Assistant Accountant in Basingstoke

Assistant Accountant in Basingstoke

Basingstoke Full-Time 25000 - 32000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
Bowen Eldridge Recruitment

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support day-to-day finances and help transform the charity's financial processes.
  • Company: Respected local charity making a real difference in the community.
  • Benefits: Hybrid working, 25 days annual leave, pension scheme, and career progression.
  • Other info: Opportunity to progress to Head of Finance within two to three years.
  • Why this job: Join a mission-driven team and grow your finance career with clear advancement opportunities.
  • Qualifications: Experience in accounting, knowledge of software like Xero or QuickBooks, and strong Excel skills.

The predicted salary is between 25000 - 32000 £ per year.

A respected local charity is embarking on a period of transformation and is now recruiting for an Assistant Accountant on a permanent basis. The organisation provides a range of crucial services to the local community and has developed various income streams to support these.

The Assistant Accountant will report to the Head of Finance and support the smooth, accurate, and timely running of the charity's day-to-day finances. The initial focus will be on the day-to-day processes and will evolve over time to encompass financial reporting and transformation.

Assistant Accountant duties:
  • Maintain the purchase ledger: process supplier invoices, obtain authorisation, prepare payment runs, and resolve supplier queries.
  • Maintain the sales ledger: raise invoices, allocate receipts, and monitor and chase outstanding debtors.
  • Post and code income and expenditure accurately to the correct nominal, fund, and project (cost centre) codes.
  • Process staff and volunteer expense claims and petty cash, ensuring receipts and authorisation are in order.
  • Complete monthly bank reconciliations across the charity's bank accounts.
  • Reconcile control accounts, including debtors, creditors, payroll, and intercompany/subsidiary balances.
  • Support the delivery of the charity's finance transformation, helping move to more robust, efficient, and automated systems and processes.
  • Assist in preparing monthly management accounts, including accruals, prepayments, and journals.
  • Help maintain the fixed asset register and calculate depreciation.
  • Produce financial reports and analysis for budget holders, project managers, and trustees as requested.
Assistant Accountant person specification:
  • Demonstrable experience in an Accounting or Finance focused role with an understanding of fundamental accounting principles.
  • Experience of working with an Accounting software system such as Xero, Sage, or QuickBooks.
  • Strong ability with Microsoft Excel.
  • Ambitious to take on more duties and responsibilities.
  • Able to identify process improvement and see through any changes.
  • Ideally with a background in AAT or ACCA.

An opportunity to join an organisation as an Assistant Accountant with a clear progression plan to becoming Head of Finance within two or three years. In addition to the salary, there is hybrid working, 25 days annual leave, a pension scheme, and additional benefits.

If this role is not quite right for you but you know someone suitable, be sure to use our £500 Candidate Referral Scheme.

Bowen Eldridge Recruitment is acting as a Finance Recruitment Agency.

Assistant Accountant in Basingstoke employer: Bowen Eldridge Recruitment

Join a respected local charity that is dedicated to transforming the community through essential services. As an Assistant Accountant, you will benefit from a supportive work culture that prioritises employee growth, offering a clear progression path to Head of Finance within a few years. Enjoy hybrid working, generous annual leave, and a pension scheme, all while contributing to meaningful change in your local area.

Bowen Eldridge Recruitment

Contact Details:

Bowen Eldridge Recruitment Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Assistant Accountant in Basingstoke

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance sector, especially those who might know about opportunities at charities. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to job openings that aren't even advertised.

Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your accounting knowledge and the specific software mentioned in the job description, like Xero or Sage. We want you to feel confident and ready to impress!

Tip Number 3

Show your passion for the charity sector! Research the organisation and be ready to discuss how your skills can help them achieve their mission. This will set you apart from other candidates.

Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing enthusiastic candidates who are keen to join our community.

We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Accountant in Basingstoke

Purchase Ledger Management
Sales Ledger Management
Invoice Processing
Bank Reconciliation
Control Account Reconciliation
Expense Claims Processing
Financial Reporting

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experience mentioned in the job description. Highlight your accounting experience, especially with software like Xero or Sage, and any relevant qualifications like AAT or ACCA.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about working for a charity and how your skills can help them during their transformation. Keep it concise but impactful!

Showcase Your Excel Skills:Since strong Excel skills are a must, consider mentioning specific functions or projects where you've used Excel effectively. This will show us that you’re not just familiar with it, but that you can really leverage it in your work.

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our team!

How to prepare for a job interview at Bowen Eldridge Recruitment

Know Your Numbers

Brush up on your accounting principles and be ready to discuss them. Familiarise yourself with the charity's financial processes, as well as any specific software they use like Xero or Sage. This shows you’re not just a numbers person but also genuinely interested in their operations.

Showcase Your Experience

Prepare examples from your past roles that highlight your experience with purchase and sales ledgers, bank reconciliations, and financial reporting. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and make them impactful.

Ask Insightful Questions

Think of questions that demonstrate your interest in the charity’s mission and how finance plays a role in it. Ask about their current financial systems and any upcoming projects that might require your input. This shows you’re forward-thinking and eager to contribute.

Emphasise Process Improvement

Be prepared to discuss how you've identified and implemented process improvements in previous roles. Highlight your ambition to take on more responsibilities and how you can help the charity transition to more efficient systems. This aligns perfectly with their focus on transformation.