Assistant Accountant

Role Overview

We are seeking a motivated, enthusiastic, and detail-oriented Assistant Accountant to join our finance team.

The successful candidate will support the day-to-day accounting and financial reporting functions of the business, working across both our financial advisory and accounting divisions.

This is an excellent opportunity for an individual who is currently studying towards an AAT qualification or has recently completed their studies and is looking to develop their accounting career within a professional and supportive environment.

We are particularly interested in candidates who already possess a sound understanding of accounting principles, including double-entry bookkeeping, reconciliations, journals, and financial statements, and who are keen to apply and develop their knowledge in a practical working environment.

The role offers a varied workload, exposure to financial reporting within an FCA-regulated business, and opportunities to develop technical accounting skills and take on greater responsibility.

Key ResponsibilitiesFinancial Accounting and Bookkeeping

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date accounting records, including purchase and sales ledgers.
• Process invoices, receipts, payments, and other financial transactions.
• Undertake regular bank and control account reconciliations, identifying and resolving discrepancies.
• Prepare and post journals, accruals, prepayments, and other accounting adjustments.
• Assist with month-end and year-end accounting procedures.
• Reconcile balance sheet accounts and prepare supporting working papers.
• Monitor outstanding debtors and creditors and assist with credit control.
• Ensure financial transactions are accurately classified and supported by appropriate documentation.

Management Accounts and Financial Reporting

• Assist in preparing monthly, quarterly, and annual management accounts.
• Prepare profit and loss statements, balance sheets, and supporting financial schedules.
• Analyse income, expenditure, and financial performance.
• Assist with budget monitoring and variance analysis.
• Investigate differences between accounting records and financial reports.
• Prepare financial information for directors and management meetings.
• Assist with cash flow monitoring and financial forecasting.

Financial Advisory and FCA Reporting

• Assist with the reconciliation of adviser commission, fee income, and introducer payments.
• Reconcile commission statements and provider income against internal financial records.
• Investigate discrepancies, missing payments, commission clawbacks, and lapses.
• Maintain accurate records of adviser remuneration and related financial transactions.
• Assist with preparing financial information for FCA regulatory reporting, including RMAR returns through RegData.
• Maintain appropriate working papers and supporting documentation for regulatory submissions.
• Assist with monitoring financial reporting deadlines and internal compliance requirements.

Client Accounting Support

• Assist with preparing accounts for sole traders, partnerships, and limited companies.
• Prepare and maintain accounting schedules, reconciliations, and supporting working papers.
• Assist with reviewing trial balances and identifying necessary accounting adjustments.
• Support the preparation of year-end financial statements.
• Assist with maintaining client accounting records using Xero, QuickBooks, and other accounting systems.
• Liaise with clients to obtain financial information and resolve routine accounting queries.
• Assist with maintaining accurate client files and accounting documentation.

Financial Controls and Compliance

• Support the maintenance of effective internal financial controls.
• Identify and investigate accounting errors, unusual transactions, and discrepancies.
• Ensure financial information is handled accurately and confidentially.
• Assist with internal and external audit requirements.
• Maintain appropriate accounting records and supporting audit trails.
• Follow company procedures relating to data protection, financial compliance, and information security.
• Assist with improving accounting procedures and internal reporting controls.

Systems and Process Improvement

• Use Microsoft Excel to prepare reconciliations, financial schedules, and reports.
• Maintain accurate electronic records in accordance with the firm's paperless working practices.
• Assist with developing and improving accounting spreadsheets and reporting templates.
• Identify opportunities to improve the efficiency and accuracy of financial processes.
• Provide general accounting and administrative support to the wider team as required.

Person Specification Essential Requirements

• Currently studying towards an AAT accounting qualification or recently completed an AAT qualification.
• A sound understanding of accounting principles and financial record-keeping.
• Good knowledge of double-entry bookkeeping, journals, accruals, prepayments, and reconciliations.
• Ability to understand and interpret trial balances, profit and loss accounts, and balance sheets.
• Good numerical and analytical skills, with excellent attention to detail.
• Competent in Microsoft Excel, including formulas and financial spreadsheets.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines.
• Good written and verbal communication skills.
• A proactive attitude, willingness to learn, and ability to use initiative.
• High standards of professionalism, reliability, and confidentiality.

Desirable Requirements

• AAT Level 3 completed or currently studying towards AAT Level 4.
• Previous experience in an accounting, bookkeeping, or finance-related role.
• Experience using Xero, QuickBooks, or similar accounting software.
• Experience preparing management accounts or assisting with year-end accounts.
• An understanding of accounting within a professional services environment.
• Familiarity with financial services or FCA-regulated businesses.
• Experience with financial reconciliations, commission accounting, or reporting.

Professional Development and Career Progression

We recognise the importance of professional development and are committed to providing opportunities for employees to expand their knowledge and experience.

The successful candidate will gain practical exposure to a broad range of accounting responsibilities, with opportunities to develop their technical knowledge, financial reporting skills, and understanding of accounting within a regulated financial services environment.

As their knowledge and experience develop, there will be opportunities to take on additional responsibilities and progress within the finance function.

The Ideal Candidate

We are looking for someone who has already developed a good foundation in accounting through their AAT studies and is now keen to put that knowledge into practice.

The ideal candidate will be conscientious, organised and capable of working accurately with financial information. They should be comfortable undertaking reconciliations, understanding accounting entries, and investigating discrepancies, while recognising when guidance or further review is required.

Above all, we are looking for an individual who demonstrates initiative, a genuine interest in accounting, and a willingness to develop professionally within the business.

General

This job description outlines the principal duties and responsibilities of the position and may be amended to reflect the changing needs of the business.

The successful candidate will be expected to undertake other reasonable duties consistent with their role and level of experience.

Pay: £25,420.00-£35,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Free parking
• On-site parking

Work Location: In person