Key Achievements:
- Assisted in maintaining client ledgers, improving accuracy and reducing posting errors by 25%.
- Supported month-end processes, helping reduce reporting time by 15%.
- Reconciled client payments and cleared overdue balances, recovering £10,000.
- Streamlined invoice processing and record-keeping, saving the team 5–10 hours per month.
- Provided timely support for audits, reducing queries from senior staff by 20%.
Duties & Responsibilities:
- Maintain accurate client accounts, including posting invoices, receipts, and adjustments.
- Assist in the preparation of monthly reconciliations and client statements.
- Monitor client accounts for overdue balances and assist in follow-up with clients.
- Support the preparation of trial balances and year-end client accounts.
- Reconcile suspense accounts and investigate unidentified payments.
- Process client invoices, payments, and receipts efficiently and accurately.
- Assist senior accountants in preparing supporting schedules for client audits.
- Ensure compliance with accounting standards, internal controls, and regulatory requirements.
- Maintain clear and accurate records for all client financial transactions.
- Respond to client queries regarding accounts under guidance from senior staff.
- Assist with VAT, payroll, and other statutory submissions for clients as required.
- Support junior and senior staff with ad-hoc client accounting tasks.
- Participate in process improvement initiatives to enhance client account accuracy and efficiency.
- Prepare basic financial reports and summaries for management review.
- Assist with the onboarding of new client accounts and data entry.
- Collaborate with other teams, including audit and tax, to provide seamless client service.
- Ensure confidentiality and professional handling of client financial information.
- Contribute to internal training and continuous professional development (CPD) activities.
- Support ad-hoc financial analysis or reporting tasks for clients as required.
- Maintain a high standard of accuracy and professionalism in all accounting activities.
What does an Accounts Assistant do?
An Accounts Assistant supports the finance team by processing financial transactions, maintaining accounting records and assisting with reconciliations, invoicing and month-end reporting. The role provides valuable experience across multiple areas of accounting.
What qualifications do you need to become an Accounts Assistant?
Many employers recruit candidates with AAT qualifications, finance degrees or previous accounting experience. Professional study towards ACA, ACCA or CIMA is often supported.
What skills are important for an Accounts Assistant?
Accounts Assistants require strong numerical skills, attention to detail and organisational ability. Confidence using Microsoft Excel and accounting software is also highly desirable.
What are the responsibilities of an Accounts Assistant?
Responsibilities include processing invoices, reconciling accounts, assisting with financial reporting, maintaining accounting records and supporting month-end and year-end processes.
What career progression is available for an Accounts Assistant?
Accounts Assistants commonly progress into Assistant Accountant, Practice Accountant, Management Accountant or Financial Accountant positions after gaining experience and qualifications.