At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist in producing financial reports and managing accounts in a dynamic finance environment.
- Company: Join Synthomer, a leading supplier of high-performance polymers with a global presence.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, bonuses, healthcare, and learning opportunities.
- Other info: Work in a structured environment with excellent career progression towards ACCA, CIMA, or ACA.
- Why this job: Gain hands-on experience and exposure to end-to-end finance processes.
- Qualifications: AAT Level 3 qualified with a proactive attitude and attention to detail.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Synthomer is a leading supplier of high-performance, highly specialised polymers and ingredients that play vital roles in key sectors such as coatings, construction, adhesives, and health and protection – growing markets that serve billions of end users worldwide. Headquartered in London, UK and publicly listed there since 1971, we employ approximately 3,900 employees across our 5 innovation centres of excellence and more than 29 manufacturing sites across Europe, North America and Asia. Around 20% of our sales volumes are from new and patent protected products.
We’re looking for a motivated, detail-driven Assistant Accountant to join our team on a 12-month fixed-term contract. This is a fantastic opportunity to gain hands‑on experience in a fast‑paced, large‑scale finance environment, working closely with an experienced Finance Manager and contributing to key financial processes. If you thrive in structured environments, enjoy working with robust systems, and want to deepen your accounting knowledge, this role is built for you.
Why Join Us?
- Real exposure to end‑to‑end finance in a complex business environment
- Work with advanced ERP systems (SAP or similar)
- Gain valuable experience across month‑end, reporting, and compliance
- Opportunity to support budgeting, forecasting, and audit processes
- A strong platform for those progressing towards ACCA, CIMA, or ACA
Responsibilities
- Assisting in the production of monthly management accounts and financial reports
- Preparing and posting accruals, prepayments, and journals
- Completing balance sheet reconciliations and submitting them in BlackLine
- Supporting VAT and corporate tax reporting processes
- Managing and clearing GRIR reconciliations, tracking actions to resolution
- Assisting with the budgeting process and cash‑flow forecasting
- Maintaining the assets under construction ledger, ensuring projects are closed in a timely manner
- Supporting finance projects and ad-hoc analysis
Qualifications
- Minimum AAT Level 3 qualified
- Experience working in a large, complex organisation (manufacturing advantageous)
- Ambition to progress towards ACCA / CIMA / ACA (desirable)
- Hands‑on experience with SAP or a similar ERP system
- Strong attention to detail with a proactive, can‑do attitude
- Comfortable working in a structured environment with multiple stakeholders
Working Pattern
This role is based in Harlow, with 4 days per week in the office (non‑negotiable). This ensures you gain full exposure, training, and collaboration with the wider finance team.
Global Benefits Overview
- Competitive, market‑aligned compensation
- Discretionary global bonus scheme
- Discretionary Long‑Term Incentive Plan (LTIP) – for senior positions
- Company car or car allowance – varies by region and role
- Healthcare – tailored to regional locations
- Parental leave and family support – maternity, paternity, adoption (aligned with regional policies)
- Working options – flexibility where it matters, based on role and business needs
- Learning & development opportunities – training, online platforms, buddy/mentorship programs, Internal Synthomer University with L&D offers
- Wellbeing support – employee assistance program (EAP), mental health resources, wellbeing initiatives
- Retirement / pension contributions – plans vary by country
- Culture of inclusion – where everyone can thrive
- Performance culture, global reward & recognition programmes
Assistant Accountant - 12mth FTC in Harlow employer: Synthomer Plc
At Synthomer, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters professional growth and development. As an Assistant Accountant in Harlow, you'll gain invaluable hands-on experience in a large-scale finance environment, supported by a team that values collaboration and innovation. With competitive benefits, a commitment to employee wellbeing, and opportunities for career progression towards ACCA, CIMA, or ACA, joining us means becoming part of a forward-thinking company dedicated to your success.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Accountant - 12mth FTC in Harlow
✨Join Financial Networking Events
Jump into local finance meetups and conferences — they’re a goldmine for temporary roles in banking and financial services. You can chat with industry professionals and even get leads on upcoming opportunities that might not be posted online yet.
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Reach out to temp agencies that focus on the banking sector. They often have strong ties with various firms and can help you secure short-term gigs that can help beef up your CV and get your foot in the door at firms like Synthomer Plc.
✨Connect with Alumni from Your Uni
Don't underestimate the power of your university’s alumni network. Many former students are working in banking and can help you find temporary roles or even offer mentorship. Reach out directly or attend alumni events to broaden your circle.
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Keep your eyes peeled on job boards specifically for finance roles. Companies like Synthomer Plc might post temporary positions directly on their sites, so make sure to apply there too. Set alerts to catch those roles the moment they go live!
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Accountant - 12mth FTC in Harlow
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Academic Achievements:In banking and financial services, your academic record can really make you stand out. List relevant grades, certifications, or coursework on your CV, especially if you've taken finance-related modules. This is particularly important for a temporary role where qualifications can help you shine even brighter!
Highlight Relevant Experience:If you’ve done any internships, part-time roles, or even coursework that aligns with banking or finance, make sure you include those! Showcase specific tasks where you used quantitative skills or analytical thinking, as this is what the hiring managers at Synthomer Plc will be keen to see in your application.
Tailor Your Cover Letter Purposefully:When writing your cover letter, focus on why you’re interested in a temporary position at Synthomer Plc. Let them know how you can quickly adapt to the team's needs and how eager you are to learn the ropes of the banking sector during this short stint. Your motivation and enthusiasm could really set you apart!
Be Prepared with References:For temporary roles, references can play a crucial role in your application. Make sure you’ve got a couple of references lined up who can vouch for your skills and work ethic. This helps to give Synthomer Plc confidence in your short-term commitment to the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Synthomer Plc
✨Brush Up on Financial Regulations
Since this is a role in banking and financial services, be ready to discuss key regulations like MiFID, Basel III, or GDPR. These are hot topics, and your awareness of how they impact daily operations can give you a significant edge during your interview with Synthomer Plc.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Prepare for interview questions that assess your analytical abilities. You might need to tackle hypothetical scenarios involving risk assessment or financial forecasting. Bringing examples of relevant projects or coursework can emphasise your practical understanding of these concepts.
✨Highlight Flexibility and Adaptability
For a temporary role, showing that you can quickly pick up new processes and tools is crucial. Be ready to discuss previous experiences where you had to adapt to changing requirements or tight deadlines, as this will reassure Synthomer Plc that you’re a reliable team player.
✨Demonstrate a Willingness to Learn
In a temporary position, leaning into your eagerness to learn can really set you apart. Be prepared to share how you’re staying updated on industry trends or any additional training you've pursued. Employers appreciate candidates who are proactive about their development—even for short-term roles.
