Job Title: Assistant Accountant (Contract)
Location: Basildon, Essex (Office-based, 5 days per week)
Contract Type: Outside IR35
Rate: Negotiable hourly rate

We are seeking an experienced Assistant Accountant to join our small and friendly finance team on a contract basis. Reporting to the Management Accountant and working closely with our Accounts Clerk, you will support a wide variety of routine and ad-hoc finance tasks covering the full function.

This role requires someone with strong all-round accounting experience, confidence to work independently, and excellent attention to detail.

Key Responsibilities

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Processing employee expense claims and credit card statements in line with company policy

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Processing supplier invoices (including multi-currency) and ensuring accurate VAT posting

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Checking and posting sales invoices

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Bank and balance sheet reconciliations

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Timesheet processing and issue resolution in Microsoft Business Central (BC)

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Setting up new vendors and projects in BC, ensuring compliance and bank verification

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Monitoring the shared accounts inbox and responding professionally to queries

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Assisting with company vehicle records and general record keeping

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Supporting training of new colleagues on finance processes

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Providing assistance with audit preparation, month-end close, and ad-hoc finance tasks

Skills & Experience

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Essential: Previous experience using Microsoft Business Central

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Minimum 2 years' experience in a similar accounting role

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Broad knowledge of sales ledger, purchase ledger, reconciliations, and double-entry bookkeeping

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AAT/ACCA/CIMA studier (preferred)

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Strong IT skills (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook) - Excel proficiency essential

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Knowledge of UK VAT is beneficial

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Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to work well with both internal and external stakeholders

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Proactive, adaptable, and able to work with discretion