At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the annual audit process and enhance financial controls in a dynamic finance team.
- Company: Join a professional services firm with a collaborative and fast-paced environment.
- Benefits: Competitive day-rate, flexible hybrid working, and valuable experience in finance.
- Other info: Opportunity for growth and to work on exciting finance projects.
- Why this job: Make a real impact during a busy audit period while developing your accounting skills.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant or equivalent experience with strong audit and reconciliation skills.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 30000 £ per year.
Accountant (Fixed Term Contract - 3 Months) St Albans / Hybrid (as required) 3 days per week - Fixed Term Contract (3 Months) Day-rate £300/day
Role Summary
We are seeking an experienced and hands‑on Accountant to join our Finance team on a 3-month fixed term contract to provide additional support during the annual audit process and wider finance activity. The successful candidate will play a key role in supporting the preparation of audit deliverables, strengthening financial controls and assisting the Finance team with key accounting activities during a busy period. This role requires a proactive individual who can quickly understand processes, work independently and support multiple priorities in a fast‑paced professional services environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Coordinate and prepare information required for the external audit process
- Own and maintain audit request trackers
- Gather supporting documentation and respond to auditor queries
- Prepare audit schedules and reconciliations
- Liaise with internal stakeholders to obtain information efficiently
- Support delivery of a smooth and timely year‑end audit process
Financial Control & Reconciliations
- Prepare and review balance sheet reconciliations
- Investigate and resolve reconciling items
- Review accounting entries and ensure supporting documentation is maintained
- Assist with maintaining strong financial controls and process documentation
- Support review and cleanup of historical balance sheet items where required
Month-End & Reporting Support
- Assist with month‑end close activities
- Support preparation of journals, accruals and prepayments
- Provide analysis and commentary where required
- Assist with management reporting and ad hoc financial analysis
Process Improvement
- Identify opportunities to improve reporting efficiency and control processes
- Support documentation and standardisation of finance procedures
- Assist with ad hoc finance projects and process enhancements
Person Specification
Essential
- Qualified accountant (ACA / ACCA / CIMA) or qualified by experience with strong relevant background
- Previous experience supporting external audits
- Strong balance sheet reconciliation experience
- Excellent attention to detail and analytical capability
- Strong Excel skills including: Pivot tables, SUMIFS/XLOOKUP, Data manipulation and analysis
- Ability to work independently and quickly understand new environments
- Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities
- Experience of year‑end audit preparation and audit liaison
Desirable
- Experience within professional services or legal sector environments
Contractor Accountant in St Albans employer: Rayden Solicitors
Join a dynamic finance team in St Albans, where we prioritise employee growth and foster a collaborative work culture. As a Contractor Accountant, you'll benefit from a flexible hybrid working model, competitive day rates, and the opportunity to enhance your skills during a critical audit period. We value proactive individuals who thrive in fast-paced environments and offer a supportive atmosphere that encourages process improvement and professional development.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Contractor Accountant in St Albans
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance world, especially those who have experience with audits. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your technical skills. Since this role involves financial controls and reconciliations, be ready to discuss your experience with balance sheet reconciliations and audit processes in detail.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your proactive nature! During interviews, share examples of how you've identified process improvements in past roles. This will demonstrate your ability to enhance efficiency, which is key for this position.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are keen to join us directly!
We think you need these skills to ace Contractor Accountant in St Albans
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Contractor Accountant role. Highlight your experience with audits, reconciliations, and financial controls. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for our Finance team. Share specific examples of your past experiences that relate to the key responsibilities in the job description.
Show Off Your Excel Skills:Since strong Excel skills are essential for this role, don’t forget to mention your proficiency with pivot tables, SUMIFS, and data manipulation. We love seeing candidates who can hit the ground running!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep everything organised and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves!
How to prepare for a job interview at Rayden Solicitors
✨Know Your Numbers
Brush up on your accounting knowledge, especially around balance sheet reconciliations and audit processes. Be ready to discuss specific examples from your past experiences where you successfully managed these tasks.
✨Excel Skills on Display
Since strong Excel skills are a must, prepare to demonstrate your proficiency. Bring examples of how you've used pivot tables, SUMIFS, or XLOOKUP in your previous roles. You might even want to practice explaining these concepts clearly.
✨Be Proactive
Show that you can take the initiative by discussing how you've identified process improvements in your previous roles. Think of specific instances where your proactive approach led to better financial controls or reporting efficiency.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions about how you'd handle competing priorities during busy periods, especially around year-end audits. Prepare some scenarios where you successfully juggled multiple tasks and how you ensured everything was completed on time.
