At a Glance
- Tasks: Support finance operations by processing payments and maintaining accurate financial records.
- Company: Join a fast-paced retail and food service business with a dynamic team.
- Benefits: Enjoy a cash plan, life insurance, and up to 25% in-store discounts.
- Other info: Great opportunity for career growth in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Be the backbone of finance operations and ensure everything runs smoothly.
- Qualifications: Experience in accounting and strong Excel skills are a plus.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 32000 £ per year.
We’re looking for an Accounts Assistant to join our team in a fast‑paced retail and food service business, supporting the smooth and efficient running of our UK & Ireland finance operations. You’ll play a key role in maintaining accurate financial records, processing payments, and ensuring suppliers are paid on time. This role suits someone with great attention to detail, a can‑do attitude, and a passion for keeping things running seamlessly behind the scenes.
Contract: 37.5 hours per week.
Benefits: Simplyhealth cash plan, Retail Trust, life insurance, and up to 25% in‑store discounts.
Key Responsibilities:
- Accounts Payable: Process supplier invoices: coding, VAT treatment, and approvals routing. Maintain the AP inbox and respond to supplier queries professionally. Prepare fortnightly payment runs: collate approved invoices, check supplier details, and support final reviews. Set up and maintain supplier records (bank details verification, documentation, compliance checks). Check supplier statements.
- Accounts Receivable: Raise customer invoices/credit notes based on approved data. Allocate customer receipts and chase overdue balances as needed. Support query resolution with internal teams and customers.
- Bank & Cash: Perform daily/weekly bank postings and bank reconciliations; investigate and resolve unreconciled items promptly. Support expense reconciliations.
- General Finance Admin: Keep finance files and registers up to date (suppliers, customers, fixed assets, AP/AR ledgers). Help with audit requests (samples, copies, explanations). Support continuous improvement with small process/documentation updates.
Qualifications: Experience using SAP desirable. 2 years relevant experience. Experience of dealing with large volume of complex invoices. Experience of dealing with multi‑currency.
Key Skills: Good understanding of double‑entry, invoicing, and reconciliations. Solid Excel skills (filters, lookups, pivots desirable). Strong attention to detail and accuracy under time pressure. Clear, professional communication with both internal teams and external suppliers/customers.
Account Assistant (General Accounting) employer: Lagardère SA
Join our dynamic team as an Accounts Assistant in a thriving retail and food service environment, where your meticulous attention to detail will be valued. We offer a supportive work culture that prioritises employee growth, with benefits such as a Simplyhealth cash plan, life insurance, and generous in-store discounts. Located in the heart of the UK & Ireland, this role provides a unique opportunity to contribute to our finance operations while enjoying a collaborative atmosphere that fosters professional development.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Account Assistant (General Accounting)
✨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 Lagardère SA. 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 Account Assistant (General Accounting)
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 Lagardère SA.
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 Lagardère SA'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 Lagardère SA
✨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 Lagardère SA.
✨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 Lagardère SA 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 Lagardère SA 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.
