Assistant Accountant (Fixed Term Maternity Cover 12-18 months)

Assistant Accountant (Fixed Term Maternity Cover 12-18 months)

Temporary 40500 - 49500 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Almac Group Ltd

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support financial accuracy through month-end activities, reconciliations, and reporting.
  • Company: Join Almac, a fast-paced organisation in a highly regulated industry.
  • Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, staff discounts, professional coaching, and a healthcare scheme.
  • Other info: Great opportunities for learning and long-term career progression.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact while advancing your career in a supportive environment.
  • Qualifications: Must be studying towards an accounting qualification with a good understanding of accounting processes.

The predicted salary is between 40500 - 49500 £ per year.

Location: Craigavon

Hours: 37.5 hours per week. Mon-Friday with 10:00-16:00 core hours

Salary: Competitive

Business Unit: Sciences

Open To: External and Internal Applicants

Ref No.: HRJOB11793

The Role

The role is dynamic and quite versatile in its daily tasks. As an Assistant Accountant you will support the production of accurate financial information by managing month-end accounting activities, reconciliations, statutory compliance, forecasting, reporting, and financial controls while working closely with both finance and operational teams.

Joining Almac means becoming part of a fast-paced, growing organisation within a highly regulated industry. We offer a supportive and collaborative working environment, with excellent opportunities for learning, development and long-term career progression across the Almac Group. Our approach is simple we support, develop and reward our people, build fulfilling careers and together we advance human health.

What you need to be successful

Applicants must have eligibility to work in the UK OR possess a valid work permit that will allow you to take up full time employment in the UK.

Essential Criteria

  • Qualified Accounting Technician or studying towards a higher professional accounting qualification (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, etc.).
  • Good understanding of accounting processes.
  • Experience in the preparation and review of Management Accounts to include e.g. bank reconciliations, balance sheet reconciliations, accruals and prepayments, AP/AR reviews, fixed asset accounting.
  • Must have prepared and submitted VAT returns to HRMC.
  • Working knowledge of Accounting Software.

Desirable Criteria

  • Third Level Degree (or equivalent).
  • Qualified Accountant with a recognised body (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, etc.).
  • Have prepared information for year-end statutory audits.
  • Have completed Government statistical and other statutory returns.
  • Have prepared and submitted VAT and Intrastat Returns.
  • Familiar with Customs requirements for Import VAT and Deferred Duty.
  • Previous experience in an Assistant Accountant role.
  • Has previous experience of an ERP System for the review of Financial Data.
  • Familiar with credit control principles.

Apply Now

Apply online and tailor your CV to outline how you meet the role criteria. Please upload your CV in PDF format where possible.

Closing Date

We will no longer be accepting applications after 5pm on Friday 04 September 2026.

RECRUITMENT AGENCIES PLEASE NOTE: Almac will only accept applications from agencies/business partners that have been invited to work on this role by our Talent Acquisition team. Speculative candidate CVs received or submitted directly to Hiring Managers will be considered unsolicited and no fee will be payable. Thank you for your cooperation.

Skills: Accounting Software, Accounts, VAT returns

Benefits: Staff Discounts, Professional Coaching, Attractive Compensation Package, Employee Recognition, Rewards for Years Of Service, Group Healthcare Scheme, Pension Scheme

Assistant Accountant (Fixed Term Maternity Cover 12-18 months) employer: Almac Group Ltd

Almac Group is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and collaborative work environment that prioritises employee development and career progression. With a focus on innovative eClinical solutions, employees have the opportunity to contribute to meaningful projects that advance human health while enjoying competitive salaries and a supportive culture in locations like Craigavon and Charnwood.

Almac Group Ltd

Contact Details:

Almac Group Ltd Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Assistant Accountant (Fixed Term Maternity Cover 12-18 months)

Join Financial Networking Events

Jump into local finance meetups and conferences — they’re a goldmine for temporary roles in banking and financial services. You can chat with industry professionals and even get leads on upcoming opportunities that might not be posted online yet.

Utilise Temp Agencies Specialised in Finance

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Connect with Alumni from Your Uni

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Stay Active on Job Boards and Company Websites

Keep your eyes peeled on job boards specifically for finance roles. Companies like Almac Group Ltd might post temporary positions directly on their sites, so make sure to apply there too. Set alerts to catch those roles the moment they go live!

We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Accountant (Fixed Term Maternity Cover 12-18 months)

Qualified Accounting Technician
Management Accounts Preparation
Bank Reconciliations
Balance Sheet Reconciliations
Accruals and Prepayments
Accounts Payable/Receivable Reviews
Fixed Asset Accounting

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Off Your Academic Achievements:In banking and financial services, your academic record can really make you stand out. List relevant grades, certifications, or coursework on your CV, especially if you've taken finance-related modules. This is particularly important for a temporary role where qualifications can help you shine even brighter!

Highlight Relevant Experience:If you’ve done any internships, part-time roles, or even coursework that aligns with banking or finance, make sure you include those! Showcase specific tasks where you used quantitative skills or analytical thinking, as this is what the hiring managers at Almac Group Ltd will be keen to see in your application.

Tailor Your Cover Letter Purposefully:When writing your cover letter, focus on why you’re interested in a temporary position at Almac Group Ltd. Let them know how you can quickly adapt to the team's needs and how eager you are to learn the ropes of the banking sector during this short stint. Your motivation and enthusiasm could really set you apart!

Be Prepared with References:For temporary roles, references can play a crucial role in your application. Make sure you’ve got a couple of references lined up who can vouch for your skills and work ethic. This helps to give Almac Group Ltd confidence in your short-term commitment to the role.

How to prepare for a job interview at Almac Group Ltd

Brush Up on Financial Regulations

Since this is a role in banking and financial services, be ready to discuss key regulations like MiFID, Basel III, or GDPR. These are hot topics, and your awareness of how they impact daily operations can give you a significant edge during your interview with Almac Group Ltd.

Showcase Your Analytical Skills

Prepare for interview questions that assess your analytical abilities. You might need to tackle hypothetical scenarios involving risk assessment or financial forecasting. Bringing examples of relevant projects or coursework can emphasise your practical understanding of these concepts.

Highlight Flexibility and Adaptability

For a temporary role, showing that you can quickly pick up new processes and tools is crucial. Be ready to discuss previous experiences where you had to adapt to changing requirements or tight deadlines, as this will reassure Almac Group Ltd that you’re a reliable team player.

Demonstrate a Willingness to Learn

In a temporary position, leaning into your eagerness to learn can really set you apart. Be prepared to share how you’re staying updated on industry trends or any additional training you've pursued. Employers appreciate candidates who are proactive about their development—even for short-term roles.