Assistant Management Accountant

About 1st Formations

At 1st Formations, we empower entrepreneurs to start, run, and grow their businesses with confidence. Running a business shouldn’t be slowed down by company formation, statutory compliance, accounting, or payroll. From day one, these essentials should be seamless, reliable, and intelligently handled — freeing founders to focus on building and scaling. We’re a leading UK provider of company formation and compliance services, building a modern, fully integrated technology platform that supports founders at every stage of their journey.

The Role

The Assistant Management Accountant supports the day‑to‑day financial operations of the business, ensuring accurate record keeping, timely processing of transactions, and reliable financial reporting. This is a varied, hands‑on role suited to a detail‑oriented individual who enjoys working in a fast‑paced SME environment and is looking to develop a long‑term career in finance and management accounting.

Key Responsibilities

• Process and post purchase ledger invoices, ensuring accurate coding to cost centres using Spendesk, AutoEntry and Xero
• Prepare and process weekly payment runs, ensuring all relevant approvals are obtained
• Oversee the monthly payroll process and manage the relationship with the external payroll provider, liaising with the Chief of Staff, Head of People & Culture and other relevant stakeholders to obtain accurate payroll data
• Ensure timely payment of contractors and HMRC payroll liabilities
• Raise and issue sales invoices in a timely manner for invoiced services, including business centre and partnership revenues
• Ensure receipts are received and follow up with merchant payment providers or relevant contractors where required
• Perform monthly bank reconciliations across all company accounts
• Assist with month‑end processes, including the preparation of monthly management accounts and financial reports
• Process employee expense claims through Spendesk and ensure compliance with company policies
• Provide daily cash reporting to the CEO and assist with cash flow forecasting
• Maintain accurate and up‑to‑date financial records within the accounting system (e.g., Xero, Sage or QuickBooks)
• Liaise with suppliers and internal stakeholders to resolve invoice and payment queries efficiently
• Monitor the finance inbox and postal correspondence, ensuring all items are dealt with appropriately and escalated where necessary to the Head of Finance, Finance Manager or other relevant colleagues
• Manage company debit cards, bank correspondence and finance documentation/safe
• Assist with year‑end audit preparation and provide supporting documentation as required
• Carry out ad hoc analysis and provide support on additional finance tasks as required

What We Are Looking For

• AAT Level 4 qualified or currently studying ACCA (or equivalent), with study support available for the right candidate
• Minimum 1–2 years’ experience in a finance or accounts role, ideally within an SME environment
• Experience in purchase and sales ledger processing, with exposure to payroll, credit control and bank reconciliations desirable
• Good working knowledge of cloud‑based accounting systems such as Xero, Sage or QuickBooks, together with strong Microsoft Excel skills including VLOOKUPs, pivot tables and basic formulas
• Solid understanding of UK accounting principles and SME business finance
• Highly organised with strong attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills, with confidence liaising with suppliers, colleagues and senior management
• Proactive, self‑motivated and able to work independently as well as collaboratively within a small team
• Discreet and trustworthy when handling confidential financial information
• A continuous improvement mindset, with the confidence to identify and implement more efficient processes
• Ambitious and motivated to continue progressing professionally through accounting qualifications and career development

What We Offer

• £42‑45k and comprehensive benefits package
• Hybrid working model
• Real opportunities for progression as the business scales
• The chance to influence both customer experience and product development
• A culture that values ownership, impact, and continuous learning

Equal Opportunities

1st Formations is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. We consider all applicants for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, criminal history, disability, or gender identity. We encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please let us know.