At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage credit control, purchase ledger, and bank reconciliations in a hands-on accounting role.
- Company: Established finance team in Leeds with a supportive and collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career development opportunities, and a friendly office environment.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to inclusivity and professional growth.
- Why this job: Broaden your accounting experience while studying towards ACCA or CIMA in a dynamic team.
- Qualifications: Experience in finance roles and strong skills in reconciliation and accounting software.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 35000 £ per year.
Location: Leeds
Salary: £30,000 - £35,000 per annum
Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00am - 5:00pm (1-hour lunch break)
Working Pattern: Full-time, office-based
The Opportunity
We are recruiting for an Assistant Accountant to join an established finance team in Leeds. This role is suited to someone who enjoys working in a hands-on accounting position with responsibility across credit control, purchase ledger, bank reconciliations and month-end accounting activities. You will work closely with the Financial Controller and wider finance team, supporting the smooth running of day-to-day financial operations while helping to maintain accurate financial records and reporting. This is an excellent opportunity for someone studying towards ACCA or CIMA who is looking to broaden their accounting experience within a supportive team environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Credit Control
- Manage outstanding customer debt and support collection activities.
- Monitor the sales ledger and maintain accurate customer account records.
- Conduct credit checks and assist with credit limit reviews.
- Resolve invoice queries and payment disputes.
- Produce aged debt reports and provide updates on collection activity.
- Purchase Ledger
- Process supplier invoices accurately and efficiently.
- Reconcile supplier statements and investigate discrepancies.
- Prepare and process supplier payments.
- Maintain accurate purchase ledger records and documentation.
- Support month-end and year-end close activities.
- Banking & Reconciliations
- Complete daily and monthly bank reconciliations.
- Reconcile cash transactions and investigate discrepancies.
- Prepare balance sheet reconciliations.
- Complete intercompany account reconciliations.
- Assist with maintaining accurate cash records and reporting.
- Financial Support
- Assist with the preparation of management accounts and financial reports.
- Maintain financial records in line with company procedures and accounting standards.
- Support audit requirements by preparing documentation and responding to requests.
- Assist with finance projects and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Provide support across the wider finance function as required.
About You
To be successful in this role, you will have:
- Previous experience within an Assistant Accountant, Accounts Assistant or similar finance position.
- Strong reconciliation skills and the ability to identify and resolve discrepancies quickly.
- Experience working within a finance team environment.
- Good working knowledge of accounting software such as Sage, Xero, Microsoft Dynamics 365 or similar systems.
- Strong Microsoft Excel skills.
- Excellent attention to detail and accuracy.
- Strong organisational and time management skills.
- Good communication skills and the ability to build positive working relationships.
- A proactive approach and willingness to support colleagues when required.
Qualifications
- Studying towards ACCA or CIMA.
- GCSEs (or equivalent) in Maths and English.
What's on Offer
- Salary of £30,000 to £35,000 depending on experience.
- Full-time permanent position.
- Office-based working environment in Leeds.
- Opportunity to develop your accounting knowledge and gain exposure across multiple areas of finance.
- Supportive and collaborative finance team.
- Career development opportunities for ambitious finance professionals.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and respected.
Assistant Accountant employer: JDR Recruitment
Join our dynamic finance team in Leeds as an Assistant Accountant, where you'll thrive in a supportive and collaborative environment. We offer competitive salaries, opportunities for professional development, and a chance to broaden your accounting expertise while working closely with experienced colleagues. Our commitment to inclusivity ensures that every employee feels valued, making us an excellent employer for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Accountant
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
✨Get Certified
Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.
✨Connect on Professional Platforms
Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like JDR Recruitment. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Accountant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to JDR Recruitment.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on JDR Recruitment's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at JDR Recruitment
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with JDR Recruitment.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at JDR Recruitment will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former JDR Recruitment employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.