At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our friendly Accounts team and manage day-to-day finance and reconciliations.
- Company: CPJ Field & Company, a long-established family-owned funeral business in the UK.
- Benefits: Enjoy annual gatherings, long-service awards, and gifts for birthdays and Christmas.
- Other info: Dynamic role based in Burgess Hill with opportunities for growth.
- Why this job: Broaden your finance experience across a multi-entity group while making a difference.
- Qualifications: Studying towards AAT, ACCA or CIMA, with solid reconciliation experience.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
CPJ Field & Company is an independent, family-owned funeral company and one of the UK’s longest-established family-owned businesses, caring for bereaved families across the South East with warmth and professionalism. Alongside our funeral homes, the group includes two subsidiaries whose accounts this role also looks after. It’s a genuinely varied opportunity for someone who enjoys a busy, hands-on finance role across the group.
About the role:
Reporting to the Management Accountant, you’ll be a key member of our friendly Accounts team at the Regional Support Centre in Burgess Hill. This is a varied, reconciliation-focused role supporting the day-to-day finance of CPJ Field and the management accounts of our two subsidiaries. It’s a great opportunity for someone who wants to broaden their experience across a multi-entity group and grow with the business.
Key responsibilities
- Day-to-day finance and reconciliations (CPJ Field):
- Reconcile the operating account each month.
- Administer the Equals expense cards — process the monthly expense journal, top up and order cards as the business requires, and reconcile card activity.
- Raise cheques, BACS payments and debit-card refunds as requested, through the weekly payment run.
- Reconcile receipts — update EFD daily with BACS transfers and reconcile weekly.
- Chase branches for funeral deposits and ensure timely invoicing, weekly by email.
- Support credit control — produce aged debtor reports and issue final notices to clients once instructed by the funeral home (shared with the Management Accountant).
- Reconcile the Fees account each month.
- Complete the monthly Worldpay and Barclaycard reconciliations.
- Prepare and process the monthly recurring journals and assist with the production of the management accounts.
- Complete balance sheet reconciliations.
- Provide support to all the branches on EFD, our in-house funeral software system.
- Produce the monthly management accounts in Xero, for review by the Management Accountant.
- Pay suppliers, raise sales invoices, and reconcile accruals and prepayment schedules.
- Prepare the quarterly VAT returns.
- Complete the intercompany reconciliation with CPJ Field.
What we’re looking for:
- Studying towards AAT, ACCA or CIMA, qualified by experience (QBE), or part-qualified.
- Solid experience of reconciliations — bank, card and balance sheet.
- Confident using Xero (our subsidiary accounts are run in Xero).
- Strong attention to detail and a methodical, well-organised approach.
- Able to manage a varied workload and meet weekly and monthly deadlines.
- A clear communicator, comfortable liaising with branches by phone and email.
- Exposure to VAT returns and intercompany reconciliations.
- Credit control experience.
What we offer:
- Annual company gatherings and social events.
- Long-service awards, and a gift at Christmas and on your birthday.
- The chance to develop your experience across a multi-entity group.
Where: The role will be based at our Regional Support Centre in Burgess Hill. Those who work at Rampion House do not have daily contact with clients or the normal business of funeral service provision.
Accounts Assistant in Burgess Hill employer: CPJ Field
CPJ Field & Company is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and friendly work environment at our Regional Support Centre in Burgess Hill. We prioritise employee growth through varied finance roles across our multi-entity group, alongside annual gatherings and long-service awards that foster a strong sense of community. Join us to make a meaningful impact while developing your skills in a family-owned business that values warmth and professionalism.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Accounts Assistant in Burgess Hill
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
✨Get Certified
Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.
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Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like CPJ Field. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Accounts Assistant in Burgess Hill
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to CPJ Field.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on CPJ Field's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at CPJ Field
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with CPJ Field.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at CPJ Field will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former CPJ Field employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.