Finance Assistant in Rayleigh

An established and growing business is seeking a proactive and detail-oriented Finance Assistant to support the day-to-day activities of the finance function. This is a varied position that combines finance, payroll coordination, cash management and month-end accounting responsibilities. Working closely with the wider finance team and an external payroll bureau, you will play a key role in ensuring accurate financial processing and supporting the production of management information. The role would suit an experienced hands-on professional looking for a broad accounting position with genuine variety, responsibility and progression. Key Responsibilities include: Maintain accurate cash book postings. Prepare and reconcile bank accounts. Support the management of daily cash transactions. Act as the main liaison with the external payroll bureau. Process starter, leaver and employee change information. Verify timesheets and variable pay data for payroll submission. Assist with work-in-progress calculations. Prepare monthly accruals and journals. Maintain and reconcile the prepayments schedule. Complete balance sheet reconciliations. Analyse profit and loss accounts and investigate variances. Produce ad hoc reports and financial analysis.We're seeking a finance professional with experience in an accounting environment and exposure to payroll processes. You'll have strong attention to detail, excellent organisational skills and a proactive approach, alongside the confidence to communicate effectively with both internal and external stakeholders. You will be highly proficient in Excel, including Pivot Tables, VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP and data analysis, with the ability to work accurately with financial information and accounting systems. Experience of Sage 200 would be advantageous, although it is not essential. This is an office-based position, 08:00 - 16:00, Monday to Friday, flexible alternative hours can be considered