Accounts Assistant - Purchase Ledger & Payroll
Chard, Somerset | Office-based | Manufacturing SME

My client is a well-established, growing manufacturing business based in Chard, Somerset, supplying customers across the UK and internationally. With around 60 employees, they offer a friendly, supportive working environment and are looking for an Accounts Assistant to join their small finance team.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone with accounts experience who is keen to develop their skills in a busy SME environment, with a particular focus on payroll.

Role responsibilities

Purchase Ledger

Process purchase orders on Progress Plus

Match purchase invoices to purchase orders on Progress Plus

Transfer data to the accounts package (currently Sage Line 50)

Maintain the purchase ledger and supplier records

Build and maintain good relationships with suppliers

Deal with supplier queries promptly and professionally

Payroll

Process weekly payroll for c.50 employees (shared responsibility within the team)

Ensure accurate input of hours, pay rates and deductions

Apply UK payroll rules including SSP and statutory leave entitlements (e.g. paternity pay)

Maintain payroll records and support with payroll-related queries

Person profile

Some accounts experience at assistant level (purchase ledger or similar)

Payroll experience essential - ideally weekly payroll and exposure to statutory payments

Experience in an SME environment desirable

Experience with Sage Line 50 and/or Sage Payroll is an advantage, but not essential

Comfortable learning new accounts/payroll software

Pro-active, adaptable and willing to learn

Strong team player (office finance team of three)

Flexible about sharing payroll responsibilities and coordinating holidays to ensure cover

The role

Hours: 39 per week

Monday-Thursday: 8:00am - 5:00pm

Friday: 8:00am - 1:00pm

Office-based in Chard, Somerset

The company operates periodic manufacturing shutdowns during the year

Benefits

25 days' holiday plus bank holidays

Pension

Free on-site parking

Social events

Salary competitive and dependent on experience

The client is particularly keen on a candidate with solid payroll experience (the most technical aspect of the role); purchase ledger is viewed as more easily trainable for the right person