At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage financial operations in a dynamic construction environment and ensure accuracy.
- Company: Join a well-established Electrical & Mechanical contractor with exciting growth opportunities.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career progression, and exposure to high-value projects.
- Why this job: Be part of a growing team and make a real impact in the construction industry.
- Qualifications: Experience in bookkeeping, especially within the Construction sector, and Sage Intacct knowledge.
- Other info: Stable role with potential for long-term career development.
Location: Colchester, Essex (Office-based with some flexibility)
Start Date: March 2026
Contract: Full-time, permanent
Salary: £50K-£60K dependant upon EU experience
The Business
Our client is a well-established Electrical & Mechanical (M&E) contractor with an annual turnover of approximately £30m and a strong order book across major UK projects. The business is currently undergoing significant growth and expansion, creating an exciting opportunity for an experienced Bookkeeper to join the finance team and play a key role in supporting the next phase of development.
The Role
This is a hands-on Bookkeeper position within a busy construction environment. The successful candidate will support day-to-day financial operations across multiple projects, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and robust financial controls.
You will work closely with senior finance stakeholders and operational teams, handling CIS, payroll support, purchase ledger, and sales ledger functions. Sage Intacct experience is essential.
Key Responsibilities
- Full responsibility for purchase ledger and sales ledger activities
- Processing high volumes of supplier and subcontractor invoices
- Managing Construction Industry Scheme (CIS) processes:
- Subcontractor verification
- CIS deductions and monthly CIS returns
Essential Requirements (Must-Haves)
- Proven experience as a Bookkeeper within the Construction or M&E sector
- Strong working knowledge of CIS (Construction Industry Scheme)
- Payroll experience
- Solid experience with purchase ledger and sales ledger
- Hands-on experience with Sage Intacct (essential)
- Ability to operate effectively in a high-volume, fast-growing environment
- Excellent attention to detail and organisational skills
Desirable Experience
- Experience working across multiple EU companies and/or EU jurisdictions
- Exposure to multi-currency or intercompany accounting
- Experience supporting group structures or rapid business growth
- Knowledge of international VAT or cross-border reporting
What’s on Offer
- Opportunity to join a £30m+ turnover contractor during a major growth phase
- Long-term, stable role with genuine career progression potential
- Competitive salary and benefits package
- Exposure to complex, high-value construction projects
Bookkeeper in Colchester employer: Clements Young
Contact Detail:
Clements Young Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Bookkeeper in Colchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the construction and finance sectors. Attend industry events or join relevant online groups. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Understand their financial operations and be ready to discuss how your experience with CIS and Sage Intacct can add value. Show them you’re not just another candidate!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be clear about your experience in bookkeeping, especially in the M&E sector. Highlight your attention to detail and ability to handle high volumes of work. Confidence is key!
✨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 take that extra step to connect with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Bookkeeper in Colchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Bookkeeper role. Highlight your experience with CIS, payroll, and Sage Intacct. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for our team. Share specific examples of your past work in the construction sector that relate to the job description.
Showcase Your Attention to Detail: As a Bookkeeper, attention to detail is key. In your application, make sure to demonstrate this skill. Whether it's through your CV formatting or the accuracy of your information, we want to see you care about the details!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Clements Young
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Bookkeeper, you'll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics and be ready to discuss how you've managed purchase and sales ledgers in previous roles. Highlight any experience with Sage Intacct, as this is essential for the position.
✨Understand CIS Inside Out
Since the role involves managing Construction Industry Scheme processes, make sure you know the ins and outs of CIS. Be prepared to explain how you've handled subcontractor verification and CIS deductions in past positions. This will show that you're not just familiar with the process but can manage it effectively.
✨Showcase Your Attention to Detail
In a busy construction environment, accuracy is key. Bring examples of how your attention to detail has helped prevent errors in financial documentation or improved compliance in payroll processing. This will reassure them that you can maintain robust financial controls.
✨Prepare for Growth Discussions
The company is undergoing significant growth, so be ready to discuss how you've supported finance processes during rapid business changes. Share specific examples of how you've adapted to high-volume environments and contributed to successful outcomes in previous roles.