Assistant Accountant

Job Title: Assistant Accountant

Reports to: Finance Manager

Department: First Bus Finance

Basic Purpose of Role

Supporting the delivery of the period end close process for Specialist Passenger Solutions (SPS), including monitoring of supply chain, liaising with suppliers and credit controllers, managing and posting of purchase orders and posting transactional entries on accounting software.

Managing and posting monthly accruals and prepayments.

Supporting the Finance Manager in the production of management accounts, reports and other financial information. Assist in the improvement of processes and procedures to ensure the highest quality of timely and accurate management information.

Completion of Balance Sheet reconciliations ensuring that all balances held can be justified.

Support the Finance Manager in communicating financial performance to operational management teams and in the identification of risks and opportunities to deliver improved financial results.

Cover core tasks for Finance Manager during periods of leave.

Accountabilities

• Record transactions and post journals into accounting software (Sage).
• Raise purchase orders and process supplier invoices.
• Deal with supplier queries, reconcile supplier accounts and manage timely payment of invoices.
• Post weekly payroll data.
• Post staff and company expenses.
• Raise invoices for relevant revenue lines.
• Support the production of management accounts, weekly cost and revenue reports and other financial information as required.
• Support the analysis of the management accounts and variances to budget/forecast and prior year.
• Assist with the preparation of balance sheet reconciliations for each period.
• Calculation of accruals and prepayments; understand and process data to support calculations and reconciliations.
• Maintain spreadsheet models in line with standardised processes and local terms.
• Support delivery of a robust internal control environment ensuring compliance with all internal procedures and reporting standards.
• Ensure that journals are posted within the required deadlines, are accurate and appropriately approved.
• Support Finance Manager in maintaining the accuracy of financial and non-financial records.
• Assist with statutory audit requirements.
• Support procurement of IT equipment, office equipment and stationery.

Company Responsibilities

• To undertake any additional duties at the request of your line manager, which is deemed to be within your competency.
• To adhere to all FirstGroup policies and procedures
• To undertake any training and development activities at the request of your line manager.
• To comply with all Group Injury Prevention policies and support new initiatives.

Health and Safety Responsibilities

• To comply with your responsibilities of the Health and Safety Policy, at all times.
• To ensure compliance with legislation, company policies and Injury Prevention.
• To ensure that risk assessments are carried out for areas and activities under your control, that appropriate control measures are implemented, and the recommendations are communicated to all of those who may be at risk.
• To report incidents, near misses and dangerous occurrences in a timely manner and ensure effective remedial action is taken.
• To promote and implement, where appropriate, Injury Prevention and safe working practices by means of campaigns, initiatives and to promote a positive attitude to safety through personal leadership.

Environmental Responsibilities

• To support the Company's environmental campaigns and be aware of Group's annual environmental targets

Skills, Experience and Qualifications Required

• Computer literate – good Excel skills. Sage experience preferred but not essential.
• CIMA, ACCA or ACA studier, AAT level four studier.
• Commitment to work to deadlines.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, able to work well within the team.
• High degree of attention to detail.
• Ability to learn and take responsibility of tasks quickly.
• UK issued Driving Licence.

Rewards & Benefits

• Your health is important to us which is why we offer Simply Health & Smart Health for you and your dependents at no cost to you! This offering includes cash back benefits across optical & dental as well as virtual GP appointments, mental health support and nutrition and fitness advise. Our EAP provision offers 24hr, 365 days a year mental health support
• We are also committed to your financial wellbeing, and we offer a platform with many discounts on high street brands and supermarkets etc
• Working at First you also receive discounted train travel for you and your family after 6 months service as well as a free bus pass
• Cycle to work scheme
• 25 days' holiday + bank holidays
• Pension scheme and chance to buy discounted First Group shares
• Enhanced maternity / paternity pay
• Flexible working

We put a big focus on physical and mental wellbeing at First Bus. We recognise that anyone can be affected by the stresses and strain of work, or life outside it. You'll find a range of health-promotion initiatives, and you will have 24/7 access to our confidential Employee Assistance Programme.

Please apply now. We look forward to receiving your application.

Public transport serves everyone, whatever their differences. At First Bus, we want to be an employer open to you, no matter what your differences are. We aspire to be an inclusive organisation because diverse backgrounds, thinking and experiences bring so many benefits to our customers, communities and people. We welcome applications from all.