Assistant Accountant in Shaftesbury

Assistant Accountant in Shaftesbury

Shaftesbury Temporary 35000 - 40000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
Talent Finance Ltd

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Manage day-to-day finance operations and ensure smooth processes across purchase ledger, sales ledger, and payroll.
  • Company: Well-established and growing business in Shaftesbury with a flexible hybrid working culture.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working options, and immediate impact in a varied role.
  • Other info: Join a dynamic team committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion.
  • Why this job: Step into a hands-on position where you can make a real difference from day one.
  • Qualifications: 3+ years experience in AP, AR, and payroll with strong Excel skills.

The predicted salary is between 35000 - 40000 £ per year.

Assistant Accountant Shaftesbury £35,000 - £40,000 6 Month FTC Hybrid (Flexible)

We're working with a well-established and growing business in Shaftesbury to recruit an Assistant Accountant on a 6 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.

Key Responsibilities

  • 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
  • 6 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.

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.

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Assistant Accountant in Shaftesbury employer: Talent Finance Ltd

Talent Finance Ltd. is an excellent employer that values its employees by fostering a supportive work culture and providing ample opportunities for professional growth. Located in the vibrant city of Salisbury, the company offers a competitive salary and the chance to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of a growing SME, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.

Talent Finance Ltd

Contact Details:

Talent Finance Ltd Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Assistant Accountant in Shaftesbury

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.

Utilise Temp Agencies Specialised in Finance

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 Talent Finance Ltd.

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.

Stay Active on Job Boards and Company Websites

Keep your eyes peeled on job boards specifically for finance roles. Companies like Talent Finance Ltd 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 in Shaftesbury

Purchase Ledger Management
Sales Ledger Management
Payroll Processing
VAT Returns Preparation
Statutory Compliance
Excel Proficiency
Finance Systems Knowledge

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 Talent Finance Ltd 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 Talent Finance Ltd. 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 Talent Finance Ltd confidence in your short-term commitment to the role.

How to prepare for a job interview at Talent Finance Ltd

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 Talent Finance Ltd.

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 Talent Finance Ltd 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.