At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the finance team with essential accounts and administrative duties in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Join a busy Landscape Architecture and Planning practice with a collaborative team spirit.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, 25 days annual leave, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Perfect for someone looking to grow their career in a supportive and fast-paced setting.
- Why this job: Gain hands-on experience and mentoring while contributing to exciting system changes.
- Qualifications: Strong organisational skills and a willingness to learn new systems; accounting experience preferred.
The predicted salary is between 27500 - 30000 £ per year.
We are looking for a capable, organised and proactive Accounts Assistant to join our busy Landscape Architecture and Planning practice on a maternity cover basis. This is a full-time role suited to someone who thrives in a fast-paced environment, works confidently to deadlines, and enjoys being part of a collaborative team of 5. This role will suit someone with strong core accounting and administrative skills who is adaptable, calm under pressure, and comfortable working through periods of change. This maternity cover presents an excellent development opportunity for the right person looking to take the next step in their career. You will receive hands-on mentoring and professional support, gain exposure to a wide range of accounting and business processes, and be actively involved in learning new systems, including participation in a forthcoming ERP implementation. This role offers valuable experience in a supportive team environment for someone keen to build confidence, broaden their skill set and develop professionally within a busy, well-established organisation.
The Role
Reporting to the Finance Manager and working closely with the Assistant Accountant and wider administrative team, you will provide essential accounts and office support across the business. Key responsibilities include:
- Matching, batching and processing receipts for expenses (bi-weekly) and credit cards (monthly)
- Actively manage the Accounts inbox by assigning, responding to various requests from external and internal sources
- Use imports to batch post expenses, credit cards, travel accounts and purchase ledger invoices using Sage 50
- Posting subcontractor invoices to projects (using Coretime, our timesheet system)
- Bank reconciliations
- Pull together payment runs and enter onto the bank
- Providing holiday cover and supporting colleagues where required
- Ad hoc accounts and administrative duties
- Supporting ad hoc Health & Safety administrative tasks for the office
Systems & Change
Initially, you will be required to learn and work confidently with our existing systems. During the maternity cover period, the business will be implementing a new ERP system, which will change how parts of this role are delivered.
We are looking for someone who:
- Is comfortable learning new systems
- Can remain organised and solution-focused during change
- Is willing to actively engage with, support, and help shape new processes
- Approaches system implementation pragmatically and calmly
About You
- Strong organisational skills with the ability to prioritise and meet deadlines
- Good working knowledge of Excel
- Confident working in a busy, deadline-driven environment
- Adaptable and comfortable managing change
- Professional, reliable and collaborative
- Accounts experience preferred; full training will be provided
Working Pattern & Salary
Full time 40 hours per week. Working hours fall flexibly between 08.00am-18.00pm. Hybrid working pattern: 3 days per week in our Kendal office (currently Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays), with up to 2 days per week working from home if desired. Salary: £27,500 – £30,000, depending on experience. Annual Leave 25 days plus Bank Holidays.
Accounts Assistant employer: Stephenson Halliday Ltd
Join our dynamic Landscape Architecture and Planning practice as an Accounts Assistant, where you'll thrive in a supportive and collaborative team environment. With a focus on professional development, you'll receive hands-on mentoring and gain valuable experience during an exciting ERP implementation, all while enjoying a flexible hybrid working pattern in the picturesque town of Kendal. We prioritise employee growth and well-being, making this an excellent opportunity for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Accounts Assistant
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend local events, or join online forums. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and practising common questions. We recommend having a few examples ready that showcase your skills and how you handle challenges, especially in a fast-paced environment.
✨Tip Number 3
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in showing your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decision.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Accounts Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Carefully:Before you dive into your application, take a moment to thoroughly read the job description. We want to see that you understand what we're looking for in an Accounts Assistant and how you can fit into our team.
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter:Make sure your CV and cover letter highlight your relevant skills and experiences. We love seeing how your background aligns with our needs, so don’t be shy about showcasing your accounting and administrative prowess!
Show Your Personality:While we’re all about professionalism, we also appreciate a bit of personality! Let us know why you’re excited about this role and how you can contribute to our collaborative team environment.
Apply Through Our Website:When you're ready to apply, make sure to do it 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 Stephenson Halliday Ltd
✨Know Your Numbers
Brush up on your accounting knowledge, especially around core tasks like matching, batching, and processing receipts. Be ready to discuss your experience with systems like Sage 50 and how you've handled similar responsibilities in the past.
✨Show Your Organisational Skills
Prepare examples that showcase your ability to stay organised and meet deadlines, especially in a fast-paced environment. Think of specific situations where you successfully managed multiple tasks or adapted to changes.
✨Be Ready for Change
Since this role involves learning new systems, be prepared to talk about your adaptability. Share experiences where you’ve engaged with new processes or systems, and how you approached those changes positively.
✨Collaborate and Communicate
Highlight your teamwork skills by discussing how you've supported colleagues in previous roles. Be ready to explain how you manage communication in a busy environment, especially when dealing with internal and external requests.
