Accounts Assistant - Farming and Agriculture business

ACCOUNTS ASSISTANT

About the role

A family-run soft fruit business operating in a seasonal, fast-paced environment. Are looking for an organised, detail-orientated and reliable Accounts Assistant to join our Finance team and support the day-to-day financial administration of the business.

The role will suit someone who enjoys working with figures, supports the finance function on a day-to-day basis and takes pride in accuracy and is confident working independently while also being part of a small, supportive team.

The Accounts Assistant will be responsible for maintaining accurate, up to date financial records in Xero across purchase ledger, sales ledger, banking and general bookkeeping. The role will also include dealing with the accounting records of other separate Company entities whose transactions are included within the Littywood Farm Ltd accounts, ensuring these are accurately recorded, coded and reconciled.

Key responsibilities:

• Accurately processing supplier invoices and maintaining the purchase ledger.
• Preparing weekly payment runs for approval.
• Reconciling supplier statements and resolving queries.
• Raising customer invoices and credit notes.
• Recording and reconciling incoming payments.
• Monitoring outstanding customer balances and carrying out credit control.
• Reconciling bank accounts and credit cards.
• Maintaining accurate general ledger records and coding transactions correctly.
• Processing and reconciling the accounting records relating to the separate entity included within the Littywood Farm Ltd accounts.
• Assisting with VAT returns and maintaining supporting records.
• Preparing regular financial information and reports for the Finance Manager and Directors.
• Maintaining accurate and well-organised financial records.
• Supporting year-end accounts, audits and the external accountants.
• Providing general financial and administrative support to the Finance team and wider business.
• Ensuring all internal processes and procedures are followed to ensure accuracy of financial outputs.

What we are looking for:

Essential

• Minimum of at least five years’ experience in a similar bookkeeping/finance administrative role.
• Exceptional understanding of double-entry bookkeeping and basic accounting principles.
• Practical experience of bank and account reconciliations.
• Experience using Xero, including bank feeds and digital transaction processing.
• Good working knowledge of Microsoft Excel, including formulas and lookups.
• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to manage deadlines and prioritise workload effectively.
• Good communication skills and confidence dealing with suppliers, customers and colleagues.
• A professional and discreet approach when handling confidential financial information.
• Experience of preparing or assisting with VAT returns.
• Experience of working with accounts or financial records relating to more than one entity.

Desirable

• Understanding of Making Tax Digital.
• AAT qualification or currently working towards an accounting qualification.
• Experience working in agriculture, horticulture or another seasonal business.
• Experience of working in a high-volume finance environment.

Personal qualities

• Accurate – takes pride in getting the detail right.
• Organised – able to keep on top of regular deadlines and competing priorities.
• Reliable – dependable and able to work independently.
• Proactive – identifies discrepancies or problems and raises them promptly.
• Discreet – understands the importance of confidentiality.
• Practical – willing to get involved and find solutions rather than simply identify problems.
• A team player – works well with colleagues and is happy to provide support when required.
• Adaptable – comfortable working in a business where priorities and workload can change throughout the growing season.

What we can offer:

• A role within a family-run, established agricultural business.
• Hours: Minimum of 20 hours per week, but could consider full-time
• £28,000 - £ 32,000 pa for full-time equivalent.
• A friendly and supportive working environment.
• The opportunity to gain experience working with a seasonal, high-volume business.
• A role with direct involvement in supporting the Finance Manager and Directors.

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