ASSISTANT ACCOUNTANT in London

A growing and diverse group of businesses is looking to appoint an Assistant Accountant to join its established internal finance team.

The organisation operates across a number of complementary business areas and continues to grow, providing an excellent opportunity for someone looking to develop their career within a varied and commercially focused finance environment.

The Assistant Accountant will support the delivery of accurate and timely financial information across the group, with involvement in month-end reporting, management accounts, budgeting, forecasting, VAT and year-end processes.

This is a hands-on and varied role offering exposure to multiple group companies and the opportunity to work closely with both finance and non-finance colleagues.

Key Responsibilities

Month End & Management Accounts

• Support the month-end close process and prepare journals for accruals, prepayments and other accounting adjustments.
• Complete monthly intercompany reconciliations and post journals across group entities.
• Review trade debtor and creditor balances, identifying overdue items and issues requiring follow-up.
• Support the preparation of quarterly management accounts.
• Prepare and maintain balance sheet reconciliations and assist with financial analysis.
• Provide accurate and timely financial information to support management decision-making.

Budgeting & Forecasting

• Assist with the preparation of budgets, forecasts and wider business planning.
• Monitor expenditure against agreed budgets and highlight significant variances.
• Work with budget holders to provide regular updates and financial information.
• Assist with the ongoing review and improvement of financial performance.

Year End, Compliance & Controls

• Prepare year-end working papers and supporting schedules for external accountants.
• Prepare and submit VAT returns.
• Assist with wider statutory and financial compliance requirements.
• Maintain effective financial controls and contribute to improving finance processes and procedures.
• Review financial information entered into the accounting system by junior members of the team, ensuring accuracy and completeness.
• Identify opportunities to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the finance function.

About the Candidate

The successful candidate is likely to have approximately 2–3 years' experience within an accounting or finance environment and will be keen to continue developing their technical and commercial skills.

They will ideally be studying towards AAT, ACCA or CIMA

The role would suit someone who enjoys a varied, hands-on position and is comfortable working across a number of different businesses and finance processes.

Experience & Qualifications

• Approximately 2–3 years' experience in an accounting or finance role.
• Studying towards AAT, ACCA or CIMA, or intending to commence a professional qualification.
• Experience of preparing management or statutory accounts.
• Experience preparing VAT returns.
• Good understanding of core accounting principles, including journals, accruals and prepayments.
• Experience using Xero or a similar cloud-based accounting system.
• Good Excel skills and confidence working with financial data.
• Experience of working with multiple entities or companies would be advantageous.

Skills & Personal Qualities

• Excellent attention to detail and a high level of accuracy.
• Strong organisational and time-management skills.
• Ability to prioritise workloads and meet deadlines.
• Confident communicator who can explain financial information clearly to non-finance colleagues.
• Proactive and positive approach.
• Keen to learn and develop within a growing organisation.
• Comfortable working independently while also being a supportive member of a wider finance team.