Assistant Accountant

Assistant Accountant

Salary: £36,000 to £40,000 | Southampton | Office-based | 8:30am to 5:30pm

Are you an experienced finance professional looking for a varied role where you can take responsibility for a broad range of accounting activities?

An opportunity has arisen for an Assistant Accountant to join the finance function of an established business operating within the construction and infrastructure sector. This is a permanent position offering a hands-on mix of transactional finance, reconciliations, financial reporting and commercial support.

Working closely with the Finance Manager and wider finance team, you will play an important part in maintaining accurate financial records, supporting month-end procedures and ensuring that payments, invoicing and reporting activities are completed efficiently and on time.

The role would suit someone with a solid grounding in finance who enjoys working across different areas of accounts, takes pride in accuracy and can manage their workload effectively in a deadline-driven environment.

Previous experience within the construction industry would be advantageous, particularly knowledge of the Construction Industry Scheme (CIS) and Domestic Reverse Charge VAT, although these are ideal, not essential.

Key responsibilities of the Assistant Accountant:

• Maintain daily cash book records, ensuring receipts are accurately recorded within the finance system.
• Prepare and upload payment files to the banking system, including the processing of subcontractor payment journals.
• Raise customer invoices, monitor outstanding balances and assist with credit control to support timely payments.
• Respond to finance queries from commercial teams, providing accurate information and practical support.
• Prepare and distribute contract reports, ensuring information is accurate and reporting deadlines are achieved.
• Review subcontractor valuations and invoices, checking supporting documentation and assisting with queries where necessary.
• Support the administration of CIS requirements, providing guidance and assistance to colleagues as appropriate.
• Prepare and post journals as part of the month-end accounting process.
• Complete monthly balance sheet reconciliations and investigate any discrepancies.
• Assist with the preparation of financial records and supporting documentation for the annual audit.
• Provide additional finance support and holiday cover when required, working closely with the Commercial Finance Manager.

Skills and experience of the Assistant Accountant:

• To be successful in this position, you will ideally have:
• Previous experience in an accounting or finance role covering transactional activities, reconciliations and financial reporting.
• Strong numerical skills, with excellent attention to detail and a methodical approach to your work.
• Good organisational and time management skills, with the ability to manage several tasks and meet tight deadlines.
• Clear written and verbal communication skills, enabling you to work effectively with colleagues, customers and external stakeholders.
• The confidence to work independently, take ownership of responsibilities and contribute positively to a wider finance team.
• The ability to work to fixed deadlines, including month-end ledger closures and scheduled payment runs.
• An understanding of the Construction Industry Scheme (CIS) and Domestic Reverse Charge VAT would be beneficial.
• Previous experience working within construction or commercial finance would be an advantage.

Salary and benefits:

• Salary: £36,000 to £40,000, depending on experience.
• Holiday entitlement: 22 days annual leave plus 8 bank holidays.
• Pension scheme.
• Working hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 5:30pm.

The opportunity

This is an excellent opportunity for an organised and commercially minded finance professional to broaden their accounting experience within a busy construction-related environment. You will gain exposure to a wide range of financial processes, work alongside experienced colleagues and have the opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to the day-to-day running of the finance function.

If you are looking for an Assistant Accountant position offering variety, responsibility and the chance to build on your existing finance skills, we would welcome your application.