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What Are an Accounts Assistant’s Job Responsibilities?

An Accounts Assistant helps maintain financial records, process transactions, and support the finance team in daily operations. This role is essential in ensuring accurate bookkeeping, timely invoicing, and financial compliance.

Accounts Assistant Key Tasks:

  • Processing purchase invoices and reconciling bank statements.
  • Handling sales invoices, credit notes, and receipts.
  • Chasing outstanding payments and assisting with credit control.
  • Managing financial queries from clients and suppliers.
  • Supporting management account preparation and month-end reporting.
  • Performing general finance administration duties as required.
What Are an Accounts Assistant’s Job Responsibilities?
Accounts Assistant Essential Skills

To succeed as an Accounts Assistant, you need strong numerical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work with financial data. Many employers also look for experience with accounting software and a solid understanding of financial processes.

Qualifications and Certifications:

  • AAT qualification
  • A degree in Accounting, Finance, or Business is beneficial but not always required.
  • Apprenticeships or experience in a finance-related role.
  • Training in Sage 50, Xero, QuickBooks, or other accounting software.

Key Skills for Accounts Assistants:

  • Strong numerical and analytical skills for processing financial data.
  • Experience with accounting software like Sage, Xero, or QuickBooks.
  • Ability to manage financial records, invoices, and reconciliations.
  • Good problem-solving skills to investigate discrepancies.
  • Practical communication skills to liaise with suppliers, customers, and colleagues.
  • High attention to detail to ensure accuracy in financial reporting.
  • Time management skills to meet deadlines and handle multiple tasks.

These skills and qualifications will help you thrive in an Accounts Assistant role and build a strong foundation for a finance career.

Accounts Assistant Essential Skills
Accounts Assistant Typical Work Environment

Accounts Assistants typically work in office-based finance teams, supporting finance managers, accountants, and other departments. This role is common across multiple industries, including:

  • Professional Services – Accountancy firms, legal firms, and financial consultancies.
  • Retail & E-Commerce – Managing invoicing and supplier payments.
  • Manufacturing & Engineering – Supporting financial operations in production industries.
  • Logistics & Warehousing – Handling stock and supplier payments.

Most roles are Monday through Friday, 9 am—5pm, though some employers offer hybrid working depending on the company’s structure.

Accounts Assistant Typical Work Environment
Accounts Assistant Career Progression

An Accounts Assistant role is a stepping stone to higher-level finance positions. Many professionals become senior accounts assistants, assistant accountants, and finance managers, managing finance teams and company budgets and potentially qualified accountants by achieving AAT, ACCA, CIMA, or ACA status.

Accounts Assistant Career Progression
Accounts Assistant Salaries in Essex and Suffolk

With experience and further qualifications, professionals in finance can increase their earning potential and advance into senior roles. An entry level accounts assistant can expect to earn between £26,000 - £27,000 per year whilst with more experience a salary for this role may reach up to £32,000 per year. With additional training and qualifications, a career in finance can equal salaries from £70,000+.

Accounts Assistant Salaries in Essex and Suffolk
Accounts Assistant Job Vacancies in Essex and Suffolk
We regularly recruit for Accounts Assistant roles across Essex and Suffolk. Whether you're looking to start your finance career or gain more experience in accounting, we have a variety of roles available.
Temporary Fitter

Are you an experienced mechanical fitter with knowledge of construction / plant equipment? If so, apply today!

£15.00 - £16.00 p/h
Ipswich, Suffolk
Engineering
On-site
Job ref: 96752_1782143642 View
Temporary Property Valuer

Estate agency experience? Take the next step as a Property Valuer with a growing company offering commission, progression and a great team environment.

£12.82 p/h
Colchester, Essex
Office & Administration
On-site
Job ref: 96630_1782140675 View
Temporary Relationship Manager

Experienced in sales, account management or property? Join a growing team, manage key client relationships and earn up to £10k commission.

£12.71 - £14.35 p/h
Colchester, Essex
Office & Administration
On-site
Job ref: 95968_1782139542 View
Temporary Upholsterer

A premium, high end and low volume manufacturer of automotive components are looking for an upholster to join their team.

£12.71 - £15.00 p/h
Witham, Essex
Manufacturing
On-site
Job ref: 95051_1782130218 View
Temporary CNC Operator

A small precision engineering company based in Witham are looking for a CNC Operator to join their expanding team.

£13.00 - £13.50 p/h
Witham, Essex
Engineering
On-site
Job ref: 96560_1782130176 View
Temporary Forklift Driver

Forklift Driver - Colchester Pay Rate: £15 per hour Shift Pattern: 4 on / 4 off Hours: * Mon-Thurs: 7am-6pm * Fri: 7am-4pm * Sat & Sun: 7am-2pm

£15.00 p/h
Colchester, Essex
Food & Beverage
On-site
Job ref: CM/HQ099351587_1782122258 View
Temporary Factory Operative

Production Operative near Maldon, Essex. £12.71ph, temp ongoing. Multiple shifts (5am-2pm, 8am-5pm, 2pm-11pm). Mon-Fri. Own transport/UK licence required.

£12.71 p/h
Maldon, Essex
Manufacturing
On-site
Job ref: AL/FOSWF003_1782036009 View
Temporary Packer

If you're looking for a role where you can start immediately, learn new skills, and progress, this could be the perfect opportunity.

£12.71 p/h
Saxmundham, Suffolk
Manufacturing
On-site
Job ref: 96197_1782028803 View
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FAQs About Accounts Assistant Jobs
What qualifications and experience do I need to apply for Accounts Assistant roles?

Employers typically look for experience with Sage, Xero, or QuickBooks, and some background in finance or administration. However, many companies offer entry-level opportunities for those willing to learn and can provide evidence of strong numerical skills.

What industries typically hire Accounts Assistants in Essex and Suffolk?

As most businesses require accounting services, Accounts Assistants are needed across a wide range of industries, such as retail, construction, manufacturing, hospitality, finance and banking, and many more. These industries all rely on Accounts Assistants to manage financial tasks like invoicing, bank reconciliations, and payroll, making the role highly versatile and in-demand.

What salary can I expect as an Accounts Assistant?

Salaries start at £26,000 - £27,000 and can rise to £40,000+ with experience and qualifications.

Are there opportunities for professional development or further qualifications?

Yes! Many Accounts Assistants study AAT or pursue ACCA/CIMA qualifications while working to advance their careers and opportunities for progression.

Is this role suitable for career changers or entry-level candidates?

Yes, many Accounts Assistant jobs are entry-level friendly, with opportunities to learn and gain experience.

Accounts assistant accountancy and finance recruitment
Looking for a finance role with growth? Apply for an Accounts Assistant job in Essex or Suffolk today!
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