Think Accountancy and Finance

Accounts Assistant 28000 - 32000 Stoke on Trent Fulltime -Office based- Mon-Thurs 7.00-16.00 Friday 07.00-15.00 The Organization A specialist industrial manufacturing business focused on developing and producing high-performance metal alloys and engineered components for critical applications. They design, manufacture and supply bespoke materials with enhanced properties such as strength, durability and corrosion resistance, supporting sectors such as aerospace, defence and energy. The organisation offers end-to-end capabilities, including research and development, casting, forging, machining and failure analysis, ensuring products meet demanding technical standards. Its core focus is delivering advanced material solutions that reduce risk, improve performance and extend the lifespan of components in complex engineering environments. Role Overview They are looking for a detail-oriented and proactive Accounts Assistant to support their finance operations across sales and purchase ledgers, banking, and month-end processes. If you enjoy working with numbers, resolving queries, and improving financial processes, this is your opportunity to play a key role in a busy finance team reporting directly to the financial controller Key Responsibilities Manage customer invoicing, statements, and credit control activities Process supplier invoices, expenses, and support payment runs Reconcile bank statements, allocate payments, and assist with cash forecasting Handle customer and supplier queries efficiently and professionally Support month-end tasks including accruals, prepayments, and VAT returns Maintain accurate financial records within accounting systems (e.g. Sage) Assist with audits and continuous improvement of finance processes Skills & Experience Required AAT Part Qualified, Equivalent Degree or QBE Able to create & analyse data using various software packages Able to organise own time and prioritise workloads, achieving timetables and deadlines. Good understanding of financial procedures and accounting principles. Experience of using Sage 50 accounts

An established and growing multi-entity business is seeking an experienced Financial Controller to lead its day-to-day finance operations. This is a senior and highly visible role, working closely with the senior leadership team and board to ensure robust financial reporting, strong financial controls and clear commercial insight across the organisation. The successful candidate will be a hands-on, technically strong accountant who enjoys operating in a fast-paced environment and partnering with operational leaders across the business. Financial Reporting & Management Accounts Prepare accurate monthly management accounts including P&L, balance sheet and cash flow Deliver weekly financial performance summaries for senior leadership Produce monthly variance analysis against budget with clear commentary Develop and maintain divisional financial reporting, ensuring clear performance visibility across business units Accounts Receivable & Debt Management Oversee the sales ledger and credit control function Monitor aged debtor reporting and cash collection performance Work with operational teams to resolve billing queries and improve collections Accounts Payable & Payroll Oversight Manage purchase ledger processes and supplier payments Oversee payroll processes across multiple worker types Ensure compliance with relevant payroll and pay regulations Budgeting, Forecasting & Commercial Support Coordinate the annual budgeting process Produce and maintain rolling cash flow forecasts Provide financial modelling and commercial analysis to support decision-making Support financial due diligence and strategic projects when required Controls, Compliance & Audit Maintain a strong internal control environment Support the preparation of year-end statutory accounts Manage VAT submissions and liaise with external advisers on tax matters Ensure compliance with relevant financial and employment regulations Systems & Process Improvement Manage and develop accounting systems and reporting tools Identify and implement process improvements Maintain accurate and audit-ready financial records Leadership Line manage and develop members of the finance team Act as the primary finance contact for operational managers and senior leadership Support board reporting and strategic financial initiatives About You Essential Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA or CIMA) Experience producing management accounts within a multi-entity or group environment Minimum of 5 years senior finance experience in construction, infrastructure, labour supply of related sectors. Strong technical accounting knowledge including UK GAAP Experience managing cash flow, credit control and high-volume transactions Hands-on approach with strong organisational skills Advanced Excel and financial modelling skills Strong communication skills with the ability to present financial information to non-finance stakeholders Desirable Experience working in fast-paced or operationally complex environments Experience using systems such as Sage, Xero or similar Exposure to group consolidations and intercompany accounting Experience working alongside senior finance leadership or a fractional FD model What's on Offer A senior finance leadership role with real influence across the business Direct exposure to senior leadership and board-level reporting Opportunity to shape and improve finance processes and reporting A fast-moving environment where your impact will be visible Think Accountancy and Finance is the finance division of Think Specialist Recruitment, an independent recruitment agency based in Hemel Hempstead and working across the Herts, Beds and Bucks area. We specialise in permanent, temporary and contract recruitment with areas of expertise including: Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, Payroll, Finance Admin, Part Qualified Finance, Credit Control and Bookkeepers.