Accounts Assistant *Permanent - Sunderland*

Accounts Assistant

Sunderland City Centre | £25,000 - £30,000 DOE | Full-time, Permanent
Monday to Friday, 9:00am - 5:00pm | Office-based

Are you looking for a finance role where you can develop your skills, gain valuable experience and build a long-term career? We're recruiting for an Accounts Assistant to join an established business based in Sunderland City Centre.

There's flexibility around the level of experience needed. You may be looking to establish your career in finance, or you could already have accounts experience and be ready for more responsibility and progression. What matters most is that you're numerically confident, detail-focused and motivated to develop.

You'll work closely with the Finance Manager, gaining exposure to a broad range of finance activities and, as your knowledge grows, taking on greater ownership. For the right person, the longer-term opportunity is significant, with the potential to progress towards finance management and ultimately take responsibility for the finance function.

The business will also provide financial support towards professional AAT qualifications, up to Level 4.

Salary & benefits

• £26,000 - £30,000, depending on experience


• Financial support towards professional AAT qualifications, up to Level 4


• Clear career development and progression opportunities


• 27 days' holiday, plus Christmas Eve


• Pension


• Group life insurance of 2 x salary, subject to eligibility


• 24/7 employee support helpline


• Regular company-wide social events


• Discounted professional services


• Internal and external training and development opportunities

The role

Working closely with the Finance Manager, you'll be involved in the day-to-day running of the finance function, with responsibilities including:

• Processing supplier invoices and credit notes


• Allocating receipts and maintaining accurate debtor records


• Supporting credit control and following up outstanding payments


• Assisting with billing queries


• Posting bank transactions and maintaining cashbook records


• Completing bank reconciliations and investigating discrepancies


• Processing staff expenses and checking supporting documentation


• Supporting VAT coding and ensuring transactions are accurately recorded


• Maintaining accurate financial records


• Working with accounting systems including Xero and LEAP


• Supporting financial controls and compliance requirements


• Handling confidential financial and client information appropriately


• Identifying opportunities to improve processes, efficiency and accuracy


• Supporting the wider finance function and taking on additional responsibilities as your knowledge develops

What we're looking for

We're interested in hearing from candidates at different stages of their finance career, and you don't need to tick every box to be considered. You may already have experience as an Accounts Assistant, Finance Assistant, Accounts Administrator or in a similar position. Alternatively, you may have relevant studies, qualifications, transferable experience or some exposure to finance-related duties and be looking for the opportunity to develop this further.

• Good numerical skills and attention to detail


• A good working knowledge of Microsoft Excel


• Strong organisational skills and a methodical approach


• The ability to prioritise your workload and meet deadlines


• Professional written and verbal communication skills


• A proactive approach and willingness to learn


• The ability to work independently while contributing to a wider team


• An interest in developing a long-term career within finance

Where could this role take you?

This is an opportunity to join a business that is prepared to invest in your development rather than limit the role to day-to-day transactional finance. As your experience and technical knowledge grow, there is scope to take on greater responsibility and ownership within the finance function. For someone who wants to continue progressing, the longer-term opportunity could lead towards finance management and potentially runn