Bookkeeper

Description:

Bookkeeper

Location: Aldridge, Walsall (WS9)
Salary: £32,000 – £35,000 per annum (pro rata)
Contract: 6-month fixed-term contract
Start Date: ASAP
Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30am – 5:00pm
Working Pattern: Full-time, office-based

The Role

We are recruiting for an experienced and hands-on QBE/Qualified Bookkeeper to take responsibility for the day-to-day finance function of an established retail business with an annual turnover of approximately £2m–£3m.

The successful candidate will oversee the bookkeeping and financial administration across multiple entities within the business, ensuring accurate financial records, effective financial controls and the smooth running of the accounts function.

Particular emphasis will be placed on managing the sales ledger accounting activities, ensuring accurate recording, reconciliation and reporting of sales transactions.

This is a varied, hands-on position requiring strong technical bookkeeping skills, excellent attention to detail and the ability to work independently.

Key Responsibilities

* Manage the day-to-day bookkeeping and accounting activities across multiple business entities.

* Maintain accurate financial records using double-entry bookkeeping principles.

* Take responsibility for sales accounting, including the accurate recording, reconciliation and reporting of sales transactions.

* Manage sales ledger and purchase ledger activities, including invoicing, payments and supplier queries.

* Complete bank reconciliations across multiple accounts and entities.

* Prepare and submit VAT returns, ensuring compliance with HMRC requirements.

* Maintain accurate records of intercompany transactions and reconciliations.

* Process journals, accruals and prepayments as required.

* Monitor cash flow, outstanding payments and supplier balances.

* Assist with month-end and year-end accounting procedures.

* Maintain financial records using Sage accounting software.

* Liaise with external accountants and provide supporting financial information.

* Ensure accurate record-keeping and compliance with financial procedures.

Skills and Experience Required

* Proven experience in a hands-on Bookkeeper or similar accounting position.

* Strong understanding and practical experience of double-entry bookkeeping – essential.

* Good working knowledge of VAT, including preparation of VAT returns – essential.

* Previous experience using Sage accounting software – essential.

* Strong experience in sales ledger accounting and sales reconciliations.

* Experience managing purchase ledgers, bank reconciliations and general bookkeeping.

* Ability to manage financial records across multiple companies or entities.

* Good Excel skills and strong numerical accuracy.

* Excellent organisational skills and the ability to work independently.

* Previous experience within retail or a multi-entity business would be advantageous.

* An AAT qualification would be beneficial, although relevant practical experience is equally important.

The Ideal Candidate

We are looking for a reliable, organised and technically competent Bookkeeper who is comfortable taking ownership of the finance function within an established SME.

The successful individual will be confident managing multiple entities, possess a thorough understanding of bookkeeping principles and enjoy working in a varied, hands-on environment.

Of particular importance is practical competence in double-entry bookkeeping, VAT and Sage, together with strong sales ledger accounting experience and the ability to independently manage the everyday financial requirements of the business.

Candidates available immediately or at short notice will be particularly welcome, given the requirement for an ASAP start on this six-month contract