Assistant Accountant in Banbury

Our client is a leading organisation within the manufacturing sector, specialising in the development and production of advanced technological solutions. Operating within a fast-paced, quality-focused environment, the business combines manufacturing expertise, engineering capability and established operational processes to support their customers and deliver high standards of performance.

An excellent opportunity has arisen for an experienced & Qualified (or at least part-Qualified) Assistant Accountantto join a busy finance team. Reporting to the Financial Controller, you will play a proactive role across accounting, financial controlling, sales management and month-end reporting. You will help ensure accurate financial information, effective internal controls and compliance with UK accounting requirements and established group procedures. Working closely with departments across the site, you will analyse financial performance, challenge existing processes and provide valuable support to the Financial Controller while helping to protect and improve the financial performance of the operation.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Support the Financial Controller across finance, accounting and controlling activities, ensuring accurate financial information and robust financial controls.
• Manage and analyse sales processes, including self-billing, invoicing, engineering changes, sales performance, supplier recharges and overdue accounts.
• Prepare budgets, cash forecasts and profit and loss forecasts in collaboration with the Financial Controller.
• Conduct detailed financial variance analysis against budgets, forecasts and estimates, identifying and investigating areas requiring attention.
• Complete accurate and timely month-end activities, including sales and invoicing reconciliations, accruals, stock-in-transit and shipped-not-billed transactions.
• Ensure timely and accurate submission of group financial reporting requirements using relevant reporting systems and Excel.
• Support the implementation and continuous improvement of core financial procedures and internal controls, while challenging existing processes where appropriate.
• Assist with internal and external audits and ensure plant accounting and financial information complies with relevant accounting, tax, ethical and group requirements.

Education & Skills Required

• A relevant degree in finance/accounting, qualified accountant status (or working towards), or a relevant business background with strong financial expertise.
• Previous professional finance experience, ideally gained within a manufacturing or similar operational environment.
• Strong understanding of inventory accounting, standard cost management, financial reporting, budgeting and forecasting.
• Advanced Excel and ERP skills.
• Excellent analytical and organisational capabilities, with the confidence to question, challenge and work effectively across different areas of the business.
• Strong teamwork and communication skills, with fluency in English and the ability to operate effectively within demanding group reporting deadlines.