At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our finance team to manage invoices, payments, and bank transactions.
- Company: Leightons Holdings Ltd, a family-run opticians and audiology business since 1928.
- Benefits: Full-time hours with flexible working options after settling in.
- Other info: Exciting career growth opportunities in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Be part of a growing company and make a real impact on financial operations.
- Qualifications: Attention to detail and a passion for finance are key.
The predicted salary is between 31500 - 38500 £ per year.
Role: Accounts Assistant, Up to 12 Months Fixed Term Contract
Rota: Full Time, Monday-Friday, 9am-5.30pm, (3 days office, 2 days working from home after initial settling in period)
Location: Clarendon House, Farnham
Reports to: Finance Manager
Company: Leightons Holdings Ltd is a retail opticians and audiology business, founded in 1928. It is proudly independent, family-owned and family-run, with people at the heart of its success and longevity. Leightons has grown to 35 stores and also has two hearing businesses: Leightons HearingCare, operating out of Optical branches, and The Hearing Care Partnership, operating out of third-party opticians and health providers. The group has experienced high growth and has exciting business plans for the future.
Job Purpose: Work as part of the finance team, supporting bank transactions, purchase ledger transactions and payment processes across companies within the group. Ensure accurate and timely recording of invoices and payments in accordance with supplier terms and internal deadlines. Support accurate cash transaction posting, bank reconciliations, branch receipt matching and finance inbox query resolution.
Principal Duties and Responsibilities:
- Process purchase invoices for all companies, including joint ventures, franchises and standalone companies, using the Yooz system where applicable.
- Match and reconcile cash and credit card receipts for all Optical branches, resolving queries or differences promptly.
- Clear purchase invoices on a timely basis, aiming to process within two days of receipt.
- Post daily sales integrations for Optical companies, investigating and resolving any differences.
- Code invoices, chase invoice approval, reconcile supplier statements, prepare suggested payments and deal with supplier queries.
- Monitor and manage finance email inboxes, responding to queries in a timely and professional manner.
- Set up new supplier accounts and maintain supplier information accurately.
- Sort and distribute finance post, review branch envelopes and process contents appropriately.
- Reconcile supplier statements monthly within the required month-end deadline.
- Support branch staff with finance-related matters as required.
- Process locum invoices, expenses and rent batches as required.
- Analyse expenses for multiple entities and post journals where required.
- Prepare weekly and month-end BACS payment runs.
- Continually review and improve processes and procedures to help the finance team operate efficiently and support business growth.
- Accurately post cash transactions and complete bank reconciliations.
- Complete ad hoc tasks and projects as required within the finance team.
Accounts Assistant, Up to 12 Months FTC in Farnham employer: Leightons Opticians & Hearing Care
Leightons Holdings Ltd is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and family-oriented work culture that prioritises employee well-being and growth. With flexible working arrangements, including a blend of office and home-based work, employees enjoy a healthy work-life balance while contributing to a company with a rich history and exciting future in the retail opticians and audiology sector. The finance team plays a crucial role in the company's success, providing ample opportunities for professional development and process improvement within a collaborative environment.
Contact Details:
Leightons Opticians & Hearing Care Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Accounts Assistant, Up to 12 Months FTC in Farnham
✨Join Financial Networking Events
Jump into local finance meetups and conferences — they’re a goldmine for temporary roles in banking and financial services. You can chat with industry professionals and even get leads on upcoming opportunities that might not be posted online yet.
✨Utilise Temp Agencies Specialised in Finance
Reach out to temp agencies that focus on the banking sector. They often have strong ties with various firms and can help you secure short-term gigs that can help beef up your CV and get your foot in the door at firms like Leightons Opticians & Hearing Care.
✨Connect with Alumni from Your Uni
Don't underestimate the power of your university’s alumni network. Many former students are working in banking and can help you find temporary roles or even offer mentorship. Reach out directly or attend alumni events to broaden your circle.
✨Stay Active on Job Boards and Company Websites
Keep your eyes peeled on job boards specifically for finance roles. Companies like Leightons Opticians & Hearing Care might post temporary positions directly on their sites, so make sure to apply there too. Set alerts to catch those roles the moment they go live!
We think you need these skills to ace Accounts Assistant, Up to 12 Months FTC in Farnham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Academic Achievements:In banking and financial services, your academic record can really make you stand out. List relevant grades, certifications, or coursework on your CV, especially if you've taken finance-related modules. This is particularly important for a temporary role where qualifications can help you shine even brighter!
Highlight Relevant Experience:If you’ve done any internships, part-time roles, or even coursework that aligns with banking or finance, make sure you include those! Showcase specific tasks where you used quantitative skills or analytical thinking, as this is what the hiring managers at Leightons Opticians & Hearing Care will be keen to see in your application.
Tailor Your Cover Letter Purposefully:When writing your cover letter, focus on why you’re interested in a temporary position at Leightons Opticians & Hearing Care. Let them know how you can quickly adapt to the team's needs and how eager you are to learn the ropes of the banking sector during this short stint. Your motivation and enthusiasm could really set you apart!
Be Prepared with References:For temporary roles, references can play a crucial role in your application. Make sure you’ve got a couple of references lined up who can vouch for your skills and work ethic. This helps to give Leightons Opticians & Hearing Care confidence in your short-term commitment to the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Leightons Opticians & Hearing Care
✨Brush Up on Financial Regulations
Since this is a role in banking and financial services, be ready to discuss key regulations like MiFID, Basel III, or GDPR. These are hot topics, and your awareness of how they impact daily operations can give you a significant edge during your interview with Leightons Opticians & Hearing Care.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Prepare for interview questions that assess your analytical abilities. You might need to tackle hypothetical scenarios involving risk assessment or financial forecasting. Bringing examples of relevant projects or coursework can emphasise your practical understanding of these concepts.
✨Highlight Flexibility and Adaptability
For a temporary role, showing that you can quickly pick up new processes and tools is crucial. Be ready to discuss previous experiences where you had to adapt to changing requirements or tight deadlines, as this will reassure Leightons Opticians & Hearing Care that you’re a reliable team player.
✨Demonstrate a Willingness to Learn
In a temporary position, leaning into your eagerness to learn can really set you apart. Be prepared to share how you’re staying updated on industry trends or any additional training you've pursued. Employers appreciate candidates who are proactive about their development—even for short-term roles.
