Assistant Accountant

Reed Accountancy are pleased to be partnering exclusively with an innovative organisation in Reading to support them in finding them an Assistant Accountant for a 12-month maternity leave cover starting from mid-April.

This is a fantastic opportunity to join a collaborative and forward-thinking Finance team where your work will make a real impact from day one. Whether you’re looking to broaden your experience, step into a more rounded finance role, or use your experience in month-end and commercial reporting, this position offers all of that. Having visited the site in person, met the Finance Manager, and with other consultants across Reed having worked with them in various parts of the business, it’s clear they are one of the friendliest and most supportive teams I’ve worked with.

Reporting to the Finance Manager, you’ll play a key part in ensuring smooth financial operations throughout the cover till April 2027. This is a varied role covering month-end, ledger management, reconciliations, reporting, and cross-department support.

It’s ideal for someone currently working as an Assistant Accountant, Accounts Senior or strong Accounts Assistant seeking to develop their technical experience and continue their professional studies.

Key Responsibilities

Month-End & Reporting

• Prepare and process month-end journals
• Support accruals, prepayments, depreciation and adjusting entries
• Ensure all bookkeeping is accurate and ready for reporting deadlines
• Provide commentary to the Finance Manager on monthly variances

Financial Operations

• Assist with cashflow reviews daily and financial controls
• Maintain the general ledger
• Manage the asset register for depreciation and amortisation
• Assist with sales and purchase ledger oversight
• Perform bank reconciliations

Cross-Business Support

• Act as a key contact for financial queries
• Provide financial insights to assist decision-making
• Support the annual budgeting process
• Identify opportunities to enhance processes and efficiency

Systems & General Duties

• Experience in Sage 200 preferable but not necessary
• Excel - VLOOKUP, XLOOKUP, SUMIF and Pivot Tables
• Support ad hoc analytical work and financial projects

You’ll Ideally Bring:

• Around 3 years’ experience within a finance environment
• Strong understanding of month-end processes and journals
• Excellent Excel capability and confidence analysing data
• Clear communication skills and a collaborative approach
• A proactive, solutions-focused mindset
• Previous Sage 200 experience (desirable, not essential)

Qualifications

• AAT Level 4 or in between professional studies (ACCA/CIMA/ACA)

Additional details

• 8.30am to 5pm - 1 hour lunch - flexible with personal commitments
• Hybrid working after initial training 3 Days in office/ 2 days WFH
• 25 days annual leave + BH + close at Christmas
• Company events and team building
• Free Parking on site

You’ll be joining a business that prides itself on its inclusive, supportive and ethical culture. They champion teamwork, continuous improvement, sustainability and diversity and genuinely value the contribution each person brings. If this sounds like the right place for you to add to your career, please !

This Finance team is collaborative, down-to-earth and highly supportive, making it a brilliant place to enhance your experience during this maternity cover contract.