Interim Assistant Accountant in Romsey - Talent Finance Ltd

Assistant Accountant (6-Month Fixed-Term Contract) | Romsey | Full-Time Office Based | £30,000 pro rata

An established international manufacturing and consumer products business is seeking an Assistant Accountant to join its finance team on a 6-month fixed-term contract. This is an immediate requirement and presents an excellent opportunity for a finance professional who is available at short notice and looking to gain exposure within a busy and commercially focused finance function.

Reporting to the Finance Controller and working closely with senior finance leaders, this role offers broad exposure across transactional finance, month-end processes, reporting, reconciliations, VAT, audit support and business analysis. The successful candidate will play a key role in maintaining the smooth running of the finance function while contributing to ongoing process improvements and systems development.

The Role

This is a varied, hands-on position that combines day-to-day finance operations with exposure to month-end reporting and wider business support activities.

Core Finance Responsibilities

• Preparing bank, petty cash and payment platform reconciliations
• Producing aged creditor and customer balance reports
• Supporting supplier account management, statement reconciliations and query resolution
• Preparing weekly payment runs and supporting payment controls
• Assisting with credit control activities and customer account reporting
• Managing employee expense processes and ensuring compliance with company policies
• Supporting month-end close activities, including reconciliations and ledger maintenance
• Assisting with intercompany reconciliations and stock-related finance processes
• Supporting the preparation and submission of VAT returns
• Assisting with audit preparation, schedules and supporting documentation
• Ensuring sales and purchase ledgers are maintained accurately and closed within reporting deadlines

Reporting & Analysis

• Supporting the production of monthly financial reports and management information
• Assisting with budgeting and forecasting processes
• Preparing analysis to support business decision-making
• Contributing to cost control and efficiency initiatives
• Supporting finance projects aimed at improving reporting accuracy and business insight

Systems & Process Improvement

• Maintaining and developing business reporting tools
• Supporting the enhancement of finance systems and reporting processes
• Working with Excel, reporting tools and ERP systems to improve data quality and reporting accuracy
• Helping document and improve finance policies and procedures
• Providing support and training to colleagues where required

About You

We are looking for someone who can quickly become an effective member of the finance team and is comfortable working within a busy and fast-paced environment.

You will ideally have:

• Previous experience in an Assistant Accountant, Accounts Assistant or similar finance role
• Strong reconciliation experience across bank, supplier and control accounts
• Experience supporting month-end processes and ledger management
• Exposure to VAT and audit preparation activities
• Strong Excel skills and confidence using finance systems
• Excellent attention to detail and organisational skills
• A proactive approach with the ability to manage multiple priorities
• Strong communication skills and a collaborative working style

Desirable

• Experience within a manufacturing, distribution or product-based business
• Exposure to budgeting and forecasting activities
• Experience using ERP systems, Power BI or advanced Excel reporting tools
• AAT qualified, studying towards a professional qualification, or qualified by experience

What's on Offer?

• Immediate start opportunity
• 6-month fixed-term contract
• Salary of £30,000 pro rata
• Exposure to a broad and varied finance role
• Supportive and collaborative finance team
• Opportunity to develop skills across reporting, analysis and process improvement
• Full-time, office-based role in Romsey

This position would suit an experienced finance professional who is available immediately or at short notice and is looking to join a successful organisation in a varied and hands-on finance role.

Talent Finance is committed to promoting Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in the workplace. We review all applicants on equal merit and do not discriminate on the basis of age, gender, sex, relationship status, disability, race, religion or belief, or sexual orientation.