The Client:
Our client is One of the UK's leading independent holiday cottage rental providers. By 2020, they aim to be Number One in the UK. It's an ambitious goal, but that hasn't stopped them succeeding before. Their success has been recognised both within and beyond the industry - winning a prestigious "Best in Industry" award at the British Travel Awards for the last four years, and have been recognised by the London Stock Exchange Group as one of the "1,000 companies to inspire Europe". A fast-paced, exciting company to work for, but they haven't forgotten their roots from their founding days at a kitchen table. Although they work hard, they also believe in rewarding that hard work. In addition to salaries, they offer a generous benefits package. The Role: This is a highly varied role with responsibilities including but not limited to:
• Supporting the Financial Accountants and wider finance team with accounting requirements for existing and new acquisitions
• Liaising with colleagues around the business and at the acquisition sites as part of the integration and accounting processes
• Supporting and resolving finance queries from teams at acquisition sites
• Supporting the Financial Accountants with production of full month end financial reports and balance sheet reconciliations for acquisitions, to include operational accounting and the financial forecasts and results
• Assisting the Financial Accountants with production of the year end statutory accounts (including consolidation) compliant with IFRS
• General acquisition integration support e.g. reviewing processes, transferring systems, general administration.
• Supporting external audit requirements.
• Production of monthly bank reconciliations
• Production of daily receipts reconciliation
• Processing of invoices, payments and other financial transactions
• Assisting with completion of any returns and other compliance requirements
• Assist in improving processes across the company to increase efficiency
• Liaising with other departments and supporting ad-hoc requests
• Working with the existing team to support projects and other aspects of financial reporting.
• Working with the existing team to support internal audit requirements The Financial Accounting Assistant must have credible knowledge of the issues facing the business on a day-to-day basis and in the longer term. They should be able to pro-actively develop and improve business processes whilst maintaining the Company's professional image. They need to be able to provide clear communications between all parts of the business and will be forward looking in anticipating future challenges and opportunities and respond to these with effective planning. Key Performance Indicators
• Assist in the operation and development of the finance department
• Ensure best practices are used throughout the finance department
• Assist in other areas as and when necessary
• Comprehensive financial support to the business during projects. Qualifications / Experience Minimum - training for or AAT qualified (or equivalent). Experience working with Excel to an intermediate (or higher) standard. Attention to detail Friendly approach to all members of the organisation Highly self-motivated and proactive Professional approach and attitude Takes ownership Maintains focus under pressure Demonstrates a positive attitude Strong communication and interpersonal skills Desirable Experience Experience working with various accounting packages such as Sage 50, Sage 200, Xero. Experience working in a commercial finance department. Other Personal Attributes are: A team player, who is able to work collaboratively at all levels Self-aware and approachable Excellent communicator at all levels Constantly seek out opportunities for self-development Willingness to share knowledge Ability to perform under pressure and to tight deadlines Highly self-motivated and proactive Highly competent with planning and organisation Strong analytical and decision making skills Excellent time management skills Professional approach and attitude Confident and proactive Flexible/adaptable to change Excellent verbal and written communication skills Excellent commercial awareness Strong influencing and negotiating skills Attention to detail and accuracy Ability to help develop and assist others Ability to multi-task and meet key deadlines Benefits 33 days' holiday (including bank holidays) An additional day off during the week of your Birthday Annual bonus scheme Staff pension Private Medical Death in Service payment Subsidised park and ride passes Enhanced Maternity and Paternity pay Long service awards - cash payments and increases in holiday allowances Staff discount on cottage holidays Free worldwide travel insurance (including family members) Wellness extras, including free annual flu jabs, reflexology sessions and free fruit supplied in the office