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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage day-to-day finance operations and ensure smooth processes.
- Company: Well-established and growing business in Shaftesbury.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible hybrid working, and immediate impact.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team committed to equality and diversity.
- Why this job: Take ownership in a hands-on role and make a real difference.
- Qualifications: 3+ years experience in AP, AR, and payroll with strong Excel skills.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 40000 £ per year.
We're working with a well-established and growing business in Shaftesbury to recruit an Assistant Accountant on a 3-month fixed-term contract. This is a hands-on, high-impact role suited to someone who can hit the ground running and take ownership of day-to-day finance operations from the outset. You'll play a key role in ensuring processes run smoothly, accurately, and in line with internal controls across purchase ledger, sales ledger, and payroll.
The business offers flexible hybrid working, with the opportunity to tailor office and home working patterns to suit the right candidate.
The Role
This is a varied position with real responsibility, where you'll be trusted to manage core finance processes and support the wider team by ensuring transactions, reporting, and payroll activities are delivered accurately and on time.
- Purchase Ledger
- Processing supplier invoices accurately and in a timely manner
- Maintaining a clean and up-to-date purchase ledger
- Supporting the purchase order process and ensuring compliance
- Assisting with payment runs
- Handling supplier queries and resolving discrepancies
- Supporting reporting and completing bank reconciliations
- Sales Ledger & Credit Control
- Raising sales invoices and credit notes accurately
- Allocating incoming payments and maintaining customer accounts
- Supporting credit control activities and chasing outstanding payments
- Ensuring compliance with credit insurance and invoice finance requirements
- Assisting with reporting and maintaining accurate records
- Payroll
- Processing weekly and monthly payrolls
- Maintaining accurate payroll records and employee data
- Ensuring payroll is compliant with statutory requirements
- Providing payroll-related information to internal stakeholders
- VAT & Statutory Returns
- Preparing and submitting VAT returns
- Managing PAYE/NI submissions and payments
- Supporting pension submissions
- Assisting with year-end processes and audit requirements
- General
- Maintaining a strong audit trail and accurate financial records
- Supporting continuous improvement across finance processes
- Working closely with internal teams and external stakeholders
About You
- Previous experience across AP, AR, and payroll (ideally 3+ years)
- Confident working independently and able to hit the ground running
- Strong Excel skills and confidence using finance systems
- Highly organised with strong attention to detail
- Proactive, with a problem-solving mindset
- Confident communicator who can build relationships across the business
Why Apply?
- Competitive salary of £35,000 - £40,000
- Flexible hybrid working tailored to the right candidate
- 3-month FTC with immediate impact
- Varied, all-round finance role with real responsibility
- Opportunity to step into a role where you can add value from day one
This role would suit an experienced Assistant Accountant looking for a fast-paced, hands-on position where they can take ownership and make an immediate impact. If you're available at short notice and ready to get stuck in, we'd love to hear from you.
Talent Finance is committed to promoting Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in the workplace. All applications are reviewed on merit, and we welcome candidates from all backgrounds.
Assistant Accountant in Shaftesbury employer: Talent Finance Ltd
Contact Detail:
Talent Finance Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Accountant in Shaftesbury
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance world, especially those who might know about opportunities in accounting. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to job openings that aren't even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to finance and accounting. We recommend role-playing with a friend or using online resources to get comfortable discussing your experience with purchase ledgers and payroll.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your skills! Bring along examples of your work or projects you've managed in previous roles. This could be anything from reports you've created to processes you've improved—let them see the value you can add!
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and eager to join our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Accountant in Shaftesbury
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in accounts payable, receivable, and payroll. We want to see how your skills match the role, so don’t be shy about showcasing your relevant achievements!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re the perfect fit for this Assistant Accountant role. Share specific examples of how you've successfully managed finance processes in the past.
Show Off Your Excel Skills: Since strong Excel skills are a must-have for this position, consider mentioning any advanced functions or tools you’re familiar with. We love seeing candidates who can hit the ground running with their tech skills!
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 this exciting opportunity right away!
How to prepare for a job interview at Talent Finance Ltd
✨Know Your Numbers
Brush up on your accounting knowledge, especially around purchase and sales ledgers, payroll, and VAT. Be ready to discuss your previous experience in these areas and how you've handled specific challenges.
✨Showcase Your Excel Skills
Since strong Excel skills are a must for this role, prepare to demonstrate your proficiency. You might be asked about functions you frequently use or how you manage data effectively, so have some examples ready.
✨Be Proactive in Problem-Solving
This role requires a proactive mindset, so think of instances where you've identified issues before they became problems. Share these examples during the interview to show that you can take ownership and drive improvements.
✨Communicate Confidently
As a confident communicator, you'll need to build relationships across the business. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely, and be prepared to discuss how you've collaborated with teams in the past.