At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a dynamic finance team and support financial control and operations.
- Company: Well-respected public sector organisation in Birmingham city centre.
- Benefits: Generous pension, 25 days leave, flexible working, and ongoing training.
- Other info: Enjoy a supportive environment with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in finance while developing your skills and career.
- Qualifications: Experience in finance, studying towards an accounting qualification, and strong Excel skills.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 32000 £ per year.
Your new company Hays is proud to be supporting a well-established and highly respected public sector organisation in Birmingham city centre in the appointment of an Accounts Assistant to join their finance function.
Your new role The organisation is seeking a detail-oriented and proactive Accounts Assistant to join the company's Finance team on a fixed-term basis until December 2027. This is a varied and hands-on role that plays a key part in supporting financial control, ensuring accuracy in financial records, and contributing to the smooth running of day-to-day finance operations. You will work closely with the Financial Accountant and wider finance team to maintain high standards of financial governance, compliance, and reporting.
Key Responsibilities- Accounts Payable
- Manage the invoices mailbox and supplier queries
- Process purchase invoices accurately and in a timely manner
- Prepare and run weekly BACS payments
- Maintain supplier records and relationships
- Perform monthly payables reconciliations
- Accounts Receivable
- Prepare and issue sales invoices
- Send customer statements and manage credit control processes
- Issue reminders and follow up on outstanding balances
- Maintain customer records and relationships
- Perform monthly receivables reconciliations
- Core Finance & Reporting
- Process bank transactions and complete monthly bank reconciliations
- Prepare month-end journals, including prepayments, accruals, and salary journals
- Support period-end close activities
- Audit employee expense claims to ensure policy compliance
- Assist in the preparation and publication of statutory and transparency returns
- Provide supporting documentation to internal and external auditors
- General Support & Continuous Improvement
- Manage the central finance mailbox, responding promptly to queries
- Investigate and resolve discrepancies in financial data
- Maintain and improve finance processes and documentation
- Support adherence to finance policies and controls
- Contribute to ad hoc tasks as required by the finance team
- Proven experience working in a finance environment, including Accounts Payable and Accounts Receivable
- Strong understanding of core accounting principles, including reconciliations and month-end processes
- Currently studying towards an accounting qualification (e.g. AAT/ACCA/CIMA) or qualified by experience
- Experience using financial systems or ERP platforms (e.g. Oracle Fusion or similar)
- Strong Excel skills with the ability to analyse and present data accurately
- Demonstrated ability to improve processes and solve problems effectively
- Excellent communication skills, with the ability to build strong working relationships
- Generous public sector pension contributions
- 25 days annual leave, plus bank holidays and additional privilege leave
- Flexible hybrid working (typically 2 days in office per week in Birmingham)
- 37-hour week
- Paid professional membership fees
- Up to 3 volunteering days annually
- Discounts on retail, travel, and lifestyle services
- Enhanced parental leave and sick pay
- Ongoing training and career development opportunities
- Health and wellbeing initiatives
- Cycle-to-work scheme and travel loans
If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now. If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career.
Accounts Assistant in Birmingham employer: Hays Accountancy and Finance
Hays is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work environment within a well-established public sector organisation in the heart of Birmingham. Employees benefit from generous public sector pension contributions, flexible hybrid working arrangements, and a strong focus on professional development, ensuring that team members can grow their careers while enjoying a healthy work-life balance. With a commitment to employee wellbeing and a culture that values collaboration and continuous improvement, Hays provides a rewarding workplace for those seeking meaningful employment in finance.
Contact Details:
Hays Accountancy and Finance Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Accounts Assistant in Birmingham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance sector, especially those who might know about opportunities at public sector organisations. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to job openings that aren't even advertised!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of core accounting principles and financial processes. We recommend practising common interview questions related to Accounts Payable and Receivable to show you're ready to hit the ground running.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to showcase your Excel skills! Be ready to discuss how you've used Excel in past roles, especially for reconciliations and data analysis. We love seeing candidates who can present data accurately and efficiently.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for a smoother process! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, you’ll have access to all the latest job openings tailored to your skills and interests.
We think you need these skills to ace Accounts Assistant in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Accounts Assistant role. Highlight your experience in finance, especially in Accounts Payable and Receivable, and showcase any relevant qualifications you're pursuing. We want to see how you fit into our team!
Showcase Your Skills:Don’t forget to emphasise your strong Excel skills and any experience with financial systems like Oracle Fusion. We love seeing candidates who can analyse and present data accurately, so make that shine through in your application!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your cover letter or application, keep it clear and to the point. We appreciate straightforward communication, so make sure to express your interest in the role and how your background aligns with our needs without rambling on.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. It’s super easy, and we’ll be able to review your application quickly. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to join our finance team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hays Accountancy and Finance
✨Know Your Numbers
Brush up on your accounting principles and be ready to discuss them. Make sure you can explain reconciliations, month-end processes, and how you've handled accounts payable and receivable in the past. This shows you're not just familiar with the terms but can apply them practically.
✨Showcase Your Tech Skills
Familiarise yourself with financial systems or ERP platforms like Oracle Fusion. If you've used similar software, be prepared to share specific examples of how you navigated challenges or improved processes using these tools. This will demonstrate your adaptability and tech-savviness.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific situations, like resolving discrepancies in financial data or managing supplier queries. Think of examples from your previous experience where you successfully tackled similar issues, as this will highlight your problem-solving skills.
✨Build Rapport with the Interviewer
Strong communication skills are key in finance roles. Practice active listening and engage with your interviewer by asking insightful questions about the team and their processes. This not only shows your interest but also helps you assess if the company culture is a good fit for you.
