Assistant Financial Accountant
*Location: Sutton, near the train station
*Job Type: Full-time, temporary role for 3 months
*Hours: 36 per week
*Working pattern: Hybrid, 3 days in the office and 2 days from home.
*Salary Range: £21.34- £22.88 per hour PAYE or £26.70- £28.67 per hour via an umbrella company.
We are seeking an Assistant Financial Accountant to support the Financial Accountant for this well-known educational organisation.  You will be required to assist in producing statutory financial reports and managing the audit process. This role is integral to providing high-quality financial information to the Finance Director, CFO, Executive Leadership Team, and other key stakeholders.
Day to Day of the role:
*Prepare the monthly group VAT return for review and submission to HMRC.
*Manage internal VAT reimbursement allocations.
*Support in identifying VAT reliefs and liaising with suppliers to obtain these.
*Perform daily accounting tasks, including journal entries, bank reconciliations, and month-end close procedures.
*Reconcile accounts payable/receivable to general ledgers and resolve discrepancies.
*Conduct balance sheet reconciliations and report any unexplained discrepancies.
*Assist with the preparation of annual statutory accounts and provide support during audits.
*Prepare various financial returns and reports for external bodies.
*Collect and report on connected persons declarations and conflicts of interest.
*Oversee related party invoicing to ensure accurate records.
*Undertake project work and collaborate with finance teams to ensure information quality.
*Stay updated with accounting and financial regulations, ensuring compliance.
Required Skills & Qualifications:
*Previous experience in a similar role.
*Strong understanding of accounting principles and practices.
*Proficient in Microsoft Excel and accounting software, excel experience to include, lookups, pivot tables, Sum ifs.
*Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and mathematical skills.
*Effective communication skills and strong attention to detail.
*Proactive, with a strong commitment to equality and inclusion.
Desirable:
*Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or related field.
*Professional accounting qualification (ACCA, CIMA) or equivalent experience.
*Experience with financial analysis, forecasting, and project accounting.
*Familiarity with regulatory compliance requirements.
*Experience within the education sector is a plus.
*Experience of using Civica financials system.
Compliance :
*Due to the nature of this client, if you are successful a basic DBS will need to be taken up and you will also need to carry out some online safeguarding.  Please only apply if you are happy to be part of the compliance process.