At a Glance
- Tasks: Prepare financial reports and support accounting processes in a dynamic finance team.
- Company: Established financial services firm with a reputation for excellence and client relationships.
- Benefits: Generous leave, private healthcare, pension contributions, and a discretionary bonus.
- Why this job: Gain valuable experience in finance while progressing your accounting studies.
- Qualifications: Studying towards an accounting qualification with some experience in financial services.
- Other info: Enjoy a supportive environment with clear career development opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 48000 Β£ per year.
This is a strong opportunity to join a well-established financial services business known for its high standards, strong governance and long-term client relationships. Working within a collaborative finance team, you'll gain exposure to a varied portfolio of fund and corporate entities while continuing to progress your professional studies. Based in Edinburgh and operating in a full-time, office-based role, this position will suit someone who enjoys responsibility, technical development and working closely with clients and senior stakeholders.
Opportunity
As Assistant Accountant, you'll play a key role in delivering accurate and timely financial reporting across a mix of corporate and fund structures. Working alongside trainees and qualified accountants, you'll take ownership of core accounting processes while building deeper technical capability in a fast-paced financial services environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Preparing monthly and quarterly management accounts for corporate and fund entities
- Supporting accounts payable and receivable, including oversight of postings and payments
- Preparing VAT returns and supporting compliance requirements
- Assisting with the preparation of statutory financial statements across multiple entity types
- Supporting drawdown and distribution notices
- Liaising with auditors and tax advisers, responding to queries and providing supporting documentation
- Building strong working relationships with clients and internal teams
What You'll Bring
- Actively studying towards a recognised accounting qualification
- Previous experience within financial services, fund administration or a related environment
- A solid understanding of management accounts and balance sheet reconciliations
- Strong attention to detail with a proactive, organised approach
- Confidence communicating with colleagues, clients and external advisers
- Experience using Xero and Microsoft 365 would be advantageous
Package & Benefits
- Discretionary bonus
- Generous pension contribution
- 28 days' annual leave plus bank holidays
- Private healthcare and life assurance
- Supportive environment with clear commitment to professional development
Why This Role?
- Exposure to complex and interesting fund and corporate structures
- A clear development path for someone further along in their studies
- High-quality clients and strong governance standards
- A stable business with low staff turnover and long-term career prospects
To learn more or apply, please contact Laura Buchanan Owen at laura@wilkinsonandassociates.co.uk for a private and confidential discussion. Alternatively, submit your CV and we'll be in touch.
Assistant Accountant employer: Wilkinson and Associates
Contact Detail:
Wilkinson and Associates Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice π€«
We think this is how you could land Assistant Accountant
β¨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance world, especially those who work in financial services. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
β¨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their values and how they align with your own. This will help you stand out as someone who genuinely wants to be part of their team.
β¨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common interview questions, but keep it natural. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers, especially when discussing your experience with management accounts and reconciliations.
β¨Tip Number 4
Donβt forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can leave a lasting impression and shows your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it keeps you on their radar as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Accountant
Some tips for your application π«‘
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Assistant Accountant role. Highlight your accounting qualifications, any relevant financial services experience, and your familiarity with management accounts and balance sheet reconciliations.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Use your cover letter to tell us why you're excited about this opportunity. Mention your passion for finance, your commitment to professional development, and how you can contribute to our collaborative team in Edinburgh.
Showcase Your Technical Skills: Since we value technical development, be sure to mention any experience you have with accounting software like Xero and Microsoft 365. If you've worked on VAT returns or statutory financial statements, let us know!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you donβt miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Wilkinson and Associates
β¨Know Your Numbers
Brush up on your understanding of management accounts and balance sheet reconciliations. Be ready to discuss how you've applied these concepts in previous roles or during your studies, as this will show your technical capability and readiness for the Assistant Accountant position.
β¨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past experience in financial services or fund administration. Highlight any responsibilities you've had with accounts payable and receivable, VAT returns, or liaising with auditors. This will demonstrate your hands-on experience and ability to take ownership of core accounting processes.
β¨Build Rapport
Since this role involves working closely with clients and senior stakeholders, practice your communication skills. Think about how you can build strong working relationships and be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully collaborated with others in a team setting.
β¨Familiarise Yourself with Tools
If you have experience using Xero and Microsoft 365, make sure to mention it during the interview. If not, consider doing a quick tutorial or two to get familiar with these tools. Showing that you're proactive about learning new software can set you apart from other candidates.