Assistant Client Accountant

Location: Pippingford Manor, East Sussex, Nutley, TN22 3HW

Reporting into: Senior Executive Director - Head of Client Accounts

An exciting opportunity to join Ashdown Phillips at our flagship East Sussex head office. We're looking for an exceptional Assistant Client Accountant to support the day‑to‑day delivery of client accounting across a diverse portfolio, working closely with Senior Client Accountants and the wider accounts team. If you bring a sharp eye for detail, a proactive, hands‑on approach and a passion for providing outstanding service to colleagues, surveyors and clients alike, this role offers real scope to learn, grow and make an impact from day one.

At Ashdown Phillips, we celebrate diversity, embracing individuals from all backgrounds and experiences. We are committed to fostering an inclusive and equitable workplace where everyone can thrive and be themselves. We believe that by bringing together unique perspectives, we create dynamic, forward‑thinking teams.

The Role

Collaborate closely with Senior Client Accountants, immersing yourself in a wide‑ranging portfolio of properties. This hands‑on partnership not only provides invaluable insight into the intricacies of client accounting, but also offers the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the success of each property. By supporting and learning from seasoned professionals, you'll be at the heart of dynamic projects, tackling challenges, celebrating achievements, and developing your expertise within a thriving team environment. Every day brings new opportunities to make a real difference for our clients and enhance your professional growth.

Communication Lines

• Head of Client Accounting
• Company Secretary
• Administration Manager
• Support team colleagues
• Surveyors
• Directors
• Senior Leadership Team
• Clients/Customers

Key Objectives

• Ensure accurate production and maintenance of client reports.
• Ad hoc billing.
• Assist the Senior Client Accountant with daily responsibilities.

Key Accountabilities

• Assist in the timely and accurate client accounting, rent, service and insurance charges to tenants.
• Help in preparing the Monthly/Quarterly transfer of rental income as per the PMA.
• Assist in the preparation of the Quarterly/Monthly VAT reports.
• Assist in the preparation of the Quarterly/Monthly reporting to clients as agreed in the PMA.
• Help in the calculating and compilation of client statements and other reports as requested by clients.
• Work within the team and develop excellent working relationships with the Client Accounts team and other teams in Accounts.
• Ensure there are no backlog of work and report to line manager if there are any problems.
• Liaise with relevant surveyors, Centre Managers, Facility Managers and build relationships with those involved in your relevant portfolio of properties.
• Work with the team to answer questions with external auditors.

Essential Skills and Experience

• Excellent organisational skills.
• Excellent Customer Service.
• Excellent time management, able to meet tight deadlines and respond in a timely manner.
• Analytical skills and thorough attention to detail.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills able to effectively communicate at all levels.
• Excellent IT skills, in particular Microsoft Outlook, Word and Excel.
• Excellent report writing skills.

Personal Attributes

• Enthusiastic, determined, and passionate.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Self‑motivated and a can‑do attitude.
• Patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations.
• The ability to listen.

Why Join APP?

This role offers much more than the typical responsibilities of a client account assistant; it provides an exceptional opportunity to contribute to the development and success of a diverse portfolio of client accounts. You will be trusted with supporting strategic planning, encouraging team growth, promoting sustainable business practices, and upholding the highest standards of service across all accounts. If you are ready to take initiative, support your colleagues, and help create exceptional client experiences, we invite you to get in touch.

Competitive Package

• Growth and Development: We offer extensive opportunities and support for personal and professional development including sponsorship for professional qualifications.
• Financial: Employer Pension contribution 3%, life assurance 2× basic salary, group income protection (long term disability insurance), interest‑free season ticket loan, bonus scheme, financial and mortgage advice through AP rewards.
• Health & Leisure: 23 days annual leave (increasing to 25 after 2 years’ service) + public holidays and 3 additional wellbeing days, wellbeing support, mental health support, 2 volunteering days per year, cycle to work scheme, eye care voucher, AP Rewards offering 100's of discounts for everyday needs. Employee Assistance Programme, Help@Hand, a collaborative company culture and social events.

As a Disability Confident Employer, we are committed to making reasonable adjustments to the recruitment process and to all disabled candidates (as defined by the Equality Act 2010) who satisfy the minimum criteria for the role will be guaranteed an interview. If this is required, please contact us. Applications from candidates irrespective of their background, gender, race, sexual orientation, religion or age are welcomed, providing the required criteria is met.