At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist with accounting tasks and build strong relationships with management teams.
- Company: Top automotive retailer in the UK, committed to employee growth and wellbeing.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, health services, and exclusive discounts.
- Other info: Flexible working hours and opportunities for career progression.
- Why this job: Gain valuable experience in finance while working in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in finance, strong Excel skills, and excellent attention to detail.
The predicted salary is between 26250 - 26250 £ 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 are 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.
Salary & Working Hours
- Salary: up to £26,250 per annum depending on experience
- Working hours: Monday to Friday 09:00 to 17:30 (37.5 hours) with an hour lunch
- Contract type: Fixed Term Contract – 3 month FTC
Role Overview
A great opportunity for someone with accounting experience to work as an Assistant Accountant, reporting to the Market Area Accountant. You will develop your skills with daily, weekly and monthly accounting procedures, working closely with the accounts and admin team, and will have access to in‑house training.
Responsibilities
- Cashiering responsibilities and daily bank statement postings & reconciliations.
- Review and reconcile debtors.
- Assist with various monthly balance sheet reconciliations.
- Assist the management teams by resolving any accounting queries.
- Report discrepancies to the relevant departmental manager.
- Liaise with managers on a regular basis, building strong relationships.
Qualifications & Skills
- Exposure to a finance‑oriented role, with strong Microsoft Excel skills.
- Ability to reconcile data efficiently and maintain accurate records.
- Excellent attention to detail and organisational skills.
- Ability to work under pressure, prioritise workloads, and show initiative in improving procedures.
- Strong communication skills and discretion when handling sensitive information.
Benefits
- Competitive salaries with structured pay scales and progression.
- Generous annual leave that increases with 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.
- Smart Health – 24/7 access to GP services for mental and physical wellbeing.
- Dental insurance.
- Optional critical illness cover.
Financial Wellbeing
- MyView PayNow – access a portion of your pay as you earn, with features to stream, save and track your money.
- Free willwriting services to help plan for the future.
- Flexible life assurance options and partner life assurance.
- Discounted gym memberships.
- Travel insurance.
- Home and technology vouchers.
- Beyond card and a wide range of exclusive retail and lifestyle discounts.
EEO Statement
Lookers is 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 selves to work and reach their full potential.
Accounts Assistant - 3 month FTC New Colchester, England, United Kingdom; Glasgow, Scotland, Un[...] in Stockport employer: Lookers plc
As one of the UK's leading automotive retailers, we pride ourselves on fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment where our employees are valued as our greatest asset. With competitive salaries, generous leave policies, and a comprehensive benefits package that includes access to health services and financial wellbeing resources, we are dedicated to investing in your career and personal growth. Join us in Colchester or Glasgow, where you will have the opportunity to develop your accounting skills while being part of a dynamic team that encourages initiative and collaboration.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Accounts Assistant - 3 month FTC New Colchester, England, United Kingdom; Glasgow, Scotland, Un[...] in Stockport
✨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 Lookers plc.
✨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 Lookers plc 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 - 3 month FTC New Colchester, England, United Kingdom; Glasgow, Scotland, Un[...] in Stockport
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 Lookers plc 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 Lookers plc. 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 Lookers plc confidence in your short-term commitment to the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Lookers plc
✨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 Lookers plc.
✨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 Lookers plc 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.
