Accounts Assistant (Maternity Cover – 9–12 Months) in Cardiff

We are seeking a proactive and detail‑oriented Accounts Assistant to join our finance team on a fixed‑term maternity cover contract for 9–12 months. This full‑time, UK‑based role will support day‑to‑day accounting operations, month‑end activities and transactional finance tasks, ensuring accurate financial records and timely processing. The successful candidate will work closely with the finance manager and wider business to maintain compliance with company policies and support smooth financial operations during the contract period.

Key Responsibilities

• Accounts payable & receivable – process supplier invoices, credit notes and expense claims; match purchase orders and delivery documentation where required; prepare and post customer invoices and statements, and follow up on debtor queries.
• Banking & reconciliations – perform daily bank reconciliations, prepare bank deposits and support electronic payment runs; reconcile supplier and customer accounts and investigate discrepancies.
• Month‑end support – assist with monthly close tasks including journal postings, accruals, prepayments and account reconciliations to support timely and accurate financial reporting.
• Payroll & expenses – support payroll administration and processing of employee expenses in line with company policy, ensuring appropriate approvals and documentation are retained.
• Credit control – support credit control activities by contacting customers about overdue balances, setting up payment plans where appropriate and escalating issues to senior finance staff.
• Data entry & record keeping – maintain accurate and up‑to‑date financial records in the accounting system; ensure all source documents are filed and stored in accordance with company procedures.
• Supplier & customer liaison – respond to routine supplier and customer enquiries, resolve transactional queries and liaise with procurement and sales teams as required.
• Process improvement – identify opportunities to streamline transactional processes, improve controls and contribute to the development of finance procedures.
• Ad‑hoc support – provide administrative and finance assistance for audits, tax returns and other finance projects during the maternity cover period.

Candidate Requirements

• Experience – minimum 1–2 years' experience in a transactional finance or accounts assistant role, ideally within a small‑to‑medium sized organisation or finance shared service.
• Education – AAT qualification or equivalent GCSEs/A-levels with relevant bookkeeping experience; part‑qualified accounting technicians are welcome to apply.
• Technical skills – proficient in Microsoft Excel and familiar with accounting software/ERP systems; quick to learn new systems and processes.
• Numeracy & attention to detail – strong numerical skills with high attention to accuracy when entering and checking financial data.
• Communication – effective written and verbal communication skills, able to interact professionally with suppliers, customers and internal stakeholders.
• Organisational skills – able to prioritise workload, meet deadlines and manage multiple tasks in a busy environment.
• Teamworking – collaborative approach with the ability to support the finance team and work closely with other departments.
• Professional conduct – demonstrates integrity, confidentiality and commitment to compliance with financial controls and company policies.
• Desirable – experience with payroll processing, credit control or exposure to statutory reporting and VAT filing is advantageous.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary aligned to experience and the fixed‑term nature of the role.
• Supportive team – join a collaborative finance function with clear supervision and handover arrangements for the maternity cover period.
• Training & development – opportunities to develop technical skills and experience across transactional and month‑end activities.
• Flexible working – consideration of hybrid working arrangements where operationally appropriate.

Application

To apply, please submit an updated CV outlining relevant experience, qualifications and your availability for the 9–12 month fixed‑term contract. Applications are welcomed from all suitably qualified candidates and will be considered without discrimination.