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 hands-on mentoring.
- Other info: Perfect opportunity for growth in a supportive team during a maternity cover period.
- Why this job: Gain valuable experience and develop your skills while supporting exciting system changes.
- Qualifications: Strong organisational skills and a willingness to learn; accounts experience preferred but not essential.
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 in Kendal employer: Stephenson Halliday Ltd
Join our dynamic Landscape Architecture and Planning practice as an Accounts Assistant, where you'll thrive in a collaborative team environment that values your growth and development. With hands-on mentoring, exposure to new systems like ERP implementation, and a supportive culture, this role offers a unique opportunity to enhance your accounting skills while enjoying a flexible hybrid working pattern in the picturesque town of Kendal. We prioritise employee well-being with generous annual leave and a commitment to professional advancement, making us an excellent employer for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Accounts Assistant in Kendal
✨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 an Accounts Assistant role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a job opening!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Familiarise yourself with their accounting processes and be ready to discuss how your skills can help them during their ERP implementation. Show them you’re not just another candidate, but someone who’s genuinely interested in their success.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your interview skills with a friend or family member. Focus on common questions for accounts roles and think about how you can highlight your adaptability and organisational skills. The more comfortable you are, the better you’ll perform when it counts!
✨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 take that extra step to connect with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Accounts Assistant in Kendal
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Accounts Assistant role. Highlight your organisational skills, adaptability, and any relevant accounting experience to show us you’re the right fit!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re excited about this role and how your background makes you a great candidate. Don’t forget to mention your enthusiasm for learning new systems!
Showcase Your Team Spirit:Since we value collaboration, share examples of how you’ve worked well in teams before. Whether it’s supporting colleagues or managing tasks under pressure, let us know how you thrive in a busy environment!
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 don’t miss out on any important updates from our team!
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 times when you successfully managed multiple tasks or adapted to changes in processes.
✨Embrace Change
Since this role involves learning new systems, be prepared to talk about your experiences with change management. Share how you've approached new software implementations or adapted to new processes in previous roles.
✨Team Player Vibes
Highlight your collaborative spirit! Prepare to discuss how you've supported colleagues in the past and contributed to a positive team environment. This will show that you're not just about the numbers but also about building relationships.
