Job description

An Accounts Assistant works to support the finance function of a business or organisation. Often working as part of a larger team, Accounts Assistants carry out regular tasks in order to maintain efficient and accurate financial records.

Accounts Assistants may work alone in small organisations, but often form part of a team providing vital financial services to colleagues in all parts of a business.

Typical duties include:

• Maintaining sales and purchase ledgers.
• Assisting in the production of profit and loss accounts.
• Balance sheet reconciliations.
• Helping to produce budgets and forecasts.
• Recording transactions on the company accounts system.
• Administering petty cash (where relevant).

Accounts Assistants work in all areas of commerce and industry and public sectors.

Qualifications

It is not always necessary to be qualified to work as an Accounts Assistant. It is essential to possess good numerical skills with excellent attention to detail. However, the Association of Accounting Technicians provides qualifications for those wishing to obtain professional certification as an Accounts Assistant. Many Accounts Assistants train to become accountants and as such may be studying with one of the major accounting bodies.

Salary Snapshot

Recent salaries advertised on TopFinancialJobs (November 2009) include:

• £19-23,000 per annum for a part qualified (AAT) Royalties Accounts Assistant in a large entertainment company in central London.
• £22-25,000 for a part qualified (ACCA) Accounts Assistant in a leading new media company in London.
• £20-25,000 for a German speaking Accounts Assistant for an organisation in Berkshire.
• £12-13 per hour for a temporary part qualified (AAT) Sales Ledger/Accounts Assistant working in an international consultancy in the City.

Are you an Accounts Assistant? Would you like to contribute to our "Day in the Life of..." series? Email us at info@topfinancialjobs.co.uk for more details.