A well-established retail business is seeking an Assistant Accountant to join their finance team on a 12-month fixed-term contract. This is a fantastic opportunity for a hands-on finance professional who enjoys ownership of the numbers and thrives in a fast-paced, commercial environment.

Client Details

The core focus of the role is the preparation of monthly management accounts, supported by robust analysis and reporting for senior stakeholders. Alongside this, you will support core finance processes, systems, and data integrity across the business.

Description

Assistant Accountant:

• Prepare accurate and timely monthly management accounts, supported by clear analysis and commentary.
• Deliver financial insights and ad hoc analysis to support commercial and operational decision-making.
• Assist with budgeting and forecasting, including consolidations and reporting templates.
• Support year-end and audit processes, ensuring all adjustments are correctly captured and documented.
• Maintain and support finance systems, ensuring data integrity, accurate coding, and reliable reporting.
• Perform regular reconciliations and system checks to identify and resolve discrepancies.
• Support the maintenance of core finance structures, including charts of accounts and reporting hierarchies.
• Assist with staff cost data, timesheets, and related finance processes to support accurate reporting.
• Contribute to process improvements, documentation, and consistency across finance workflows.
• Work collaboratively with finance and wider business teams to meet month-end deadlines and business objectives.

Profile

• Experience in an Assistant Accountant / Accounts or month-end focused role.
• Strong exposure to management accounts preparation.
• Good Excel skills (pivot tables, formulas, data manipulation).
• Comfortable working with finance systems and large datasets.
• Studying towards an accounting qualification (AAT / ACCA / CIMA) or equivalent experience.
• Retail, FMCG, or multi-site experience would be advantageous but not essential.

Job Offer

• Location: Hybrid role in Cambridge
• Contract: 12-month FTC
• Exposure to a commercial retail environment with real responsibility and autonomy