Accounts Assistant

We’re the UK’s largest ports operator with a network of 21 ports around Britain. We handle around one quarter of the UK’s seaborne trade and contribute £7.5 billion to our economy every year. It’s a story we’re proud of but it doesn’t end there. We’re transforming our business and embracing the future. We offer a vast range of roles spanning the UK, all rooted in a culture that welcomes diversity, fosters talent, encourages internal movement and progression, and places safety as our number one priority.

The Role: Accounts Assistant – Port Business Services (PBS)

Purpose
Reporting to the Finance Manager, working alongside part-qualified and qualified accountants, the purpose of the role is to process, with support, accounting transactions within ABP’s Finance Shared Services (FSS) team in Port Business Services (PBS).

Scope
Support and assist in accounting and banking activities across the PBS Management Accounting team within Port Business Services (PBS).

Accountabilities

• Ensure timely and accurate revenue accounting, including verification, within targeted standards and deadlines
• Contribute to the production of timely, relevant, and accurate management and statutory accounts
• Retain all documents for control verification and support internal and external audits
• Process journals, including prepayments, accruals, and intercompany transactions
• Assist with month-end close activities such as revenue recognition, cost allocation, capex, FX revaluation, ensuring quality results within deadlines
• Prepare cash forecasts and monitor cash inflows and outflows, coordinating with the Treasury team
• Process manual payments via online banking and record transactions promptly
• Perform variance analysis and balance sheet reconciliations, maintaining clear audit trails
• Participate in statutory accounting and prepare tax and other reports
• Maintain accurate records and supporting documentation for transactions
• Conduct routine analysis, reporting, and GL maintenance
• Undertake other ad hoc tasks as required

Additional Responsibilities

• Manage and monitor service delivery
• Contribute to KPI preparation to monitor and improve team performance
• Review revenue, costs, and capital expenditure against budgets and plans
• Build relationships across teams to identify process improvements
• Proactively suggest ideas to enhance process efficiency and controls

About You
You will be a team player, eager to learn, self-managing, proactive, and detail-oriented, capable of working independently and in a continuous improvement environment.

Experience/Qualifications

• Studying AAT or in a first role related to Management Accounting
• Degree or equivalent qualification
• GCSE Maths and English (A*-C)
• Proficient in Microsoft Office
• Strong relationship-building skills
• Analytical and problem-solving skills

Competencies

• Strong numerical, communication, and attention to detail skills
• Integrity and openness to challenge
• Professional work approach
• Team-oriented attitude

Ideal Qualifications

• Experience in a shared service centre
• Understanding of end-to-end finance processes
• SAP experience
• Knowledge of Ports Industry

Additional Information
We offer a welcoming and challenging environment with competitive benefits including a remuneration package, pension, private health insurance, and more. Pre-employment screening and a medical assessment are required. We are committed to diversity and inclusion and welcome applications from all backgrounds. Successful candidates will undergo security vetting as part of the recruitment process.