At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage day-to-day accounts, VAT compliance, and bank reconciliations using Xero.
- Company: Join a dynamic academy with a focus on financial excellence.
- Benefits: Flexible part-time hours, competitive salary, and opportunities for growth.
- Other info: Perfect for those seeking a collaborative and supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Make an impact in finance while honing your bookkeeping skills.
- Qualifications: Experience with Xero and strong attention to detail required.
The predicted salary is between 28000 - 34000 £ per year.
Experienced bookkeeper responsible for day-to-day accounts processing, VAT compliance, credit control and bank reconciliations using Xero.
The Bookkeeper will maintain accurate accounting records and ensure timely processing of sales and purchase transactions. You will take ownership of VAT returns, manage the credit control process, prepare payment runs, and complete bank postings and reconciliations. The role requires strong attention to detail, confidence using Xero, and the ability to work to deadlines.
Key responsibilities- Process customer (sales) invoices and credit notes; ensure correct coding, VAT treatment and supporting documentation.
- Process supplier (purchase) invoices, employee and student expenses and credit notes; match to purchase orders/receipts where applicable and resolve queries promptly.
- Maintain Xero ledger hygiene: set up and maintain contacts, nominal codes and tracking categories as required.
- Prepare, review and submit VAT returns; ensure compliance with HMRC requirements and maintain audit-ready VAT records.
- Carry out credit control activities: monitor aged debt, issue statements and reminders, and escalate overdue accounts in line with procedure.
- Prepare supplier payment runs, obtain approvals, and remittance advice distribution.
- Post bank transactions and perform regular bank reconciliations; investigate and resolve discrepancies in a timely manner.
- Reconcile key balance sheet accounts (e.g., VAT control, trade debtors/creditors, clearing accounts) and support month-end close.
- Maintain accurate filing of financial records and ensure data quality, confidentiality and compliance with internal controls.
- Provide support during audits and financial reviews.
- Support the Directors and CFO with ad hoc reporting, audit requests and process improvements.
- Proven bookkeeping experience, including end-to-end processing of sales and purchase ledgers.
- Must have a strong working knowledge of Xero (including bank feeds and reconciliation).
- Hands-on experience preparing and submitting VAT returns.
- Experience running credit control and managing debtor queries professionally.
- Experience preparing and processing payment runs with appropriate approvals and controls.
- Confident with bank postings, bank reconciliations and resolving reconciling items.
- High attention to detail with accurate data entry and strong numerical skills.
- Good Excel skills (e.g., filters, pivot tables, basic formulas) and comfort working with deadlines.
- Clear communication skills and a collaborative approach to working with internal stakeholders and suppliers/customers.
- AAT qualified (or part-qualified) or equivalent practical experience.
- Experience supporting month-end journals (e.g., prepayments/accruals) and management accounts packs.
- Experience with Making Tax Digital processes and digital record-keeping best practice.
Working arrangements:
- Location: Office based, in West Swindon
- Hours: Part-time (24 hours per week, with flexibility to increase hours during busy periods)
- Salary: £28,000–£34,000 (depending on experience)
- Start date: July 26
- Right to work in the UK without sponsorship
Bookkeeper (Xero) in Swindon employer: Wilkes Academy
Join a dynamic team in West Swindon where your expertise as a Bookkeeper will be valued and nurtured. We offer a supportive work culture that prioritises employee growth, with opportunities for professional development and flexible working hours to maintain a healthy work-life balance. Our commitment to compliance and accuracy ensures that you will play a crucial role in our financial operations while enjoying the benefits of a collaborative environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Bookkeeper (Xero) in Swindon
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections and let them know you're on the hunt for a bookkeeping role. You never know who might have a lead or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your Xero skills! If you’ve got experience with Xero, make sure to highlight that in conversations. Offer to demonstrate your knowledge during interviews or networking events.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those tricky questions! Brush up on common interview questions related to VAT compliance and credit control. Practising your answers will help you feel more confident when it’s time to shine.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We love seeing applications come directly from candidates who are excited about joining us. It shows initiative and gives you a better chance of standing out!
We think you need these skills to ace Bookkeeper (Xero) in Swindon
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Xero Skills:Make sure to highlight your experience with Xero in your application. We want to see how you've used it for bank reconciliations and VAT returns, so don’t hold back on the details!
Be Detail-Oriented:Since attention to detail is key for this role, give examples of how you've maintained accurate records or resolved discrepancies in the past. We love a good story about your meticulous nature!
Tailor Your Application:Don’t just send a generic application! Tailor your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific skills and experiences mentioned in the job description. We appreciate when candidates take the time to connect their background to our needs.
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 the role. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Wilkes Academy
✨Know Your Xero Inside Out
Make sure you’re comfortable navigating Xero, as it’s a key part of the role. Brush up on how to process invoices, manage bank reconciliations, and prepare VAT returns. Being able to demonstrate your proficiency will show that you’re ready to hit the ground running.
✨Prepare for Common Bookkeeping Questions
Anticipate questions related to your experience with sales and purchase ledgers, credit control, and VAT compliance. Think of specific examples from your past roles that highlight your skills and attention to detail. This will help you articulate your experience clearly during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Attention to Detail
Since this role requires high accuracy, be prepared to discuss how you ensure data quality in your work. You might want to share techniques you use to double-check your entries or how you handle discrepancies in accounts. This will demonstrate your commitment to maintaining accurate records.
✨Communicate Clearly and Collaboratively
The ability to communicate effectively with internal stakeholders and suppliers is crucial. Practice explaining complex financial concepts in simple terms, and think about how you’ve successfully collaborated with others in previous roles. This will highlight your interpersonal skills and fit for the team.
