Assistant Accountant

Assistant Accountant

City of London Full-Time 28000 - 40000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Join a dynamic finance team and assist with management accounts and supplier invoices.
  • Company: A leading luxury fashion brand with a strong presence in London and Paris.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, bonus potential, clothing allowance, private healthcare, and study support.
  • Why this job: This role offers growth into a Finance Analyst position within a collaborative and progressive environment.
  • Qualifications: 2-3 years of AP experience in luxury retail, strong Excel skills, and excellent communication.
  • Other info: Opportunity to work with multiple currencies and improve invoice processing efficiency.

The predicted salary is between 28000 - 40000 £ per year.

Based in Central London (Wapping), our client is a well-established luxury retail company with a large presence in London and Paris. They are renowned for their high-quality clothing products and are considered a market leader within the retail industry. The company prides itself on its collaborative work environment and strong emphasis on employee development.

The finance team, made up of 5 people, is looking to add an Assistant Accountant, with the view that they will develop into a Finance Analyst role. The team is dynamic and progressive, and they offer study support for the right candidate.

The successful Assistant Accountant will:

  • Assist with the monthly production of the management accounts (balance sheet reconciliations, accruals, prepayments, journals).
  • Process supplier invoices accurately and efficiently, ensuring proper approvals, coding, and tax treatment for overseas invoices.
  • Manage weekly and monthly payment runs, including BACS, CHAPS, and international payments.
  • Reconcile supplier statements and resolve any discrepancies promptly.
  • Maintain strong relationships with suppliers, handling queries and ensuring payments are made on time.
  • Assist with month-end closing activities, including accruals, prepayments, and cash reconciliation reporting.
  • Monitor and manage aged payables, highlighting any management risks.
  • Ensure compliance with company policies and financial controls.
  • Work closely with procurement, operations, and finance teams to improve invoice processing efficiency.
  • Support internal and external audits by providing necessary documentation and creditor reconciliations.
  • Assist with ad-hoc projects and process improvements to streamline AP functions.

The successful Assistant Accountant will:

  • Have 2-3 years of AP or purchase ledger experience, as well as a strong level of month-end exposure.
  • MUST have a strong working background in luxury retail.
  • MUST have a strong level of stock/inventory knowledge - stock, finished goods, and raw materials.
  • Prior experience working with multiple currencies.
  • AAT, ACCA or CIMA studier (desirable, not essential).
  • Strong Excel skills.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

What's on Offer: £34,000 (max), Bonus (discretionary), Clothing Allowance, Private Healthcare, Additional benefits, Study Support package.

Assistant Accountant employer: Michael Page (UK)

Join a prestigious luxury fashion retail brand in Central London, where collaboration and employee development are at the heart of our culture. As an Assistant Accountant, you will benefit from a dynamic finance team that values your growth, offering study support and opportunities to advance into a Finance Analyst role. Enjoy a competitive salary, bonus potential, and additional perks such as a clothing allowance and private healthcare, all while working in a vibrant and supportive environment.
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Contact Detail:

Michael Page (UK) Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Assistant Accountant

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with the luxury retail sector, especially the financial aspects. Understanding how luxury brands operate financially will give you an edge in interviews and discussions.

✨Tip Number 2

Network with professionals in the luxury retail industry. Attend relevant events or join online forums to connect with people who can provide insights or even refer you to opportunities within their companies.

✨Tip Number 3

Brush up on your Excel skills, particularly functions related to financial analysis and reporting. Being proficient in Excel is crucial for the role and can set you apart from other candidates.

✨Tip Number 4

Prepare to discuss your experience with multi-currency transactions and stock management. Be ready to provide examples of how you've handled these in previous roles, as they are key components of the Assistant Accountant position.

We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Accountant

Accounts Payable Management
Purchase Ledger Experience
Month-End Closing Activities
Supplier Invoice Processing
BACS and CHAPS Payment Processing
International Payments
Reconciliation Skills
Strong Excel Skills
Inventory Management
Multi-Currency Transactions
Communication Skills
Attention to Detail
Problem-Solving Skills
Collaboration Skills
Financial Compliance Knowledge

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your 2-3 years of accounts payable or purchase ledger experience. Emphasise your background in luxury retail and any relevant stock/inventory knowledge, as these are crucial for the role.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the luxury retail sector and how your skills align with the responsibilities of the Assistant Accountant position. Mention your strong Excel skills and any relevant qualifications like AAT, ACCA, or CIMA.

Showcase Relevant Experience: When detailing your work experience, focus on specific tasks that relate to the job description, such as processing supplier invoices, managing payment runs, and reconciling statements. Use quantifiable achievements where possible.

Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is essential for an accounting role.

How to prepare for a job interview at Michael Page (UK)

✨Showcase Your Experience in Luxury Retail

Make sure to highlight your previous experience in luxury retail during the interview. Discuss specific examples of how you've managed accounts or worked with high-value clients, as this will demonstrate your understanding of the unique challenges and expectations in this sector.

✨Demonstrate Strong Excel Skills

Since strong Excel skills are crucial for this role, be prepared to discuss your proficiency with Excel functions and any relevant projects where you've used these skills. If possible, bring examples of reports or analyses you've created to showcase your capabilities.

✨Prepare for Technical Questions

Expect technical questions related to accounts payable processes, month-end closing activities, and compliance with financial controls. Brush up on your knowledge of accruals, prepayments, and reconciliations to confidently answer these questions.

✨Emphasise Team Collaboration

Given the collaborative work environment, be ready to discuss how you've successfully worked within a team in the past. Share examples of how you’ve contributed to team goals and improved processes, as this will align with the company's values.

Assistant Accountant
Michael Page (UK)
Location: City of London

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