At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist in producing financial reports and support accounting processes.
- Company: Join a diverse team at DS Smith, redefining packaging for a sustainable future.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, study support, 25 days holiday, and health perks.
- Other info: Hybrid work model with opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Gain hands-on experience in finance while working with a supportive team.
- Qualifications: Degree in Accounting or Finance; strong Excel skills preferred.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
About the role
Working alongside a team of experienced finance professionals, you’ll be helping to deliver high-quality accounting and reporting services in line with our service level agreements. You’ll gain a broad understanding of business processes across various sites and work closely with colleagues in the Purchase to Pay and Credit & Collections teams.
Your key responsibilities will include:
- Assisting with the production of monthly management accounts, P&L, and balance sheets
- Preparing timely and accurate financial reports, including variance analysis
- Supporting our Group and Divisional reporting requirements
- Carrying out standard and non-standard journal entries
- Helping with the Annual Planning and Forecasting processes
- Providing ad hoc analysis to support site operations, Finance Business Partners, and Group Finance
- Reconciling general ledger accounts and ensuring financial data integrity
About You
- A degree or qualification in Accounting, Finance, or a related field
- Strong Microsoft Excel skills and general IT proficiency
- Great time management, with the ability to meet deadlines and support the team during busy periods
- A desire to grow and develop your skills, both independently and as part of a team
- Experience in accounting or reporting is beneficial (but not essential)
- Familiarity with SAP or similar ERP systems would be an advantage
What We Offer
- Competitive salary & discretionary bonus
- Study support for professional qualifications
- 25 days holiday + bank holidays
- Pension scheme, life assurance & income protection
- Cycle to work program
- Employee Assistance Programme, Digital GP & Health Checks
- Retail and leisure discounts
Location
Caerphilly - we operate a hybrid model, so you'll spend 3 days a week in the office and 2 at home as standard.
Fair recruitment at DS Smith
To fulfil our purpose of redefining packaging for a changing world, we aim to build a diverse, motivated, and engaged workforce. Our goal is to create a culture of inclusion where everyone is treated fairly, differences are valued, and everyone has an equal opportunity to succeed. Our people come from diverse backgrounds, bring different perspectives, ideas and experiences to generate unique solutions focused on present and future sustainability challenges. We welcome all candidates to apply, even those not meeting all criteria.
Assistant Accountant in Caerphilly employer: DS Smith Europe
At DS Smith, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that fosters professional growth and development. Located in Caerphilly, our hybrid working model allows for a balanced approach to work and life, while our comprehensive benefits package, including study support for professional qualifications and a focus on employee well-being, ensures that you can thrive both personally and professionally. Join us to be part of a diverse team dedicated to redefining packaging for a sustainable future.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Accountant in Caerphilly
✨Get Involved with Campus Finance Societies
Join your university's finance or investment society — they're a goldmine for networking, guest lectures, and career fairs. These societies often host employers looking for entry-level talent like you, so get involved and make yourself known!
✨Attend Industry Workshops and Webinars
Look for workshops and webinars focused on banking and financial services. These events not only boost your knowledge but also let you connect with industry professionals who could help you land that entry-level role at places like DS Smith Europe.
✨Leverage LinkedIn for Informational Interviews
Take advantage of LinkedIn to reach out to professionals working in banking, especially those who've started in entry-level positions. Politely ask for a quick chat about their experience and any advice they might have on breaking into the field.
✨Apply Directly through Company Websites
Don't just rely on job boards. Head directly to DS Smith Europe's careers page and look for their entry-level openings. They might have opportunities that aren’t advertised widely, so keep checking back for new listings!
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Accountant in Caerphilly
Some tips for your application 🫡
Splash Your Skills on Your CV:In the banking and financial services realm, it's all about numbers and analysis. Make sure to highlight any relevant coursework, internships, or projects where you've used skills like financial modelling, data analysis, or risk assessment. Show us you can crunch those numbers!
Educational Achievements Matter:For an entry-level role, your grades and academic accomplishments are key. If you have any certifications, like CFA Level 1 or something similar, don’t forget to include them. We love seeing ambition and commitment to the industry, so flaunt those achievements!
Craft a Personal Touch in Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to show us your enthusiasm for banking and finance! Share why you're passionate about the industry and how your studies or previous experiences have prepared you for this role. We want to see that spark and motivation!
Use the Right Format and Language:In banking, clarity is king. Use a clean, professional format for your CV and cover letter. Make sure to avoid jargon, but don’t shy away from technical terms where appropriate – just keep it all clear and easy to read. Let’s see your professionalism shine through!
How to prepare for a job interview at DS Smith Europe
✨Brush Up on Your Financial Knowledge
Since you're diving into the banking and financial services industry, make sure you're up to speed with current market trends and financial concepts. Be prepared to discuss things like interest rates and investment strategies, as you might get some technical questions that gauge your understanding.
✨Show Off Your Analytical Skills
Analytical skills are key in banking, so be ready to showcase how you've used them in your studies or any relevant projects. Prepare to tackle case studies or hypothetical financial scenarios during the interview that require you to analyse data and make informed decisions.
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
As this is an entry-level role, they’ll likely look for how well you can collaborate and fit into their team. Think of examples from group projects or internships where you successfully worked with others. It'll help show that you're keen to learn and grow in a team-oriented environment.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
Approach your interview with curiosity! Prepare insightful questions that reflect your knowledge of the industry, such as asking about the latest technology being implemented in their services. It shows you're genuinely interested in the company's operations and future.
