Company Accountant in Bristol

Location: Bristol

Package: £40k - £50k

Job Type: Full-Time Interim/Temp To Perm (some potential for part time and hybrid working may be available if needed)

Our Client is a profitable, growing SME based in North Bristol. They are looking for a Company Accountant experienced in taking responsibility for the day-to-day running of the finance function and providing accurate and timely financial information to support the Managing Director and wider business. This is a great opportunity to make a difference in an SME environment, covering management accounting, financial control, cash flow, budgeting and reporting.

The successful candidate will work closely with the Managing Director and will also benefit from the support and oversight of an experienced Fractional Finance Director. This provides an excellent opportunity for someone who is confident managing the day-to-day finance function but values having access to senior-level financial guidance and support. As the business continues to develop, there will be plenty of opportunity to improve financial processes, strengthen reporting and increase the quality of financial information available to support decision-making.

Company Accountant – The Role

As Company Accountant, you will take responsibility for the effective day-to-day management of the finance function, ensuring accurate and timely financial reporting and maintaining appropriate financial controls. The role is predominantly hands-on and will involve preparing the monthly management accounts, managing cash flow and working capital, maintaining the balance sheet and supporting budgeting and forecasting. You will work closely with the Managing Director, providing clear and reliable financial information to support the running of the business. You will also work alongside a Fractional Finance Director, who will provide oversight and support with more complex financial matters, forecasting, commercial analysis and the continued development of the finance function. This role would therefore suit someone who enjoys taking ownership of a broad accounting remit but is not necessarily looking to operate as the most senior strategic finance professional within the business.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare accurate and timely monthly management accounts.
• Maintain the general ledger and ensure financial records are complete and accurate.
• Prepare and maintain balance sheet reconciliations, accruals and prepayments.
• Monitor cash flow and working capital and prepare regular cash flow forecasts.
• Support the preparation and monitoring of annual budgets and forecasts.
• Produce regular management information for the Managing Director and Fractional Finance Director.
• Provide analysis of financial performance, highlighting significant trends and variances.
• Manage VAT returns and support the effective management of payroll, tax and treasury matters.
• Manage stock takes and ensure accurate stock accounting and reporting.
• Maintain effective financial controls and ensure accounting processes are followed consistently.
• Coordinate the preparation of statutory accounts and provide information required by external accountants and auditors.
• Build effective working relationships with external stakeholders including accountants, auditors, banks and HMRC.
• Work with the Fractional Finance Director to improve financial reporting, systems, processes and controls.
• Support the Managing Director and Fractional Finance Director with ad hoc financial analysis and business improvement projects.
• Identify opportunities to improve the efficiency and accuracy of the finance function.

The Successful Applicant

You will be an experienced finance professional with a strong grounding in management accounting and financial control, ideally gained within an SME environment. You may be a qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA or CIMA), part-qualified, or qualified by experience with a demonstrable track record of managing a broad range of accounting responsibilities. This role would particularly suit someone who is comfortable taking ownership of the day-to-day finance function but would welcome the support and guidance of an experienced Fractional Finance Director on more complex, commercial and strategic financial matters.

As Company Accountant, you will bring:

• Strong management accounting and financial reporting experience.
• A hands-on and detail-focused approach with a high level of accuracy.
• Experience of cash flow management, budgeting and forecasting.
• A good understanding of balance sheet controls, VAT and financial processes.
• The ability to prepare and interpret management information and explain key financial matters clearly.
• Strong Excel skills and confidence working with accounting and financial reporting systems.
• Excellent communication skills and the confidence to work closely with the Managing Director and Fractional Finance Director.
• Experience of improving financial processes, controls and reporting.
• A proactive, organised and solutions-focused approach.
• The ability to manage competing priorities and take ownership of deadlines within a busy SME environment.
• A collaborative approach and willingness to seek input or guidance when appropriate.