Assistant Accountant – Payroll

We are easyJet – a FTSE listed, £multi-billion low-cost airline that serves tens of millions of customers every single year. If you’re reading this, you have probably already been an easyJet customer, and you’ll know that there is no more iconic (or Orange!) travel brand in Europe.

We fly more than 1,207 routes, connecting 38 countries across Europe, and employ more than 18,000 colleagues. We’re on a mission to make low-cost travel easy – and whatever your role here, you’ll connect millions of people to what they love using Europe’s best airline network, great value fares, and friendly service.

What makes us easyJet? Our Promise Behaviours - we are Safe, Bold, Welcoming and Challenging. Four Behaviours. One Spirit. One easyJet.

READ ON IF YOU

• Have experience in an Assistant Accountant or similar finance role
• Are confident managing month-end processes, journals and balance sheet reconciliations
• Enjoy analysing financial data, investigating variances and delivering accurate reporting
• Can be in our fantastic Luton head office 3 x per week
  

THE TEAM
You'll join our Accounting & Controls team, reporting to the Finance Manager and supporting the accounting and reporting of Central Overhead costs across the business. Working closely with Finance, HR and Payroll, the team is responsible for ensuring payroll costs and associated liabilities are accurately recorded, reconciled and reported, while maintaining strong financial controls and supporting business decision-making.

The team plays a key role in month-end close, financial reporting, audit support and driving continuous improvement across accounting processes.

THE ROLE

We're looking for a proactive and detail focused Assistant Accountant to join our Accounting & Controls team. In this role, you'll support payroll accounting and central overhead reporting activities, helping to ensure costs, liabilities and employee-related balances are accurately reflected in the general ledger.

You'll work closely with colleagues across Finance, Payroll and HR, contributing to reporting, audit support and process improvements that strengthen financial governance across the business.

• Prepare and post monthly payroll journals, including salaries, bonuses, benefits and statutory deductions
• Perform payroll-related balance sheet reconciliations and resolve reconciling items in a timely manner
• Complete month-end and year-end accruals and prepayments associated with employee costs
• Investigate and resolve variances between payroll reports and the general ledger
• Support the production of management reporting, payroll cost analysis and variance commentary
• Assist with budgeting, forecasting and headcount reporting activities
• Build strong relationships with Payroll and HR teams to validate payroll outputs and ensure reporting accuracy
• Support internal and external audits by providing supporting documentation and analysis
• Contribute to finance projects, process improvements and system enhancement initiatives
• Maintain robust financial controls and ensure compliance with company policies and accounting standards

Requirements of the Role - Internal

WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR

• Degree qualified or equivalent experience
• Studying towards AAT, ACCA or CIMA is desirable
• Previous experience in an Assistant Accountant or similar finance role
• Strong understanding of month-end processes and balance sheet reconciliations
• Experience supporting payroll accounting activities is advantageous
• Good analytical skills with excellent attention to detail
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills
• Good knowledge of Microsoft Excel and financial systems
• Experience supporting audits and working within financial controls frameworks is desirable
• A proactive mindset with a focus on continuous improvement

WHAT YOU’LL GET IN RETURN

• Up to 20% maximum bonus
• 5% pension contributions
• Medical Cash Plan
• Excellent staff travel benefits
• 25 days of annual leave + bank holidays
• Annual credit towards an easyJet holiday
• Various flexible benefits and extras

PRACTICALITIES

This full-time role will be based in Luton and will be 40 hours per week. We support hybrid working and we spend 60% of our time per month in the office

REASONABLE ADJUSTMENTS

At easyJet, we are dedicated to fostering an inclusive workplace that reflects the diverse customers we serve across Europe. We welcome candidates from all backgrounds. If you require specific adjustments or support during the application or recruitment process, such as extra time for assessments or accessible interview locations, please contact us at ma.recruitment@easyjet.com. We are committed to providing reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process to ensure accessibility and accommodation