Trainee Accounts Assistant

Harwoods Group; Washington; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

As a leading automotive retail group, Harwoods Group is seeking a candidate for managing their purchase ledger accounts with responsibilities, including processing invoices and ensuring suppliers are paid accurately. Ideal candidates will have bookkeeping experience and strong organizational skills.

Qualifications

• Experience in bookkeeping is essential.
• Thorough understanding of accounting and bookkeeping principles required.
• Driving license mandatory due to site location.

Responsibilities

• Process supplier and manufacturer invoices and reconcile statements.
• Prepare monthly supplier payments and manage aged debt reports.
• Maintain accuracy of purchase ledger and accounts payable.

Skills

Organizational skills

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Job description

JOB PURPOSE

You will be responsible for managing our purchase ledger accounts, maintaining a high degree of accuracy, and ensuring that suppliers are paid within the agreed terms. Additionally, you will post bank statements, reconcile the cash book, and work closely with the operational team to ensure accurate posting of dealership banking. Maintaining an excellent control system while monitoring sales ledger accounts to ensure timely payments is also part of your role.

Department/Business/Location:

Accounts / Group

Reports to:

Management Accountant

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Carry out general purchase ledger duties, including processing supplier and manufacturer invoices, reconciling statements, and maintaining accuracy.
2. Manage aged credit reports; reconcile balances with statements on vehicle and general ledgers.
3. Prepare monthly supplier payment runs and customer direct debit payments for BACS submission.
4. Process new supplier requests, ensuring proper checks, approval, and account setup.
5. Reconcile OEM accounts.
6. Agree and reconcile daily bank postings, including bank statements and vehicle, service, and parts banking.
7. Upload daily BACS payments to the bank.
8. Perform sales ledger duties, including credit applications and customer account setup.
9. Manage aged debt reports; chase outstanding balances and maintain unallocated funds.
10. Reconcile and post intercompany journals to clear internal debtor and creditor accounts daily.
11. Prepare reports for month-end balance sheet reconciliations.
12. Manage the accounts payable email inbox for related queries.
13. Answer calls and direct them appropriately.
14. Support the preparation of timely and accurate management accounts as needed.

Skills & Requirements

Experience in a clerical role with a thorough understanding of accounting and bookkeeping principles is required. Excellent organizational skills, proactive work approach, and strong communication skills are essential. Attention to detail and high accuracy are necessary. A driving license is required.

Experience

Experience in bookkeeping is essential. Industry knowledge is beneficial but not required.

Note: Due to site location, owning a car and driving license are required.

The Harwoods Way

Harwoods Group is a values-led, family-owned automotive retail group founded in 1931. Our values include valuing our people and customers, continuous growth and improvement, responsibility, teamwork, energy, and fun. We are a top 30 automotive dealer group by turnover, representing brands such as Bentley, McLaren, Aston Martin, Jaguar, Land Rover, Audi, Volvo, INEOS, BYD, BMW & Mini, and MAN. We operate across five counties in South East England: Surrey, East Sussex, West Sussex, Wiltshire, and Hampshire.

With a high colleague engagement score of 72%, we prioritize people development through recruitment, onboarding, training, and recognition programs. We have approximately 1,100 colleagues across 28 state-of-the-art facilities.

We demand the best for our colleagues and customers. We look forward to your application at [e-mail].