, ensuring compliance and accuracy. The role requires strong qualifications in finance or accounting and offers a range of benefits and opportunities for professional development.

Benefits

25 days annual leave plus public holidays

Health screening and gym discounts

Volunteering opportunities

Pension and life assurance (8x salary)

Income protection and disability insurance

Bonus scheme and share incentive plan

Qualifications

• Degree or equivalent, preferably in Finance, or AAT qualification.
• Knowledge of double-entry bookkeeping is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Preparation and submission of VAT returns, including calculations.
• Preparation of monthly cash reports and financial accounts.
• Act as the primary contact for bookkeeping and accounting queries.

Skills

Knowledge of double-entry bookkeeping

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Education

Degree in Finance or equivalent

AAT qualification

Job description

The role

The Rural Client Finance team at Strutt & Parker provides a wide range of bookkeeping and accountancy services to clients of the firm.

We are seeking an accounts assistant responsible for producing management accounts, VAT returns, and financial reports. Your portfolio will include approximately 50 clients across land, property, or agricultural sectors, varying in size and complexity.

Responsibilities

1. Preparation and submission of VAT returns, including partial exemption calculations and monitoring of De Minimis levels.
2. Preparation of monthly/quarterly cash reports or rental statements.
3. Preparation of accrual-based management accounts.
4. Act as the primary contact for bookkeeping and accounting queries.
5. Preparation of annual financial accounts for sole traders, partnerships, LLPs, LTDs, and trusts, adhering to deadlines.
6. Preparation of accounts working files and conducting analytical reviews.
7. Respond to queries from agents/bookkeepers regarding GL and VAT coding and assist with necessary entries.
8. Preparation of report packs for external accountants or tax advisors for year-end processes.
9. Liaise with and respond to external advisors’ queries.

Relationships

1. Collaborate closely with the Accounting Team Manager and team members.
2. Communicate extensively via verbal and written means with Directors and employees within the S&P office network involved in client management.
3. Engage with external contacts such as clients, auditors, advisors, banks, and HMRC.

Person specification

Qualifications/Experience:

• Degree or equivalent, preferably in Finance, or AAT qualification.
• Knowledge of double-entry bookkeeping is preferred, as the role involves maintaining nominal, sales, and purchase ledgers.

Benefits

• 25 days annual leave plus public holidays, with options to purchase additional days, health screening, gym discounts, wellbeing support, volunteering opportunities, cycle to work scheme, eye care vouchers, travel & retail discounts, travel insurance, concierge services, Kids Pass, golf card, and participation in social events and company perks.
• Financial benefits include pension, life assurance (8x salary), income protection, disability insurance, interest-free season ticket loan, bonus scheme, share incentive plan, and financial/mortgage advice.

Strutt & Parker is committed to diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunity in the workplace, welcoming applicants regardless of race, gender, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or other protected statuses.