Accounting Assistant Job Description: Role, Duties and Qualifications

The Accounting Assistant supports the finance function by performing transactional accounting tasks, maintaining accurate records and assisting with routine reconciliations. This role is suitable for organised candidates with basic accounting knowledge, strong numeracy and an aptitude for administrative processes.

Accounting Assistant Job Profile

The Accounting Assistant provides day to day support to the finance team by processing financial transactions, maintaining ledgers and preparing simple reports. The role ensures records are accurate and up to date to support month end processes and financial controls.

The postholder will work under the supervision of a senior accountant or finance manager and will be expected to follow established procedures, contribute to continuous improvement and respond to routine queries from suppliers, customers and internal colleagues.

Accounting Assistant Job Description

The Accounting Assistant is responsible for handling transactional accounting duties including accounts payable and receivable, cash and bank record keeping and routine reconciliations. The role requires attention to detail when entering and checking data, preparing documentation for approvals and maintaining audit-ready records.

Work is typically performed within a finance or shared services team with regular deadlines tied to billing cycles and month end. The postholder must adhere to financial controls, escalate discrepancies promptly and support audits and reporting activities as required. Effective communication with colleagues across departments is important to resolve queries and ensure timely processing.

Accounting Assistant: Duties and Responsibilities

• Process supplier invoices and ensure supporting documentation is complete and approved
• Prepare and send customer invoices and follow up on outstanding receivables
• Post daily cash and bank transactions and assist with bank reconciliations
• Maintain purchase order and supplier records, ensuring data is accurate
• Reconcile ledger accounts and prepare reconciliations for review
• Manage petty cash and employee expense claims in line with policy
• Assist with month end schedules and basic financial reporting tasks
• Support VAT and statutory return preparation by gathering required documentation
• Respond to supplier and customer queries promptly and professionally
• Prepare schedules and documentation for internal and external audit requests
• Maintain filing and electronic records to ensure compliance with retention schedules
• Carry out routine data entry and ensure accuracy of accounting records
• Support process improvements to enhance efficiency and strengthen controls
• Undertake other finance-related administrative tasks as required

Accounting Assistant: Requirements and Qualifications

• Relevant accounting qualification or part completion of a recognised accounting programme is advantageous
• Previous experience in an accounts role or finance administration, typically 1 to 3 years
• Good numeracy and attention to detail with demonstrable accuracy in transaction processing
• Understanding of basic accounting principles and double entry bookkeeping
• Ability to prepare and interpret simple reconciliations and schedules
• Organised approach with the ability to prioritise tasks and meet deadlines
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for internal and external enquiries
• Discreet handling of confidential financial information and adherence to controls
• Comfortable working as part of a team and supporting colleagues under supervision
• Good analytical skills and a problem solving mindset for routine discrepancies
• Proficiency with spreadsheets and maintaining electronic records
• Willingness to learn and adapt to new processes and regulatory requirements