At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist in producing monthly management accounts and financial reports, and support VAT reporting processes.
- Company: Synthomer is a leading supplier of specialised polymers, headquartered in London since 1971.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive compensation, discretionary bonuses, and tailored healthcare benefits.
- Other info: This role is based in Harlow, requiring 4 days in the office.
- Why this job: Gain hands-on experience in a fast-paced finance environment with exposure to advanced ERP systems.
- Qualifications: AAT Level 3 qualified with experience in large organisations, preferably manufacturing.
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. Headquartered in London, UK, we employ around 3,900 employees across five innovation centres of excellence and more than 29 manufacturing sites across Europe, North America and Asia.
We are looking for a motivated, detail-driven Assistant Accountant to join our team on a 12-month fixed-term contract. This role offers hands-on experience in a fast-paced, large-scale finance environment, working closely with an experienced Finance Manager and contributing to key financial processes. It is ideal for someone who thrives in structured environments, enjoys working with robust systems, and wants to deepen accounting knowledge.
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
What You’ll Be Doing
Supporting the Finance Manager, you will play a key role in ensuring accurate financial reporting and compliance. Your responsibilities will include:
- 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
What We’re Looking For
- Ideally a minimum of AAT Level 3 qualified
- Experience working in a large, complex organisation (manufacturing advantageous)
- Ambition to progress towards ACCA, CIMA, or 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). It ensures 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 programmes, Internal Synthomer University with L&D offers
- Wellbeing support – employee assistance programme (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
Join Synthomer in Harlow, Essex, where you can benefit from a competitive salary and a discretionary global bonus scheme. The company focuses on sustainability and innovation, holding the London Stock Exchange Green Economy Mark since 2021.
