At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the finance team with accurate records and timely reporting.
- Company: Join Hannon Transport, a leader in innovation and sustainability.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and great company perks.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for growth in a fast-paced environment.
- Why this job: Make an immediate impact while gaining valuable finance experience.
- Qualifications: 3+ years in finance, strong attention to detail, and Excel skills.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 40000 £ per year.
The Assistant Accountant supports the Finance team in maintaining accurate financial records, producing timely management information, and ensuring compliance with internal controls and statutory requirements. The role contributes to month-end reporting, balance sheet integrity, and day-to-day transactional finance activity while working closely with the wider Finance team and operational stakeholders. Due to the temporary nature of this position, we are looking for an experienced and proactive individual who can hit the ground running and make an immediate impact at Hannon. The successful candidate will be expected to work with a high degree of autonomy and provide continuity across key finance activities throughout the approximately 12-month maternity cover period.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Assist in the preparation of monthly management accounts
- Prepare monthly accruals and prepayments
- Support Trial Balance reconciliations and journal postings
- Assist with month-end close processes to ensure deadlines are achieved
- Process sales and purchase invoices as required
- Complete supplier payments in line with company controls
- Perform bank reconciliations, expenses processing, and credit card postings
- Ensure financial transactions are accurately recorded in the accounting system
- Maintain balance sheet reconciliations, including intercompany accounts
- Investigate and resolve discrepancies promptly
- Ensure supporting documentation is complete and audit-ready
- Prepare VAT, Intrastat, EC Sales Lists, and other statutory or statistical returns
- Ensure compliance with Revenue requirements and financial regulations
- Support tax reconciliations and reporting as required
- Support preparation of year-end statutory accounts
- Assist with audit requirements, including provision of schedules and ad-hoc analysis
- Respond to audit queries in a timely and professional manner
- Undertake other ad-hoc finance duties as required
- Support continuous improvement within the finance function
- Collaborate with internal departments to ensure financial accuracy and control
- Take ownership of assigned finance activities and ensure these are completed accurately and within required deadlines
Knowledge, skills and experience required
- Minimum of 3 years' relevant experience in a finance role
- Experience in management accounts, reconciliations and month-end processes
- Excellent attention to detail with strong numerical skills
- Strong verbal and written communication skills
- Ability to manage multiple tasks and competing deadlines
- Team-focused with a flexible and proactive approach
- Strong Excel skills and confidence using finance systems
- Ability to work independently, take ownership of responsibilities and contribute effectively with minimal supervision
- Ability to quickly understand new processes, systems and business requirements
Desirable
- Experience in a high-volume finance department
- Experience in a multi-company, multi-currency environment
- Knowledge of UK and Irish VAT
- Working knowledge of Sage or similar ERP accounting systems
- Experience working within a transport, logistics or similar operational environment
Personal Attributes
- Highly organised and methodical
- Reliable, professional, and accountable
- Analytical with a problem-solving mindset
- Proactive and able to quickly establish themselves within a new environment
- Collaborative and supportive team player
- Adaptable and comfortable in a fast-paced environment
- Confident taking ownership and working with a high degree of autonomy
Why join Hannon Transport
- Join a company focused on innovation, sustainability and growth
- Professional development and training opportunities
- A competitive salary and company benefits are available for the right candidate
Note: This description is intended to be a guide of what duties are most likely to be but should not be taken as a definitive list. Hannon may adapt duties as deemed necessary.
Assistant Accountant – Maternity Cover employer: HANNON Transport
Hannon Transport is an exceptional employer that prioritises innovation, sustainability, and employee growth. Located in Aghalee, we offer a supportive work culture with professional development opportunities, competitive salaries, and a collaborative environment where you can make a meaningful impact during your tenure as an Assistant Accountant. Join us to be part of a dynamic team that values your contributions and fosters your career advancement.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Accountant – Maternity Cover
✨Join Financial Networking Events
Jump into local finance meetups and conferences — they’re a goldmine for temporary roles in banking and financial services. You can chat with industry professionals and even get leads on upcoming opportunities that might not be posted online yet.
✨Utilise Temp Agencies Specialised in Finance
Reach out to temp agencies that focus on the banking sector. They often have strong ties with various firms and can help you secure short-term gigs that can help beef up your CV and get your foot in the door at firms like HANNON Transport.
✨Connect with Alumni from Your Uni
Don't underestimate the power of your university’s alumni network. Many former students are working in banking and can help you find temporary roles or even offer mentorship. Reach out directly or attend alumni events to broaden your circle.
✨Stay Active on Job Boards and Company Websites
Keep your eyes peeled on job boards specifically for finance roles. Companies like HANNON Transport might post temporary positions directly on their sites, so make sure to apply there too. Set alerts to catch those roles the moment they go live!
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Accountant – Maternity Cover
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Academic Achievements:In banking and financial services, your academic record can really make you stand out. List relevant grades, certifications, or coursework on your CV, especially if you've taken finance-related modules. This is particularly important for a temporary role where qualifications can help you shine even brighter!
Highlight Relevant Experience:If you’ve done any internships, part-time roles, or even coursework that aligns with banking or finance, make sure you include those! Showcase specific tasks where you used quantitative skills or analytical thinking, as this is what the hiring managers at HANNON Transport will be keen to see in your application.
Tailor Your Cover Letter Purposefully:When writing your cover letter, focus on why you’re interested in a temporary position at HANNON Transport. Let them know how you can quickly adapt to the team's needs and how eager you are to learn the ropes of the banking sector during this short stint. Your motivation and enthusiasm could really set you apart!
Be Prepared with References:For temporary roles, references can play a crucial role in your application. Make sure you’ve got a couple of references lined up who can vouch for your skills and work ethic. This helps to give HANNON Transport confidence in your short-term commitment to the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at HANNON Transport
✨Brush Up on Financial Regulations
Since this is a role in banking and financial services, be ready to discuss key regulations like MiFID, Basel III, or GDPR. These are hot topics, and your awareness of how they impact daily operations can give you a significant edge during your interview with HANNON Transport.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Prepare for interview questions that assess your analytical abilities. You might need to tackle hypothetical scenarios involving risk assessment or financial forecasting. Bringing examples of relevant projects or coursework can emphasise your practical understanding of these concepts.
✨Highlight Flexibility and Adaptability
For a temporary role, showing that you can quickly pick up new processes and tools is crucial. Be ready to discuss previous experiences where you had to adapt to changing requirements or tight deadlines, as this will reassure HANNON Transport that you’re a reliable team player.
✨Demonstrate a Willingness to Learn
In a temporary position, leaning into your eagerness to learn can really set you apart. Be prepared to share how you’re staying updated on industry trends or any additional training you've pursued. Employers appreciate candidates who are proactive about their development—even for short-term roles.