At a Glance
- Tasks: Support finance activities and maintain accurate financial records in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Join Wilson Gunn LLP, a leading intellectual property firm with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, hybrid working, 25 days annual leave, and a Christmas bonus.
- Other info: Flexible working hours and excellent training support for your professional growth.
- Why this job: Develop your finance career while making a real impact in a respected firm.
- Qualifications: Experience as an Accounts Assistant and strong knowledge of Sage accounting software required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Wilson Gunn LLP is a leading firm of patent and trade mark attorneys, with offices in Manchester, Birmingham, Chesterfield, Glasgow, Liverpool and London. Our clients range from ambitious start‑ups and SMEs to multinational corporations and internationally recognised brands.
We are currently seeking a Senior Accounts Assistant to join our Head Office in Manchester on a permanent, full‑time basis, working 35 hours per week.
Benefits
- Competitive salary, dependent on experience, with a salary review upon successful completion of probation
- Hybrid working and flexible hours
- Christmas bonus
- Auto‑enrolment pension scheme (after three months’ service)
- 25 days’ annual leave, increasing to 30 days with length of service
- Holiday buy/sell scheme (after 12 months’ service)
- Full training and ongoing support
- Cycle to Work scheme (after successful completion of probation)
If you are an experienced Accounts Assistant looking to develop your career within one of the UK's leading intellectual property firms, we’d love to hear from you. At Wilson Gunn LLP, we are committed to learning and development and provide our employees with the support they need to achieve their full potential. You will play an important role in supporting the finance function, helping to maintain accurate financial records and contributing to the smooth running of the department.
We offer a flexible and hybrid approach to working, enabling employees to balance office and home‑based working. While there is flexibility around working patterns, this role requires regular attendance at our Manchester office, with a minimum on‑site presence expected each week to support collaboration and the effective operation of the finance team.
The Role
As a Senior Accounts Assistant, you will support a wide range of finance activities across the business. While your day‑to‑day responsibilities will focus on specific areas, you will be encouraged to develop knowledge across the wider finance function to provide cover and support when required.
Responsibilities
- Ensuring internal accounting records are accurate and up to date
- Providing administrative support to the finance team
- Maintaining Intellectual Property Office deposit accounts
- Maintaining cashbooks, including posting receipts and payments to Sage and performing bank reconciliations
- Maintaining sales and purchase ledgers, including posting disbursements, sales invoices and overheads to Sage
- Reviewing and checking disbursements entered into the practice management system
- Processing supplier and client payments
- Processing and issuing monthly invoices
- Assisting with month‑end procedures and other finance‑related tasks as required
About You
To be successful in this role, you will have:
- Previous experience in an Accounts Assistant or Senior Accounts Assistant position
- AAT qualification (or higher) or equivalent accounting experience
- Strong working knowledge of Sage accounting software (Sage 200 preferred)
- Excellent IT skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel
- GCSEs (or equivalent) at Grade 4/C or above in English and Mathematics
- Excellent attention to detail and a high level of accuracy
- The ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines
- Strong organisational and communication skills
- The ability to work independently and use initiative
- A collaborative approach and the ability to work effectively as part of a team
- A positive attitude and willingness to learn
Wilson Gunn LLP and Webrecruit are equal opportunities employers. We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all employees and applicants are treated fairly and with respect.
If you are ready to take the next step in your finance career and join a respected and successful professional services firm, we would be delighted to hear from you.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Accounts Assistant in Manchester
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
✨Get Certified
Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.
✨Connect on Professional Platforms
Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like Webrecruit. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Accounts Assistant in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to Webrecruit.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on Webrecruit's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Webrecruit
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with Webrecruit.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at Webrecruit will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former Webrecruit employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.