Accounts Assistant in Essex, Fordham

Accounts Assistant  Salary: £30,000–£34,000 per annum Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30am–5:00pm (30-minute lunch break) Job Type: Full-time, Permanent This is a varied, hands-on accounts role suited to someone with previous bookkeeping or accounts experience who enjoys taking responsibility for day-to-day financial processes and keeping accurate records. You will support the smooth running of the accounts function, working across sales ledger, purchase ledger, bank reconciliations, credit control and general bookkeeping. As the business continues to grow, there will also be the opportunity for the role to develop into an Accounts Manager position. Key Responsibilities Processing supplier invoices, reconciling statements and preparing supplier payments. Managing the sales ledger, raising sales invoices, allocating payments and processing credit notes. Carrying out bank reconciliations and investigating discrepancies. Monitoring outstanding balances, chasing overdue payments and resolving account queries. Maintaining accurate bookkeeping records and processing day-to-day financial transactions. Assisting with VAT returns, month-end procedures and financial reporting. Processing expenses, refunds and other business payments. Handling accounts-related enquiries and liaising with customers, suppliers and schools. Providing general accounts and administrative support to the wider team.Skills and Experience Previous experience in an accounts assistant, accounts administrator, bookkeeper or similar role. Good working knowledge of sales ledger, purchase ledger and bank reconciliations. Experience with accounting software; Sage 200 would be advantageous but is not essential. Confident using Microsoft Excel and other standard office software. Strong attention to detail, organisation and numerical accuracy. Able to manage your own workload, work independently and meet deadlines. A reliable, flexible approach, particularly during busy seasonal periods. AAT qualification or equivalent training would be an advantage but is not essential.Essential requirement: A full UK driving licence and access to your own vehicle due to the location. What’s on Offer? Competitve Salary of £32,000–£34,000, depending on experience. Full-time, permanent position. Four-week summer shutdown, from the end of July to the end of August. Two-week Christmas shutdown, in addition to bank holidays. Two additional days off around the Easter bank holidays. The opportunity to take on greater responsibility and progress towards an Accounts Manager role as the business grows.If you have experience in accounts, bookkeeping or general finance administration and are looking for a varied role with long-term development potential, we would love to hear from you. Apply today with your CV, and Bright Hire Recruitment will be in touch