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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage financial records, process invoices, and support month-end activities.
- Company: Join a well-established UK haulage business with a modern fleet.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 25 days holiday, pension scheme, and career progression.
- Why this job: Gain hands-on experience in finance and grow your career in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in accounts, knowledge of Sage 50, and strong attention to detail.
- Other info: Opportunity for development into senior finance roles.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 30000 £ per year.
William Stobart & Son is an established UK haulage business operating a modern fleet across national distribution routes. The business supports a broad customer base across logistics and transport sectors, delivering reliable and time-sensitive services. Finance plays a central role in maintaining commercial control, working capital discipline and operational performance. Due to continued growth and internal development, we are recruiting an Accounts Assistant to join our finance team at our Appleton Thorn office. This is a permanent, full-time, office-based role reporting directly to the Finance Manager and working closely with the wider Finance Team.
Role Summary
This is a hands-on Accounts Assistant position with exposure across Purchase Ledger, Sales Ledger and core transactional finance processes. You will be responsible for maintaining accurate financial records using Sage 50, supporting month-end processes and ensuring strong control over cash, supplier balances and customer accounts. The role will suit someone who enjoys structured transactional finance work and understands the importance of accuracy in a haulage environment where margins and cash flow require careful management. There is genuine opportunity for development into broader month-end and management accounts exposure over time.
Key Responsibilities
- Purchase Ledger
- Processing high volumes of supplier invoices accurately into Sage 50
- Matching invoices to purchase orders and resolving discrepancies
- Maintaining supplier accounts and performing regular supplier reconciliations
- Preparing weekly and monthly BACS payment runs for review
- Managing supplier queries and ensuring timely resolution
- Sales Ledger
- Raising customer invoices in line with agreed rates and contract terms
- Supporting Credit Control activities including chasing overdue balances
- Allocating cash receipts and maintaining accurate customer accounts
- Assisting with customer statement preparation
- Cash & Bank
- Performing daily and weekly Bank Reconciliations
- Posting cash receipts and payments accurately
- Supporting cash flow visibility through accurate ledger maintenance
- Month End & Reporting
- Assisting with Month End close processes
- Supporting preparation of journals, including accruals and prepayments
- Maintaining nominal ledger accuracy
- Supporting VAT return preparation
- Assisting with intercompany reconciliations
- Providing transactional support for management accounts preparation
- Additional Finance Support
- Processing employee expenses
- Supporting payroll administration where required
- Assisting with audit queries and documentation
- Contributing to process improvements within the Finance Team
This role provides exposure across working capital management, ledger integrity and financial controls within a transport and haulage environment.
Essential Skills & Experience
- Previous experience in an Accounts Assistant role
- Practical experience of Purchase Ledger and Sales Ledger processes
- Experience performing Bank Reconciliations
- Familiarity with Month End support and basic journals
- Working knowledge of Sage 50 or similar accounting software
- Strong Excel skills (basic formulas, data accuracy checks)
- High level of accuracy and attention to detail
- Organised and able to manage workload to meet deadlines
- Confident communicator when dealing with suppliers and internal stakeholders
We welcome applications from candidates currently working as Accounts Assistant, Accounts Clerk, Finance Assistant or Ledger Clerk.
Desirable Skills
- Experience within haulage, logistics or transport
- Exposure to accruals and prepayments
- Experience supporting VAT returns
- AAT qualification (studying or qualified)
- Understanding of working capital and cash flow controls
Benefits & Package
- Salary: GBP25,000 - GBP30,000 depending on experience
- Permanent, full-time position
- Office-based role at Appleton Thorn
- 25 days holiday plus statutory bank holidays
- Company pension scheme
- Structured reporting line to Finance Manager
- Exposure to wider finance processes and career progression opportunities
This position offers clear progression within the finance function. For the right candidate, there will be opportunity to take on increased Month End responsibility and develop towards Senior Accounts Assistant level over time.
Working Pattern
- Monday to Friday
- Standard office hours
- Office-based role at Appleton Thorn
How to Apply
If you are an experienced Accounts Assistant with strong Purchase Ledger and Sales Ledger knowledge and are looking for a stable role within a well-established haulage business, we would welcome your application. Please submit your CV via the job board. Shortlisted applicants will be contacted directly.
Accounts Assistant employer: People Providers
Contact Detail:
People Providers Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Accounts Assistant
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance and haulage sectors. Let them know you're on the lookout for an Accounts Assistant role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of Sage 50 and financial processes. Be ready to discuss your experience with Purchase Ledger and Sales Ledger. Show them you’re the perfect fit for their finance team!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply anywhere; focus on companies that align with your career goals. Check out our website for openings at William Stobart & Son. Tailor your approach to highlight how your skills can help them maintain their financial integrity.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can set you apart from other candidates. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Accounts Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Accounts Assistant role. Highlight your experience with Purchase Ledger, Sales Ledger, and any familiarity with Sage 50. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Showcase Your Attention to Detail: In finance, accuracy is key! Use your application to demonstrate your attention to detail. Mention specific examples where you’ve maintained accurate financial records or resolved discrepancies effectively.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use bullet points for your responsibilities and achievements to make it easy for us to read. We appreciate straightforward communication, especially in finance!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications better and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at People Providers
✨Know Your Numbers
Brush up on your knowledge of Purchase Ledger and Sales Ledger processes. Be ready to discuss how you've handled high volumes of invoices and reconciliations in the past. This will show that you understand the core responsibilities of the Accounts Assistant role.
✨Familiarise with Sage 50
Since this role requires experience with Sage 50, make sure you’re comfortable discussing your previous use of this software. If you can, practice navigating it before the interview so you can confidently talk about how you’ve used it for maintaining financial records.
✨Highlight Your Attention to Detail
Accuracy is key in finance, especially in a haulage environment. Prepare examples from your past work where your attention to detail made a difference, whether it was catching an error in an invoice or ensuring timely payments to suppliers.
✨Prepare Questions About Growth Opportunities
Show your interest in the role by preparing thoughtful questions about career progression within the finance team. Ask about the potential for taking on more responsibilities, like month-end processes or management accounts, to demonstrate your ambition and commitment to development.