Accounts Assistant in London - Robert Half

Accounts Assistant / Bookkeeper

Location: South Kensington, London (Onsite working)
Salary: £35,000 to £45,000
Experience Required/ software: min 3 years' experience (ideally within construction/ real estate or property)
Software: Xero experience essential

About the Role

This is an excellent opportunity to join a growing real estate investment firm and support the finance function.

The successful candidate will play a key role in maintaining accurate financial records across the businesses, taking ownership of day-to-day bookkeeping, purchase ledger management, supplier payments, bank reconciliations, and subcontractor administration. The role has a strong focus on Construction Industry Scheme (CIS) compliance, VAT treatment, and the Domestic Reverse Charge within a construction and development environment.

Working closely with the Finance Manager and wider development team, you will contribute to the efficient running of the finance function and support the delivery of both construction and investment projects.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage day-to-day bookkeeping activities across multiple entities using Xero.
• Process and code purchase invoices accurately, ensuring correct treatment of CIS, VAT, and Domestic Reverse Charge transactions.
• Prepare and submit monthly CIS returns, including subcontractor verification, deduction calculations, and issuing payment and deduction statements.
• Maintain accurate subcontractor records and ensure ongoing CIS compliance.
• Assist with the preparation of quarterly VAT returns and support VAT compliance across construction, development, and property investment activities.
• Perform regular bank reconciliations, supplier statement reconciliations, and general ledger reviews.
• Support project costing and allocation reviews to ensure accurate financial reporting and project-level cost visibility.
• Manage supplier and subcontractor payment runs in accordance with company procedures.
• Liaise with suppliers, subcontractors, and internal stakeholders to resolve invoice, payment, and account queries efficiently.
• Support month-end close processes, reporting requirements, and ad hoc finance projects as required.

Candidate Requirements

• 3 years' accounting, bookkeeping, or finance experience within the construction industry.
• Ideal working knowledge of CIS regulations and VAT, including the Domestic Reverse Charge.
• MUST HAVE - Hands-on working experience using XERO.

Robert Half Ltd acts as an employment business for temporary positions and an employment agency for permanent positions. Robert Half is committed to diversity, equity and inclusion. Suitable candidates with equivalent qualifications and more or less experience can apply. Rates of pay and salary ranges are dependent upon your experience, qualifications and training. If you wish to apply, please read our Privacy Notice describing how we may process, disclose and store your personal data: