At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage stock records and assist with accounts administration in a busy garden centre.
- Company: Scotts Of Southend, a thriving garden centre with growth opportunities.
- Benefits: Full-time hours, supportive team environment, and potential for career advancement.
- Other info: Work Monday to Friday, 9:00am – 5:00pm, in a collaborative setting.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and play a key role in our growing business.
- Qualifications: 3+ years in stock control/accounts, strong Excel skills, and attention to detail.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 € per year.
Scotts Of Southend is a busy garden centre located between Rochford and Southend. The business has experienced considerable growth over recent years and will continue to grow in the coming years. Reporting to the management team, we are seeking an experienced and detail-oriented professional to join our team in a full-time position at our busy Garden Centre in Rochford. This role is ideally suited to someone with at least 3 years’ experience in stock control and accounts administration, with a strong focus on accuracy, analysis, and process improvement.
The role will include assisting the Financial Director with administrative and reconciliation work on the Garden Centre as well as the sister company EAF Group Ltd.
Working Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00am – 5:00pm onsite at Scotts Of Southend
Role Overview
This position combines stock management responsibilities with accounts administration duties, playing a key role in ensuring the accuracy of stock records, maintaining financial controls, and supporting efficient business operations. Strong Excel skills are essential, as data handling and system updates form a core part of the role.
Key Responsibilities
- Stock Control & Inventory Management
- Maintain and manage accurate stock records using internal systems (Win Retail), including:
- Setting up new stock via Excel imports with correct pricing, VAT rates, and department allocation
- Updating existing stock for cost and price changes
- Monitor stock margins by liaising with department managers to ensure profitability is maintained
- Investigate and resolve negative stock discrepancies, implementing preventative measures where possible
- Coordinate and support stock takes, including:
- System setup
- Reviewing variance reports
- Investigating and resolving discrepancies
- Proactively identify stock control issues and recommend process improvements to enhance accuracy and efficiency
- Ensure the “goods in” staff are recording movements accurately
- Accounts Administration
- Raise purchase orders and match supplier invoices against confirmed deliveries
- Process and enter non-stock invoices into Sage 200 for payment
- Reconcile supplier statements against Sage accounts, identifying and resolving discrepancies
- Liaise with suppliers to chase missing invoices and ensure timely resolution
- Prepare and submit reconciled statements to Head Office for payment runs
- Set up new supplier credit accounts as required
- Assist Financial Director with administration and reconciliation
- Minimum 3 years’ experience in a similar stock control and/or accounts role
- Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including data manipulation and imports
- Experience with accounting systems (e.g. Sage 200) and stock management systems
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, particularly in resolving stock discrepancies
- High level of accuracy and attention to detail
- Excellent organisational and time management abilities
- Ability to communicate effectively with internal teams and suppliers
- Strong understanding of inventory control processes and financial reconciliation
- Ability to manage both stock accuracy and accounts integrity simultaneously
- Proactive approach to identifying inefficiencies and improving processes
Skills & Experience
Key Strengths for Success in This Role
Stock Controller / Accounts Administrator in Crawley employer: Scott's of Southend Garden Centre
At Scotts Of Southend, we pride ourselves on being a dynamic and growing garden centre that values accuracy, efficiency, and employee development. Our supportive work culture fosters collaboration and innovation, providing ample opportunities for professional growth in a vibrant environment. Located in the heart of Rochford, we offer a full-time position with a focus on work-life balance, ensuring our team members thrive both personally and professionally.
Contact Detail:
Scott's of Southend Garden Centre Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Stock Controller / Accounts Administrator in Crawley
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend local events, and don’t be shy about letting people know you’re on the hunt for a Stock Controller or Accounts Administrator role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Scotts Of Southend and understanding their operations. Familiarise yourself with their stock management processes and think of ways you can contribute to their growth. Show them you’re not just another candidate, but someone who’s genuinely interested in their success.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your Excel skills! Since strong Excel proficiency is essential for this role, brush up on your data manipulation techniques. Consider creating a mock inventory spreadsheet to showcase your abilities during interviews.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at Scotts Of Southend. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Stock Controller / Accounts Administrator in Crawley
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights your experience in stock control and accounts administration. Use keywords from the job description to show we’re looking for someone with your skills!
Show Off Your Excel Skills:Since strong Excel skills are essential for this role, don’t forget to mention any specific projects or tasks where you’ve used Excel effectively. We want to see how you can handle data like a pro!
Be Detail-Oriented:Accuracy is key in this position, so make sure your application is free of typos and errors. A well-organised application reflects your attention to detail, which is exactly what we need!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Scott's of Southend Garden Centre
✨Know Your Numbers
Brush up on your stock control and accounts administration knowledge. Be ready to discuss specific examples from your past experience where you successfully managed stock discrepancies or improved processes. This shows you’re not just familiar with the concepts, but you’ve actively applied them.
✨Excel Skills on Display
Since strong Excel skills are essential for this role, prepare to demonstrate your proficiency. Bring along examples of how you've used Excel for data manipulation or inventory management. If possible, practice explaining your thought process while working through a sample spreadsheet.
✨Process Improvement Mindset
Think about times when you identified inefficiencies in stock control or accounts processes. Be ready to share these examples and discuss the solutions you implemented. This will highlight your proactive approach and problem-solving skills, which are key for success in this role.
✨Communication is Key
Prepare to discuss how you’ve effectively communicated with internal teams and suppliers in the past. Think of specific instances where your communication skills helped resolve issues or improve collaboration. This will show that you can maintain strong relationships while managing stock and accounts.
