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- Tasks: Manage purchase ledger and payroll for a friendly manufacturing team.
- Company: Growing manufacturing SME in Chard, Somerset with a supportive culture.
- Benefits: 25 days holiday, pension, free parking, and social events.
- Other info: Flexible hours and excellent career growth opportunities await you!
- Why this job: Join a small team and develop your accounts skills in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Accounts experience, especially in payroll, is essential; Sage knowledge is a plus.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 36000 £ per year.
My client is a well‑established, growing manufacturing business based in Chard, Somerset, supplying customers across the UK and internationally. With around 60 employees, they offer a friendly, supportive working environment and are looking for an Accounts Assistant to join their small finance team. This is an excellent opportunity for someone with accounts experience who is keen to develop their skills in a busy SME environment, with a particular focus on payroll.
Role responsibilities
- Purchase Ledger
- Process purchase orders on Progress Plus
- Match purchase invoices to purchase orders on Progress Plus
- Transfer data to the accounts package (currently Sage Line 50)
- Maintain the purchase ledger and supplier records
- Build and maintain good relationships with suppliers
- Deal with supplier queries promptly and professionally
- Process weekly payroll for c.50 employees (shared responsibility within the team)
- Ensure accurate input of hours, pay rates and deductions
- Apply UK payroll rules including SSP and statutory leave entitlements (e.g. paternity pay)
- Maintain payroll records and support with payroll‑related queries
Person profile
- Some accounts experience at assistant level (purchase ledger or similar)
- Payroll experience essential - ideally weekly payroll and exposure to statutory payments
- Experience in an SME environment desirable
- Experience with Sage Line 50 and/or Sage Payroll is an advantage, but not essential
- Comfortable learning new accounts/payroll software
- Pro‑active, adaptable and willing to learn
- Strong team player (office finance team of three)
- Flexible about sharing payroll responsibilities and coordinating holidays to ensure cover
The role
- Hours: 39 per week
- Monday‑Thursday: 8:00am - 5:00pm
- Friday: 8:00am - 1:00pm
- Office‑based in Chard, Somerset
- The company operates periodic manufacturing shutdowns during the year
Benefits
- 25 days' holiday plus bank holidays
- Pension
- Free on‑site parking
- Social events
- Salary competitive and dependent on experience
The client is particularly keen on a candidate with solid payroll experience (the most technical aspect of the role); purchase ledger is viewed as more easily trainable for the right person.
Accounts Assistant - Purchase Ledger & Payroll employer: HR GO Recruitment
Contact Detail:
HR GO Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Accounts Assistant - Purchase Ledger & Payroll
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company before your interview! Research their values, culture, and recent news. This will help us tailor our answers and show genuine interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice common interview questions related to accounts and payroll. We can even role-play with a friend or family member to boost our confidence and refine our responses.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare some questions to ask the interviewer about the team and the company. This shows that we’re engaged and eager to learn more about how we can fit into their finance team.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after the interview! A quick thank-you email can leave a lasting impression and remind them of our enthusiasm for the Accounts Assistant position.
We think you need these skills to ace Accounts Assistant - Purchase Ledger & Payroll
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your accounts experience, especially in payroll and purchase ledger. We want to see how your skills match the role, so don’t be shy about showcasing your relevant experience!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re excited about this role and how you can contribute to our friendly finance team. Keep it personal and engaging – we love a bit of personality!
Show Off Your Software Skills: If you’ve got experience with Sage Line 50 or similar software, make sure to mention it! Even if you’re not an expert, let us know about your willingness to learn new systems – we appreciate a proactive attitude.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at HR GO Recruitment
✨Know Your Numbers
Brush up on your payroll knowledge, especially UK payroll rules like SSP and statutory leave entitlements. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you’re ready to handle the technical aspects of the role.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Software
If you have experience with Sage Line 50 or Sage Payroll, make sure to mention it! If not, take some time to learn the basics of these systems. Showing a willingness to learn new software can really impress the interviewers.
✨Build Rapport
Since this role involves maintaining good relationships with suppliers and working closely with a small finance team, practice how you would introduce yourself and engage in conversation. A friendly, approachable attitude can go a long way!
✨Prepare for Team Dynamics
Think about examples from your past experiences where you’ve worked as part of a team. Be ready to discuss how you can be flexible with sharing payroll responsibilities and coordinating holidays, as this is key in a small team environment.