Assistant Accountant

Your new company

Hays are exclusively partnering with a well-established manufacturing business based in Taunton. Operating within a specialist market, the company has built a strong reputation for quality, innovation and customer service.

As the business continues to grow, an opportunity has arisen for an ambitious Assistant Accountant to join the finance team and work closely alongside the Head of Finance, supporting both the day-to-day operation of the function and the longer-term financial reporting requirements of the business.

Your new role

This is an excellent opportunity for someone looking to build on their finance experience and progress towards a Management Accountant position in the future.

The role will commence on an initial 3-month temporary basis, with the intention of moving to a permanent position for the right individual.

Working closely with the Head of Finance, you will take ownership of key finance processes whilst gaining exposure to month-end activities, financial reporting and management accounting responsibilities.
Key responsibilities will include:

Ownership of the Purchase Ledger function
Ownership of the Sales Ledger function
Management of the finance/accounts inbox
Credit control and aged debt management
Bank reconciliations and cashbook management
Processing supplier payments and payment runs
Cash allocation and invoice matching
Maintaining accurate financial records within Sage 200
Posting journals and supporting month-end procedures
Assisting with accruals and prepayments
Balance sheet reconciliations
Supporting the preparation of monthly management accounts
Producing financial reports and analysis where required
Liaising with suppliers, customers and internal stakeholders
Supporting audits and year-end processes
Assisting the Head of Finance with ad hoc finance projectsThis is a full-time, office-based role working Monday to Friday.What you'll need to succeedTo be successful in this role, you will ideally:

Have previous experience as an Assistant Accountant, Accounts Assistant, Finance Assistant or Assistant Management Accountant
Have experience across both Purchase Ledger and Sales Ledger
Be confident managing supplier and customer accounts
Have experience managing a finance/accounts inbox and resolving queries
Have strong bank reconciliation experience
Have exposure to journals, accruals and prepayments
Have supported month-end accounting processes
Have experience using Sage 200 or a similar ERP system
Have worked within an SME, manufacturing, distribution or commercial finance environment
Be studying towards or have completed AAT Level 4, ACCA or CIMA (desirable)
Have strong Excel and finance systems skills
Possess excellent attention to detail and organisational skills
Have the ambition and desire to progress towards Management Accountant levelWhat you'll get in return

Salary of £17- 19 per hour
Initial 3-month temporary assignment with the opportunity to secure a permanent position
Genuine progression towards Management Accountant level
Direct mentorship from the Head of Finance
Exposure to month-end accounting and financial reporting
A broad and varied finance role within a growing manufacturing business
A supportive and collaborative team environment
Long-term career development opportunities
The chance to make a genuine impact within a successful SMEWhat you need to do nowIf you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or contact Hays for a confidential discussion.If this role isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position within Accountancy & Finance, please get in touch for a confidential discussion about your career.

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