Finance - Assistant Accountant

Job Overview

Your primary objective will be the accurate and timely processing and production of financial information. This role involves a broad range of responsibilities under time pressure, requiring you to take full ownership of several integral activities within the Finance function. You will also have the opportunity to redesign and improve processes to increase efficiency. As part of a fast-paced and dynamic team, you will play an integral part in ensuring our financial health and operational efficiency, directly supporting our ability to innovate and succeed.

Key Responsibilities

• Financial Reporting and Analysis:
  • Support the production of monthly management accounts and assist in preparing financial statements.
  • Provide accurate and timely reporting to internal and external stakeholders.
  • Analyse financial data to support business decision-making.
• Automation and Process Improvement:
  • Develop and implement automation solutions for recurring financial tasks and reports.
  • Collaborate with IT and finance teams to optimise system processes and workflows.
  • Leverage coding and scripting languages (e.g., Python, SQL, VBA) to build tools that streamline data handling and reporting.
• Accounts Payable and Receivable:
  • Provide holiday cover to the AP/AR function, efficiently processing invoices, payments, and receipts.
  • Reconcile accounts and resolve discrepancies.
• General Ledger Maintenance:
  • Assist in maintaining accurate general ledger entries and journal postings.
  • Prepare reconciliations for key accounts.
• Budgeting and Forecasting:
  • Support the budgeting process, including data collection and variance analysis.
  • Maintain financial models and projections.
• Compliance and Controls:
  • Ensure adherence to company policies and regulatory standards.
  • Support audit processes and provide necessary documentation.

Candidate Profile and Attributes

• Proactive and Motivated: Possess a high level of initiative and a self-starter approach, committed to executing work to the highest standards.
• Logical and Detail-Oriented: Exhibit strong critical thinking skills, be highly comfortable with numbers, and have a deep interest in working with data while recognising the importance of precision and context.
• Collaborative Communicator: Be interpersonal and collaborative, able to effectively communicate with a range of technical and non-technical stakeholders and counterparties.
• Conscientious: Demonstrate diligence, understanding the value and importance of the role's execution.

Required Skills and Experience

• Prior experience within an accounting or audit function, preferably in a team focused on automation or systems.
• Proficiency in Excel (including macros and pivot tables) and hands-on experience with tools like SQL, Python, or VBA. Familiarity with data visualisation tools (e.g., Power BI, Tableau) is a plus.
• Familiarity with accounting software.
• A demonstrable interest in finance and/or quant trading, paired with a genuine interest in the challenges presented within the industry.

Academic Requirements

• A good degree in accounting or finance, or another analytical field (a mathematical or scientific background is advantageous but not required).
• Part-qualified or aiming to qualify in ACCA, CIMA, or ACA.