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- Tasks: Manage finance processes, oversee cash flow, and ensure compliance with financial regulations.
- Company: Join a dynamic team at a leading finance firm in Preston.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 23 days annual leave, and a company pension.
- Other info: 12-month fixed-term contract with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Take ownership of financial processes and make a real impact in a hands-on role.
- Qualifications: Experience in finance roles and familiarity with Xero accounting software preferred.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 40000 £ per year.
Location: Preston
Salary: £35,000-£40,000
Our client is seeking an experienced and hands-on Senior Accounts Assistant to join their business on a 12-month fixed term contract to provide maternity cover. This is a key role responsible for the end-to-end management of the finance function, combining day-to-day transactional oversight with ownership of cash flow, reporting, and financial controls. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who thrives in a hands-on environment and can take full ownership of financial processes while ensuring accuracy, compliance, and strong governance.
Responsibilities:
- Manage end-to-end sales and purchase ledger processes, including invoice processing, approvals, and postings
- Perform and review reconciliations across multiple bank accounts, credit cards, and e-commerce payment platforms
- Investigate and resolve discrepancies in financial transactions
- Reconcile supplier statements and maintain accurate accounts payable records
- Oversee aged receivables and support credit control procedures, including authorisation of sales orders
- Monitor and manage daily bank balances, deposits, and liquidity requirements
- Forecast foreign currency requirements and coordinate overseas payments
- Manage bulk and ad-hoc payment runs
- Manage trade finance activities
- Produce regular reports on sales performance and overall financial position
- Deliver cash position updates and insights, including monthly reviews with the Managing Director
- Prepare aged stock and receivables reports
- Provide ad-hoc financial analysis and reporting as required
- Ensure compliance with HMRC regulations, including PVA and VAT
- Maintain robust financial controls and governance across all processes
- Act as the primary point of contact for external auditors, supporting audits and information requests
- Manage credit insurance processes
Requirements:
- Previous experience in a Finance Manager or Senior Finance role
- Experience using Xero accounting software (preferred) or similar systems
- Strong cash flow management experience
- Experience working with auditors and external financial stakeholders
- Knowledge of imports, import VAT, and trade finance (preferred)
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
- Hands-on approach, comfortable managing both transactional and strategic finance tasks
- High level of accuracy, attention to detail, and problem-solving skills
Package Details / Benefits:
- 12 month fixed-term contract (maternity cover)
- 23 days annual leave + Bank Holiday – Option to buy or sell 3 days.
- Company Pension
- 0830-1700 Monday to Friday
To Contact Direct: Daniel Barnett, Senior Executive Consultant, 0151 209 2050, daniel.barnett@aspion.co.uk
At Aspion, our core values have been built around the importance of transparency, innovation, passion, and collaboration. As such, we are committed to open communication and the protection of your privacy. We have updated our policies in line with General Data Protection Regulation laws to make it easier for you to understand how we collect, store, and handle your data – these can be viewed on our website.
Senior Accounts Assistant employer: Aspion Search
Contact Detail:
Aspion Search Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Accounts Assistant
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance world, especially those who might know about opportunities at companies you're interested in. A personal recommendation can make all the difference!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of financial processes and tools like Xero. Be ready to discuss your hands-on experience with cash flow management and how you've tackled discrepancies in the past.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your problem-solving skills during interviews. Share specific examples of how you've resolved financial issues or improved processes in previous roles. This will demonstrate your ability to take ownership of financial tasks.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Accounts Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Accounts Assistant role. Highlight your experience with cash flow management, financial controls, and any relevant software like Xero. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this hands-on role. Share specific examples of how you've managed financial processes and resolved discrepancies in the past. We love a good story!
Showcase Your Attention to Detail: In finance, accuracy is key! Make sure your application is free from typos and errors. We appreciate candidates who take the time to double-check their work, so let that attention to detail shine through in your written application.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, you’ll get to see more about our company culture while you’re there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Aspion Search
✨Know Your Numbers
Make sure you brush up on your financial knowledge, especially around cash flow management and reconciliations. Be ready to discuss specific examples from your past roles where you've successfully managed these processes.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Xero
If you have experience with Xero or similar accounting software, be prepared to talk about it. Highlight any specific features you’ve used and how they helped streamline your work. If you haven’t used Xero, do a bit of research to understand its functionalities.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle discrepancies in financial transactions or manage aged receivables. Think of real-life scenarios where you’ve tackled similar issues and be ready to share your thought process.
✨Show Your Hands-On Approach
This role requires a hands-on attitude, so be sure to convey your willingness to dive into both transactional and strategic tasks. Share examples of how you’ve taken ownership of financial processes and ensured compliance in your previous positions.