Assistant Accountant in Halstead

Assistant Accountant in Halstead

Halstead Full-Time 30000 - 40000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Advocate Group

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support financial performance through reporting, cost analysis, and forecasting in a fast-paced environment.
  • Company: Join a leading global FMCG manufacturer with a collaborative culture.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth, and the chance to make a real impact.
  • Other info: Dynamic team environment with opportunities for continuous improvement.
  • Why this job: Become a key business partner and influence decision-making in manufacturing finance.
  • Qualifications: Experience in finance roles, strong analytical skills, and SAP knowledge preferred.

The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.

About the Role

The Advocate Group is proud to be partnering with a leading global FMCG manufacturer to recruit an Assistant Accountant for one of its key UK manufacturing sites.

If you're looking for a role where you can move beyond transactional finance and become a true business partner within a fast-paced manufacturing environment, this could be the perfect opportunity.

Working closely with Finance and Operations, you'll play a key role in supporting the site's financial performance through accurate reporting, cost analysis and forecasting.

This is a fantastic opportunity for someone with manufacturing finance experience who enjoys getting into the detail, influencing stakeholders and making a real commercial impact.

  • What you'll be doing
  • Taking ownership of the site's month‑end reporting process, ensuring an accurate four‑day close.
  • Preparing financial reports, reconciliations and performance analysis.
  • Supporting budgeting, forecasting and financial planning activities.
  • Managing standard costing and ensuring the accuracy of manufacturing cost data within SAP.
  • Analysing manufacturing costs, overheads and product profitability to identify trends and opportunities.
  • Monitoring financial and operational KPIs, investigating variances and providing meaningful insight.
  • Partnering with Production, Planning, HR and Operations teams to support business performance and drive informed decision‑making.
  • Supporting continuous improvement initiatives across the finance and manufacturing functions.

What we're looking for

  • Previous experience in an Assistant Accountant, Manufacturing Accountant, Cost Accountant or similar finance role.
  • Experience working within a manufacturing or industrial environment (food manufacturing experience would be advantageous).
  • Strong understanding of manufacturing costing and financial reporting.
  • SAP experience is highly desirable.
  • Advanced Excel skills and confidence working with large volumes of financial data.
  • Excellent analytical skills with strong attention to detail.
  • A proactive approach and the ability to build strong relationships across both Finance and Operations.

If you're an analytical finance professional with manufacturing experience and you're looking for your next challenge within a collaborative and fast-paced environment, we'd love to hear from you.

Apply today or get in touch with The Advocate Group for a confidential conversation.

The Advocate Group is a leading recruitment partner to the FMCG and consumer products sector.

We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates regardless of race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age or disability.

#J-18808-Ljbffr

Assistant Accountant in Halstead employer: Advocate Group

Advocate Group is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and supportive work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation. As an Italian-Speaking National Account Manager, you will benefit from excellent career development opportunities while working in a hybrid role that allows for flexibility. Located in a vibrant market, the company prioritises employee growth and provides a platform for meaningful contributions to the success of the Amazon account.

Advocate Group

Contact Details:

Advocate Group Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Assistant Accountant in Halstead

Tap into Campus Networks

If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.

Get Certified

Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.

Connect on Professional Platforms

Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.

Apply Directly and Be Proactive

Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like Advocate Group. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.

We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Accountant in Halstead

Financial Reporting
Cost Analysis
Forecasting
Standard Costing
SAP
Advanced Excel Skills
Analytical Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.

Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to Advocate Group.

Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.

Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on Advocate Group's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!

How to prepare for a job interview at Advocate Group

Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills

Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with Advocate Group.

Prepare for Case Studies

Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.

Show Your Passion for Finance

Since this is a full-time position, employers at Advocate Group will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.

Network with Industry Professionals

Before your interview, reach out to current or former Advocate Group employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.