Senior Accounts Assistant in Swindon

Location: Swindon (Office‑based)

Hours: Full‑time, hours per week

Reports to: Finance Director

Are you a motivated, detail‑driven Accounts professional looking to take the next step in your career? We are seeking a Senior Accounts Assistant to join a busy and supportive Finance team, playing a key role in ensuring the accuracy and efficiency of core accounting operations. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys ownership, thrives on problem‑solving, and takes pride in maintaining high‑quality financial processes that support colleagues, customers, and partners.

About the Role

As Senior Accounts Assistant, you will be responsible for maintaining accurate accounting records, ensuring timely supplier payments, and managing the collection of outstanding balances. You will oversee key cashbook, ledger, and reconciliation duties, support month‑end processes, and supervise a junior member of the team. You will also take the lead on preparing and submitting quarterly VAT returns and ensuring compliance with HMRC deadlines. Collaboration across departments is vital, and you will play a central role in keeping financial workflows running smoothly.

Key Responsibilities

• Cashbook & Reconciliation
  • Process all cashbook transactions and complete weekly bank reconciliations (GBP & EUR).
  • Reconcile receipts from fleet and other customers.
  • Regularly reconcile vehicle debtor balances, including vehicle funding transactions.
• Vehicle Funding
  • Manage and reconcile debtor balances and overdue debts.
  • Process all vehicle funding receipts and outgoing payments.
• Sales Ledger & Receivables
  • Oversee all sales ledger receipts, including monthly Direct Debits from dealers.
  • Reconcile dealer accounts (parts, warranty, contra items).
  • Issue monthly balance letters to 80+ dealers.
  • Prepare monthly aged debtor reports for senior management.
• Purchase Ledger & Payables
  • Supervise processing of purchase ledger invoices.
  • Support and guide the Payables Assistant.
  • Set up and process BACS, CHAPS, Faster Payments and international payments.
  • Process staff expenses and deductions.
• VAT & Compliance
  • Prepare and submit quarterly VAT returns.
  • Post VAT journals and ensure payments are made on time.
• Month‑End & Team Support
  • Assist in preparing monthly accounts.
  • Lead, coach and develop the Accounts Assistant.
  • Provide support across the finance team during busy periods.

Person Specification

Experience

• Strong experience across cashbook, sales ledger and purchase ledger.
• Proven ability to complete complex reconciliations.
• VAT experience essential.
• Desirable: Experience within the automotive industry and familiarity with Kerridge systems.

Education

• Minimum 5 GCSEs grade C/4 or above (or equivalent).
• AAT qualified or part‑qualified (or qualified by experience).

Skills & Competencies

• Intermediate Excel (including V‑lookups).
• Excellent time management and organisational skills.
• Strong accuracy and attention to detail.
• Confident communicator with experience managing customer/supplier relationships.
• A proactive team player who takes ownership and uses initiative.

Personal Attributes

• Reliable, dependable, honest and trustworthy.
• Supportive and helpful across the wider business.
• Willing to assist others and adapt during busy periods.

Training & Development

• Full in‑house systems training provided.
• External courses available where appropriate.
• Opportunities for ongoing development.

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.