Assistant Accountant

About Us

At Polaris, we're on a mission to create a safer and fairer world. We provide software solutions that empower police forces and local authorities to enforce and track traffic and parking offences, manage permits and licences, and control high-risk assets like firearms and tasers. Since securing support from August Equity in May 2023, we've been on an exciting growth trajectory. We've expanded our reach both in the UK and internationally, acquired key companies like Farthest Gate and JML Software Solutions, and invested heavily in our operations. Our goal is to build a data-driven, professionally managed organisation with robust systems and processes, poised for consistent growth and ready to seize new opportunities. We've united our legacy brands under the Polaris name, creating a dynamic new identity that reflects our vision for the future. This is an exciting time to join Polaris. We're seeking ambitious, forward-thinking individuals who are eager to make a real impact and grow their careers in a rapidly evolving industry. If you're ready to be part of a team that's shaping the future of public safety and compliance technology, we want to hear from you.

Assistant Accountant

London Office / Hybrid (3 days per week in the office)

Full time

Group Financial Controller Summary

We are seeking an Assistant Accountant to join our team and support the Group FC in all aspects of transactional finance and reporting, including operating the sub ledgers (AR, AP & cashbook), preparing journals, project analysis and other general finance support. They will take responsibility for generating and ensuring the accuracy of sales invoicing and processing purchase ledger invoices and expenses. This role will support the preparation of monthly management accounts for the Groups trading entities, including preparing and posting monthly journals and carrying out analysis work including budget variance.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare sales invoices with a clear audit trail to supporting information and calculations, allocate receipts and credit notes, liaise with customers.
• Process purchase invoices, expenses and payments in a timely manner, and post bank transactions.
• Prepare regular and accurate bank and other balance sheet reconciliations.
• Create and post standard monthly journals including preparation of supporting calculations and documentation.
• Produce supporting analysis as part of the monthly reporting cycle and take responsibility for maintaining and developing this.
• Provide the Group FC with reports and analyses to support the preparation of financial forecasts, annual budgets and supporting documentation.
• Payroll input and liaison with payroll provider.
• Support the Group FC with the completion of all external statutory audits and ensure compliance with internal financial controls.

Experience & Qualifications

• Part/newly qualified CIMA or ACCA.
• Strong attention to detail with excellent written, verbal and presentation skills.
• Able to work constructively under pressure, within tight deadlines.
• Competent user of Excel and able to manipulate and analyse data proficiently.
• Experience of working with an outsourced payroll provider is essential.
• Experience of working with US software businesses is preferred.
• Knowledge of using Sage, Xero and Quickbooks is preferred.
• An energetic team player and an individual with a proactive, hands-on mindset who is keen to add value to a growing business.
• Prior experience having worked within an SME environment preferable.
• The successful applicant will be able to demonstrate success of working in a similar role with support but minimal supervision with high levels of accuracy.
• Able to foster good relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to use own initiative, manage own workload effectively, and prioritise tasks.
• Comfortable working in a fast-changing environment and adaptable to the evolving needs of Business needs.

Benefits

• 25 days annual leave.
• Moment in Time Days.
• 1 Community Day.
• Life Assurance 4 x base salary.
• Private Pension with Scottish Widows.
• Health Care Cash Plan.
• Hybrid working model.
• Length of service additional time.

Equal Opportunities

Our business is an equal opportunities employer. We make recruitment decisions based on qualifications, skill sets, and experiences. We consider all suitable candidates regardless of their age, sex, gender reassignment, race, religious beliefs (or lack thereof), marital status, disability, sexual orientation, or any other protected characteristics. Please note that we can currently only consider candidates with an existing right to work in the UK.