Job Description

Accounts Assistant

Location: International House, HITP, Blantyre, G72 0BN

Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience

Hours: Full time, 37 hours per week (Monday–Friday, core hours 9:30am–4:00pm)

About the role

We are looking for a proactive and detail-oriented Accounts Assistant to join the Central Finance Team within HFD Group. This role is responsible for the management and administration of both the purchase and sales ledgers across several group companies. This includes bank reconciliations, processing payments, and preparing VAT returns to ensure accuracy and regulatory compliance.

The role also involves working closely with the management accountants, providing support during the month-end process and assisting with reporting requirements. In addition, the post holder will liaise with both internal teams and external stakeholders to ensure invoices are raised promptly and payments are processed efficiently. This is an excellent opportunity for an individual who enjoys working in a fast-paced environment and is looking to further develop their finance career within a growing and diverse group of companies.

The Finance Team

The Central Finance Team provides finance services across all Group companies, including:

• Budgets and forecasts
• Monthly management accounts
• Payroll
• Accounts payable and receivable
• Treasury
• Tax compliance

The team consists of the CFO, Head of Finance, Business Systems & Change Manager, Financial Controller, Finance Manager, Finance Business Partner, Financial Accountant, two Management
Accountants, Commercial Assistant, and Accounts Assistants.

Key responsibilities

Purchase Ledger

• Process supplier and subcontractor invoices accurately and in a timely manner
• Maintain and manage the purchase ledger across multiple entities
• Perform supplier statement reconciliations and resolve any discrepancies
• Prepare and assist with payment runs in line with agreed schedules
• Ensure all supplier payments are made within agreed terms
• Liaise with suppliers and internal teams to resolve queries promptly

Sales Ledger

• Raise sales invoices accurately and in accordance with contractual terms
• Monitor outstanding debtor balances and assist with credit control activities
• Allocate incoming receipts and reconcile customer accounts
• Investigate and resolve customer queries in a timely manner
• Support the preparation of aged debtor reports

Banking & Reconciliation

• Perform regular bank reconciliations for multiple entities
• Investigate and resolve reconciling items
• Ensure all transactions are recorded accurately in the accounting system

VAT & Compliance

• Preparation and submission of VAT returns
• Ensure compliance with VAT legislation and internal policies
• Maintain accurate and complete supporting records for audit purposes

Month-End & Reporting Support

• Assist management accountants with month-end close procedures
• Prepare supporting schedules and reconciliations as required
• Provide information and analysis to support management reporting

Stakeholder Communication

• Liaise with internal departments to ensure invoices are raised and approved promptly
• Work collaboratively with the wider finance team to ensure efficient processes
• Communicate with external stakeholders including suppliers, customers and auditors

About you

Experience & qualifications

• Previous experience in an accounts payable, accounts receivable, or similar finance role
• Experience managing purchase and/or sales ledgers
• Familiarity with VAT regulations and financial processes
• Experience of working within a multi-entity environment is advantageous
• DD Collections

Skills & attributes

• Experience with Sage Intacct would be an advantage although not essential
• Strong attention to detail and high level of accuracy
• Good organisational and time management skills
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team
• Good communication and interpersonal skills
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel
• Proactive and self-motivated
• Ability to prioritise workloads and meet deadlines
• Professional and reliable approach
• Flexible and adaptable to changing business needs

What we offer

• Competitive salary
• 4x Life Assurance
• Group Income Protection (70% of salary for 2 years)
• Cycle 2 Work
• EV Salary Sacrifice scheme
• Help@Hands (24/7 access to a GP by phone or video, Mental health support with counselling and therapy sessions,
  Physiotherapy and health coaching services, Medical second opinions from trusted specialists, Fitness and wellbeing tools)
• 33 days annual leave