Accounts Assistant (Fixed Term Maternity Cover) (Part Time)
Position: Accounts Assistant (Fixed Term Maternity Cover)
Contract Duration: 12 Months (Part Time)
Location: London (Wimbledon)
Reporting To: Operations Director
Line Management Responsibilities: None
**Main Purpose of Position
Our client is seeking a skilled Accounts Assistant. This position is crucial to our company, overseeing day-to-day and month-end financial management, processing payroll, managing cash and credit cards, and handling VAT and direct tax matters. The Accounts Assistant will take full ownership of the Accounts/Finance function, ensuring the delivery of accurate and timely financial information to budget holders and Directors, and being the primary contact for financial queries.
**Key Responsibilities
- Implement financial controls, policies, and procedures for all activities including income generation, expenditure, and reporting.
- Ensure organisation-wide compliance with financial procedures, flagging any concerns to the Finance Director/MD.
- Oversee month-end accounting processes according to the agreed timetable.
- Conduct monthly or quarterly reconciliation of key control accounts, including payroll, bank, debtors, creditors, deferred income, and fixed assets.
- Regularly reconcile the bank each month.
- Prepare, submit, and pay quarterly VAT returns to HMRC deadlines.
- Ensure statutory and validation obligations are met for financial processing and management.
- Lead the preparation and analysis of monthly sales, financial sheets, cost vs. budget, and subcontractor reports for review by Directors and budget holders.
- Collaborate with the Finance team to ensure smooth operation of the Accounts function.
- Prepare weekly 'Monies Due' sheet for Directors' review.
- Ensure timely production of reconciliation and reporting for effective board reporting.
- Assist with successful financial audits.
- Handle financial and reporting aspects of capital loans, grants, and related transactions.
- Prepare monthly payroll data in line with internal policies and statutory regulations regarding staff remuneration, pensions, leave, and employment terms.
- Ensure adherence to NMW/NLW regulations by completing necessary checks.
- Meet statutory duties for timely payment of Income Tax, National Insurance, and pension contributions, maintaining associated records and control accounts.
- Work with the HR Administrator to keep financial data and personnel records up to date.
- Ensure timely bank payments for Payroll, Rent, PAYE, VAT, Ad hoc, and Dutch Tax.
- Use the internal Project Management system and complete related tasks.
- Regularly run the interface between CMap & Sage.
- Set up new clients, subcontractors, and suppliers.
- Enter bank statement payments and receipts.
- Reconcile the bank monthly.
- Input journals as required.
- Produce regular Quarterly P&L.
- Raise and send Sales Invoices and Payment Applications to Clients.
- Conduct credit checks on new Clients/Suppliers and Subcontractors.
- Manage Debtor & Creditor control.
- Liaise regularly with other Finance team members.
- Participate in internal and organisation-wide meetings and initiatives.
- Provide cover for Accounts Payable tasks during absences.
- Manage day-to-day financial queries from colleagues, suppliers, and other stakeholders.
- Undertake any other duties to support the efficient running of the department.
**Qualifications and Experience
- Part qualified or qualified AAT/ACA/ACCA/CIMA (or equivalent).
- Degree Qualification (Desirable).
- Minimum of 5 years' Accountancy/Finance experience (Essential).
- Experience using SAGE 50 accounts (Essential).
- Experience preparing Payroll data (Essential).
- Experience in Accounts Payable and Accounts Receivable (Essential).
- Knowledge of financial management in an SME (Desirable).
- Experience with Project Management/CRM Database systems (Desirable).
- Experience in the engineering industry (Desirable).
**Skills and Abilities
- Strong technical accounting knowledge and skills.
- Proficiency in MS Office, including advanced Excel skills.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Confidence and ability to build relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
- Team player with the ability to work independently and proactively.
- Strong organisational and prioritisation skills.
- Attention to detail and ability to meet tight deadlines.
**Personal Qualities and Attributes
- Positive, proactive, and professional attitude.
- Flexible and adaptable approach to workload.
- Commitment to promoting equality and diversity.
- Ability to foster a strong, ethical, and efficient team culture.
- Conduct additional responsibilities with line manager approval.
**Environment & Working Hours
- Modern Serviced Office.
- Contractual Hours: 09:00 - 17:30, 30 hours per week (4 days). Thursday mandatory, flexible on other working days.
- Solely office-based (Wimbledon office).
**Benefits
- Competitive salary and holiday package (25 days annual leave) + Bank Holidays (Pro-rata).
- Company Pension Scheme.
- Company Health Insurance.
- Cycle to Work scheme.
- Employee Assistance Programme.
Office Angels acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and an employment business for the supply of temporary workers. Office Angels UK is an Equal Opportunities Employer.
By applying for this role your details will be submitted to Office Angels. Our Candidate Privacy Information Statement explaining how we will use your information is available on our website.