Role Title: Assistant Accountant
Reports to: Financial Controller/ Finance Transaction Manager
Location: Bolton 2 days in the office / 3 days remote
Key purpose
The Assistant Accountant supports the finance function by contributing to the preparation of timely and accurate financial reports, maintaining robust financial records, and ensuring compliance with internal controls, accounting policies, and relevant standards. The role provides day-to-day support across transactional processing, month-end close, balance sheet reconciliations, and financial analysis to enable effective financial decision-making.
Scope of job
The Assistant Accountant reports directly to the Financial Controller/ Finance Transaction Manager and is expected to demonstrate exceptional attention to detail and accuracy in all work undertaken. Strong verbal and written communication skills are essential, alongside the ability to produce clear, reliable, and actionable financial information with minimal need for rework.
The role requires an individual who takes ownership of targets and deadlines set by the manager and the wider business, proactively identifying obstacles and proposing solutions. A positive, collaborative, and results-focused approach is key, along with a willingness to innovate and continuously improve processes.
Key Accountabilities & Responsibilities:
Financial Reporting & Month-End
-Assist in month-end and year-end closing activities
-Prepare journal entries, accruals, and prepayments
-Support the production of management accounts and financial statements
-Assist with variance analysis and performance reporting
Reconciliations
- Perform balance sheet reconciliations (bank, debtors, creditors, control accounts).
-Ensure timely resolution of reconciling items
Accounts Payable & Receivable
-Process customer/supplier invoices and employee expenses
-Assist with credit control, including chasing outstanding debts
-Assist with reconciling supplier statements and customer accounts


General Ledger & Data Integrity
-Maintain accurate financial records within the accounting system
-Support fixed asset register updates and depreciation calculations
-Ensure compliance with internal processes and audit requirements
Support to the Finance Team
- Assist with budgeting and forecasting activities
-Provide financial information for internal stakeholders
-Support internal and external audit requests
-Contribute to process improvements and automation opportunities
-Assist with any other ad hoc duties as reasonably requested
-Any other ad hoc duties as reasonably requested
-Comply with all company policies and procedures including but not limited to: Health and safety; DPA; IT compliance; Fire safety; Dress code; Punctuality expectations and absence reporting procedures
-Display a positive, pro-active attitude, DO IT RIGHT, WORK WELL WITH OTHERS and TAKE THE LEAD in your daily role, use your initiative and taken ownership of your role and duties
Our Values


*WE ARE supportive
*WE BRING excellence
*WE WORK together
*WE HAVE courage
*WE DEVELOP trust
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
-Accuracy and timeliness of reconciliations
-Quality and punctuality of month-end contributions
-Reduction in aged debt and overdue supplier items
-Process improvement contributions
-Compliance with internal controls and audit standards
Person specification
Education and qualification
Essential:
*GCSEs (including English and Maths at Grade 4/C or above)
Desirable:
*AAT Certified or studying towards AAT, ACCA, CIMA, or equivalent qualification
Experience
Essential:
*Experience in a finance or accounting role (typically 1–3 years)
*The ability to communicate effectively at all levels
*Experience with accounting software, competent in Sage
Desirable:
*Experience in month-end processes and financial reporting
*Previous experience within a similar environment/industry is not essential but would be helpful
Skills and knowledge
Essential:
*Strong numeracy and analytical skills
*Good understanding of bookkeeping and accounting processes
*Strong understanding of basic accounting principles, e.g., double entry
*Excellent attention to detail
*Ability to work autonomously and within a team
*Strong communication skills, both verbally and via email
*Competent user of Excel, utilising pivot tables, formulas, VLOOKUP etc, to both efficiently use and present data daily
*Ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines
Desirable:
*Knowledge of financial controls and audit requirements
Behaviour
Essential:
Self-disciplined with exceptional attention to detail, a hands-on approach and excellent problem solving and investigative abilities
-Self-motivated with excellent interpersonal, time management and organisational skills
-High level of accuracy and attention to detail
-Proactive with a problem-solving mindset