At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage purchase ledger and assist with month-end accounts in a dynamic finance team.
- Company: Join Alfa Leisureplex, a respected employee-owned travel group with a focus on memorable holidays.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible hours, funded training, job security, and fantastic discounts on holidays.
- Why this job: Be part of a growing company that values its employees and offers career development opportunities.
- Qualifications: Experience in purchase ledger and strong IT skills, especially in Excel, are preferred.
- Other info: Office-based role with potential for additional holidays and a supportive team environment.
The predicted salary is between 22000 - 24000 £ per year.
Alfa Leisureplex Group has an exciting opportunity for an Accounts Assistant to join our Leisureplex team based at our Central Office located in Euxton, Chorley. The Alfa Leisureplex Group is one of the UK’s most highly respected coach holiday and hotel companies with a consolidated turnover of over £70 million per year. We are the UK’s only employee-owned Travel Group and our brands include Leisureplex Hotels and Alfa Travel. Our mission is to provide high quality memorable holidays for our guests.
Leisureplex Hotels own and operate 24 hotels in the UK’s most popular seaside locations. We have a combined bed stock of over 2,000 rooms and achieve strong all year-round occupancies due to our sister brands Alfa Travel, plus our links to other coach operators and group organisers. You would be joining the group during an exciting period as we continue to see significant growth in the number of customers choosing to holiday with us each year. As an employee-owned business with almost 1,000 employee owners, we see our people as our most valuable asset in growing our business and continuing to provide a high-quality service to our customers.
About the job
The Accounts Assistant will primarily be responsible for the smooth operation of the purchase ledger process for the Leisureplex Hotels division within the Alfa Leisureplex Group, which comprises of 24 hotels. In addition to your purchase ledger tasks you will be involved in preparing both month and quarter end accounts. This role is office-based working 5 days per week Monday- Friday; with flexible hours in place in regard to start and finish time. The salary for this role will be based on skills and experience; with a salary range of £26,250–£28,000 per annum dependent on the candidate. This role would suit a candidate who is looking for a career in finance as we can offer funded training and in house development or alternatively an experienced Accounts Assistant looking for a change. Our ideal candidate will be passionate about the travel industry.
Benefits of being an employee owner:
- Bi-annual tax-free dividend due to our employee-owned status (over £1,200 last full year)
- Funding for any relevant training courses to aid your development
- Job Security – our employee-owned status provides better job security, as we can't be sold to another company
- Support and continuous development opportunities
- Competitive occupational sick pay scheme
- Flexi time scheme in place with potential for additional holidays (up to 10)
- Annual salary reviews
- Fantastic discounts on our holidays and hotel stays
- Employee assistance programme - Health Assured
- Length of service rewards
- Build your pension – we have a pension scheme in place that the Company contributes towards
- Free onsite parking
- Team building events
- Reward and engagement programs
The main responsibilities are:
- Purchase Ledger: Ensure payment runs are prepared and completed in accordance with the timetable. Ensure invoices are posted to the correct general ledger codes and accounting periods. Spot checking of prices and amounts in accordance with guidelines to identify potential errors and minimise financial loss. Raise credit requests for the main suppliers where discrepancies are identified. Deal with supplier queries in a timely manner. Perform regular supplier statement reconciliations and ensure supplier accounts within the creditor’s ledger are up to date. Ensure direct debits are correctly allocated.
- Utilities: Produce the weekly utility focus report showing consumption by hotel. Maintain the record of tariffs within the consumption spreadsheet ensuring this is kept up to date. Perform utility accruals at quarter end.
- Accounts production: Ensure journal entries are coded correctly within individual hotel cost centres. Calculate and post accrual and prepayment journals as required. Complete assigned tasks within the quarter end timetable within the timeframes required. Review quarterly accounts for individual hotels to identify variances and ensure the results reflect the performance of the hotel. Complete quarterly balance sheet reconciliations.
- Other responsibilities: Complete weekly bank reconciliations. Ensure purchase ledger transactions comply with VAT legislation. Identify areas for improvement in processes to enhance efficiency and effectiveness of the team. Work as a supportive and flexible member of the Finance team willing to assist and cover other duties as required.
Skills and experience:
- Experience in a similar role would be beneficial.
- Previous experience working within purchase ledger.
- Strong IT skills, in particular Excel (vlookup, pivot tables).
- Experience working with Lightyear and/or Access Financials would be beneficial.
If you feel you are friendly, positive and passionate and have the necessary skills and experience to be successful in the Accounts Assistant role click ‘apply’ today. We’d love to hear from you!
Accounts Assistant employer: Leisureplex Hotel Group
Contact Detail:
Leisureplex Hotel Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Accounts Assistant
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific software mentioned in the job description, such as Lightyear and Access Financials. Having a solid understanding of these tools can set you apart from other candidates and show your commitment to the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Brush up on your Excel skills, particularly with functions like VLOOKUP and pivot tables. Being proficient in these areas will not only help you in the interview but also demonstrate your readiness for the tasks involved in the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Research the Alfa Leisureplex Group and its brands to understand their mission and values. This knowledge will allow you to tailor your conversation during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 4
Network with current or former employees of Alfa Leisureplex Group if possible. They can provide valuable insights into the company culture and expectations, which can help you prepare better for your application and interview.
We think you need these skills to ace Accounts Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in accounts and finance, particularly focusing on any purchase ledger roles you've held. Use keywords from the job description to demonstrate that you meet the specific requirements.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for the travel industry and your enthusiasm for the role. Mention how your skills align with the responsibilities listed, such as managing invoices and performing reconciliations.
Highlight Relevant Skills: Emphasise your strong IT skills, especially in Excel, and any experience with Lightyear or Access Financials. Provide examples of how you've used these skills in previous roles to improve efficiency or accuracy.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial for an Accounts Assistant role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Leisureplex Hotel Group
✨Know Your Numbers
As an Accounts Assistant, you'll be dealing with financial data daily. Brush up on your knowledge of purchase ledger processes and be prepared to discuss your experience with invoicing, reconciliations, and journal entries during the interview.
✨Showcase Your IT Skills
Strong IT skills, especially in Excel, are crucial for this role. Be ready to demonstrate your proficiency with functions like VLOOKUP and pivot tables. You might even be asked to solve a practical problem using these skills.
✨Understand the Company Culture
Alfa Leisureplex Group values its employee-owned status and the importance of teamwork. Familiarise yourself with their mission and values, and be prepared to explain how you can contribute to their goal of providing high-quality holidays.
✨Prepare Questions
Interviews are a two-way street. Prepare thoughtful questions about the role, team dynamics, and opportunities for training and development. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.