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 30000 - 40000 £ 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.
- 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.
Assistant Accountant in Chester 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.
Contact Details:
Bowen Eldridge Recruitment Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Accountant in Chester
✨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 yet.
✨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 noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Accountant in Chester
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 with their finance 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 keen on 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 you can contribute to their transformation. For instance, ask about their current challenges in finance or how they envision the role evolving over time. This shows you’re forward-thinking and engaged.
✨Be Ready for Process Improvement Discussions
Since the role involves supporting finance transformation, be prepared to discuss any ideas you have for improving processes. Share examples of how you've identified inefficiencies in the past and successfully implemented changes. This will highlight your ambition and problem-solving skills.
