At a Glance
- Tasks: Support financial reporting and management accounts while gaining hands-on experience.
- Company: Leading organisation in the Infrastructure and Engineering sector.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, study support, and excellent career development opportunities.
- Other info: Join a friendly team and develop your commercial finance knowledge.
- Why this job: Kickstart your accounting career with real-world experience and mentorship from finance pros.
- Qualifications: AAT qualified or part qualified CIMA/ACCA with strong analytical skills.
The predicted salary is between 27000 - 33000 £ per year.
Our client, a leading organisation within the Infrastructure and Engineering sector, is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Assistant Accountant to join a busy finance team in Lancashire. This is an excellent opportunity for someone with an Accountancy degree or AAT qualification or someone who is part qualified CIMA / ACCA who is keen to gain hands-on experience across financial reporting, management accounts and business partnering while developing towards a professional accounting qualification.
The Role: As an Assistant Accountant, you'll provide valuable financial support across the business, helping to ensure accurate financial reporting and strong financial controls. Working closely with experienced Finance Business Partners, you'll gain exposure to a broad range of accounting activities and develop your commercial finance knowledge.
Key Responsibilities:
- Assist in the preparation of monthly management accounts and finance packs
- Support the month-end process, including accruals and prepayments
- Prepare balance sheet reconciliations
- Complete bank reconciliations
- Produce monthly cash flow forecasts
- Prepare quarterly VAT returns
- Process journals and cost reallocations
- Support related party invoicing and intercompany recharges
- Assist with project financial reviews and reporting
- Review timesheet allocations to ensure accurate costing
- Provide financial information and analysis to support business decision-making
- Assist with a variety of ad hoc finance tasks as required.
About You:
- AAT qualified or Part qualified CIMA / ACCA
- Competent in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel
- Numerate with strong analytical skills
- Highly organised with excellent attention to detail
- Able to use their own initiative and manage competing priorities
- A confident communicator who enjoys working with colleagues across different departments
- Eager to learn and develop within a commercial finance environment.
What's on Offer:
- Excellent career development opportunities
- Hybrid working
- Study support options
- Exposure to a wide range of finance activities
- Support from experienced finance professionals
- Opportunity to build towards a successful career in accountancy
- Friendly and collaborative working environment
Assistant Accountant employer: MERJE
Join a dynamic and innovative InsureTech company that prioritises compliance and regulatory excellence while fostering a collaborative and forward-thinking work culture. As the Head of Compliance, you will not only lead the UK compliance function but also enjoy flexible hybrid working arrangements, competitive salary packages, and ample opportunities for long-term career development in a high-growth environment. This is your chance to make a meaningful impact in a pivotal role at a company that values integrity and consumer protection.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Accountant
✨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 MERJE. 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 Assistant Accountant
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 MERJE.
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 MERJE'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 MERJE
✨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 MERJE.
✨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 MERJE 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 MERJE 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.
