TAARM1026 - Trainee Accountant

McKeevers Chemists; Armagh; Remote; GBP 18,000 - 26,000; Full time

Job summary

McKeevers Chemists is seeking a motivated Trainee Accountant to join our Finance team at the Head Office in Armagh City. This full-time role offers hands-on experience across payroll, VAT, bookkeeping and supplier payments within a growing business.

You will work both independently and as part of a supportive finance team while pursuing professional accounting qualifications to develop your career in accounting and finance.

Qualifications

• Ambition to pursue professional accounting qualifications.
• Strong numerical and analytical abilities.
• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy.

Responsibilities

• Assist with the preparation and processing of monthly payroll.
• Complete day-to-day bookkeeping activities, ensuring financial records are accurate and up to date.
• Assist with the preparation and submission of monthly VAT returns.
• Process supplier payments and reconcile accounts.
• Maintain purchase and sales ledgers and assist in monthly reconciliations.
• Support the preparation of quarterly management accounts and inter-branch reporting.

Skills

Analytical skills

Numerical skills

Excel skills

Attention to detail

Organisational skills

Teamwork

Communication skills

Education

Pursuing professional accounting qualifications

Tools

Sage accounting software

Job description

Trainee Accountant

Location: Head Office, Armagh City

Hours: Full-Time

Department: Finance / Accounts

The Opportunity

Due to continued growth, we have an exciting opportunity for a Full-Time Trainee Accountant to join our Finance Team based at our Head Office in Armagh City. This is an excellent opportunity for an enthusiastic, motivated and detail-focused individual who is looking to develop their career in accountancy while gaining valuable practical experience within a busy and growing business. The successful candidate will support a broad range of accounting and financial activities, including bookkeeping, payroll, VAT returns, supplier payments, financial reconciliations and management accounts preparation. The role will provide exposure to various aspects of the finance function and would particularly suit someone who is committed to completing professional accountancy qualifications while developing their practical skills and experience.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist with the preparation and processing of monthly payroll.
• Complete day-to-day bookkeeping activities, ensuring financial records are accurate and up to date.
• Assist with the preparation and submission of monthly VAT returns.
• Process supplier payments through online banking systems.
• Process and maintain purchase and sales ledger transactions.
• Audit supplier payments and investigate pricing discrepancies in conjunction with the Buying Team.
• Liaise with suppliers to resolve account queries and payment-related issues.
• Complete monthly bank reconciliations.
• Process and reconcile company credit card transactions.
• Reconcile monthly supplier statements against accounting records.
• Provide accurate financial information to assist with the preparation of quarterly management accounts.
• Ensure inter-branch charges are accurately recorded and allocated to support the preparation of branch Profit and Loss accounts.
• Support the Company Accountant with additional accounting and administrative duties as required.
• Assist in ensuring compliance with HMRC reporting requirements and relevant submission deadlines.

Essential Criteria

• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including a professional and confident telephone manner.
• Strong analytical, numerical and financial skills.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills.
• Excellent attention to detail, with a high level of accuracy in financial recording and reporting.
• Strong organisational and time-management skills, with the ability to prioritise tasks and meet deadlines.
• A genuine interest in developing a career in accountancy and a commitment to undertaking and completing professional accountancy qualifications.

Desirable Criteria

• Experience using Sage accounting software, although training will be provided.
• Previous experience using accounting or financial management software.
• Previous experience working within an accounting or finance environment, although this is not essential.

What We Are Looking For

We are looking for someone who is eager to learn, takes pride in producing accurate work and demonstrates a proactive approach to problem-solving. The successful candidate will be reliable, organised and comfortable working with financial information, while demonstrating a willingness to develop their knowledge and skills as part of a supportive finance team. McKeevers Chemists is an Equal Opportunities Employer.