At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our finance team to manage purchase ledger, reconciliations, and reporting.
- Company: Dynamic company in Potters Bar with a supportive finance team.
- Benefits: 24 days annual leave, bank holidays, and Christmas shutdown.
- Other info: Full training provided; great opportunity for career growth.
- Why this job: Gain hands-on experience in finance while working in a collaborative environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in finance preferred, but a willingness to learn is key.
The predicted salary is between 27900 - 34100 £ per year.
We're looking for an Accounts Assistant to join the finance team at our Potters Bar head office. You'll work across the group's day-to-day finance — purchase ledger, reconciliations and weekly reporting — as part of a small, established team.
Our processes are well established, and full training is provided on our systems. You won't need experience of every area of the role - we're just as interested in someone with a grounding in purchase ledger or transactional finance who is ready to broaden their remit - as we are in an experienced Accounts Assistant looking for a varied, hands‑on position.
Key Responsibilities
- Working alongside the finance team, you'll cover a broad mix of transactional finance across the group:
- Purchase ledger — setting up suppliers and subcontractors, processing and coding invoices, resolving queries, and preparing the weekly payment runs for review and authorisation.
- Weekly pay and bill — checking and reconciling the group's timesheet, invoice and payment data, and uploading invoices and self-bills into the finance system.
- Reconciliations — bank, company car, fuel and insurance reconciliations, together with staff expenses.
- Reporting — producing our regular weekly and monthly sales and finance reports, and providing information in response to ad-hoc queries.
- Month-end support — checking ledgers, finalising reconciliations and escalating anything outstanding.
- Accuracy and control — keeping accurate accounting records, making sure transactions are correctly coded, and querying anything that doesn't look right.
About You
What we're looking for:
- Ideally at least 2 years' experience in a finance or accounts environment — for example as a purchase ledger clerk or accounts assistant.
- A methodical and organised approach, with good attention to detail and accuracy.
- Good working knowledge of Excel and Microsoft Office, and confidence handling large volumes of data.
- Clear communication skills and the ability to work to weekly and month-end deadlines.
- A willingness to learn, take ownership of your work, and question anything that doesn't look right.
Also useful, but not essential:
- Experience in construction, recruitment or another high-volume, multi-company business.
- Exposure to Dynamics 365 Business Central or Evolution M — training will be provided either way.
- Study towards, or completion of, an accounting qualification such as AAT.
Working Arrangements: Office based at our Potters Bar head office, Monday to Friday, 08:00–17:00. Annual leave: 24 days + 8 bank holidays + 3 days Christmas shutdown.
Accounts Assistant in Potters Bar employer: O
Join our dynamic finance team at our Potters Bar head office, where we prioritise employee development and a supportive work culture. As an Accounts Assistant, you'll benefit from comprehensive training, a structured work environment, and generous annual leave, all while contributing to meaningful financial processes within a collaborative team. We value your growth and offer opportunities to expand your skills in a hands-on role that encourages learning and professional advancement.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Accounts Assistant in Potters Bar
✨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 O. 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 in Potters Bar
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 O.
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 O'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 O
✨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 O.
✨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 O 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 O 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.
