At a Glance
- Tasks: Support financial records, manage credit control, and assist with month-end processes.
- Company: Top automotive retailer in the UK with a focus on employee development.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, health support, and discounts on tech and gym memberships.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace with career development opportunities and a focus on wellbeing.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic finance team and grow your accounting skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Understanding of accounting, experience in finance, and strong Excel skills.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 32000 £ per year.
About us: We are one of the top three automotive retailers in the UK, proudly representing 32 manufacturer brands, selling a huge range of new and used vehicles from over 150 dealerships across the UK and Ireland. We believe our people are our greatest asset, and we’re committed to recognising the valuable contribution each person makes. That’s why we continue to invest in a leading rewards and benefits package designed to support your career, wellbeing, and life outside of work.
We’re looking for a proactive and detail‑driven Division Assistant Accountant to join our Fourways finance team in Whitchurch. You’ll support the Division Accountant and Senior Accounting Manager in maintaining accurate financial records, strengthening financial controls and contributing to the month‑end close. This role is key to ensuring the accuracy and integrity of transactional accounting across the division.
What you’ll do:
- Manage the credit control process, including chasing overdue payments and maintaining positive customer relationships.
- Maintain and reconcile the sales ledger, ensuring accuracy and timely updates.
- Conduct regular account reconciliations, investigating and resolving discrepancies.
- Complete daily bank reconciliations to support cashflow accuracy.
- Assist with month‑end processes, including preparing and posting journals.
- Liaise with customers via telephone, email and Teams to resolve account queries and payment issues.
- Support continuous improvement of finance processes and internal controls.
What you’ll bring:
- Strong understanding of core accounting disciplines.
- Experience in a commercial finance environment.
- Advanced Excel skills and confidence working with financial systems.
- Excellent communication skills and the ability to build strong working relationships.
- A proactive, forward‑thinking approach.
If this sounds like the right opportunity for you, apply today and a member of the Talent Acquisition Team will be in touch.
Core Benefits:
- Competitive salaries with structured pay scales and progression as you grow within the business.
- Generous annual leave that increases with your length of service.
- Enhanced family leave, including 6 months’ full pay for maternity and adoption leave, and 2 weeks’ full pay for paternity leave.
- Access to Techscheme for discounted technology purchases with flexible payments.
- Eyecare vouchers to help cover vision care needs.
- Smart Health – 24/7 access to GP services to support your mental and physical wellbeing.
- Dental insurance for everyday dental care and unexpected treatments.
- Optional critical illness cover for peace of mind during life's most challenging moments.
Financial Wellbeing:
- MyView PayNow – access a portion of your pay as you earn, with features to stream, save, and track your money through a user‑friendly app.
- Free will writing services to help plan for the future.
- Flexible life assurance options and partner life assurance for added protection.
- Discounted gym memberships to support an active lifestyle.
- Travel insurance to help you explore with confidence.
- Access to home and technology vouchers.
- bYond card and a wide range of exclusive retail and lifestyle discounts.
We strongly believe in nurturing and providing our people with specific manufacturer brand and management training to enhance career development opportunities. We have a great bunch of people, and we like to celebrate and encourage success at all levels.
Lookers and Charles Hurst are an equal opportunities employer. We are committed to a working environment that is free from discrimination, is inclusive, and empowers our people to bring their whole self to work and reach their full potential.
If your application is successful, we will conduct relevant employment checks prior to you commencing employment with us. These will include verifying your recent employment, address, credit history and a standard criminal record check. For roles that require you to drive, a driving licence check will also be carried out. Please note, all offers of employment are made subject to a 6 month probation period commencing from your start date.
We take our data protection responsibilities very seriously and are committed to upholding and respecting your privacy rights. Information about how we will process your data including the types of data we collect, the purposes for which we use it, who we may share it with and how long we keep it are set out in our privacy notice. It also includes information about your individual privacy rights. Please make sure you read our Privacy Notice so that you understand how we may collect and use your data.
Accounts Assistant Whitchurch, England, United Kingdom employer: Lookers Limited
As one of the top three automotive retailers in the UK, we pride ourselves on our commitment to our employees, offering a comprehensive rewards and benefits package that supports both career growth and personal wellbeing. Located in Battersea, our workshop fosters a collaborative work culture where Master Technicians can thrive through ongoing training opportunities, including manufacturer accredited schemes and Hybrid & Electric training, ensuring you are equipped to excel in your role while enjoying a fulfilling work-life balance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Accounts Assistant Whitchurch, England, United Kingdom
✨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 Lookers Limited. 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 Accounts Assistant Whitchurch, England, United Kingdom
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 Lookers Limited.
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 Lookers Limited'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 Lookers Limited
✨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 Lookers Limited.
✨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 Lookers Limited 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 Lookers Limited 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.
