Assistant Accountant

Summary of Role

This role forms a core part of the financial control team – the central finance team for the business; undertaking financial accounting tasks, posting journals to close the ledger, processing employee expenses, managing the day to day banking operations as well as providing support to the financial reporting, FP&A, actuarial and technical accounting teams with the onward reporting of the transactional data posted to the ledger.

The ideal candidate will have gained exposure to all aspects of financial accounting; e.g. leases, VAT returns, intercompany charges, expenses, debtors, creditors, prepayments, accruals, cash and control accounts. Financial services experience and in particular, exposure to insurance accounting would be seen as advantageous.

You will be a team player, self-starter with attention to detail and the ability to remain calm under pressure.

This role offers the opportunity to grow professionally by gaining a deeper understanding of the insurance and investment industry as well as working towards a professional qualification. They will be part of an ambitious team where training and flexible working are on offer – 3 days in the office and 2 days working from home.

Key Responsibilities & Duties

• Maintain the integrity and accuracy of financial information including:
  • Posting journals to the ledger (including accruals, prepayments, leases) in a timely manner to meet group reporting deadlines;
  • Ensuring month end tasks are completed on time in accordance with the financial control timetable, assisting the Financial Accountant and Financial Control Manager in closing the ledger;
  • Ensuring all core reconciliations and key controls and completed and ready for review;
  • Exceptions, differences, variances are investigated and appropriately reported to management;
  • Assist with insurance based accounting tasks e.g. IFRS17 expenditure reclassification, supporting the Financial Accountant and Financial Control Manager in delivering the month end close
  • Ensure all accounting entries are correctly coded with appropriate audit trails;
  • Support the Financial Accountant in the preparation of quarterly VAT returns;
• Reconciliations – perform daily, monthly, quarterly and annual reconciliations including bank and balance sheet reconciliations.
• Reporting – provide monthly reporting and ad hoc reporting/information to management.
• Payments – support the Finance Operations Team Leader with processing domestic and international payments
• Expenses – preparing and processing expenses and supplier payment runs in an accurate and timely manner.
• Queries – respond to queries from suppliers, employees, and internal stakeholders including FP&A queries on expenses.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders particularly Customer Services for queries and payment information to enable them to provide excellent customer services.
• Ensure appropriate procedures and controls are documented and up to date.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills.
• Knowledge of Sun general ledger would be advantageous.
• Currently studying a professional qualification (CIMA, ACCA or equivalent).
• A natural problem solver and good attention to detail.
• Strong communicator in both verbal and written form.

Foresters Financial is not your typical financial services provider. Those who join our purpose-driven organisation enjoy a culture of collaboration, creativity, and mutual respect and are challenged to do their best to make a difference every day. We help everyday families achieve their financial goals and make a lasting difference in their lives and communities.