Assistant Accountant

About Weatherden

Weatherden is a leading clinical development consultancy with a unique model providing our clients with rapid, expert, high-quality drug development solutions. Our experience extends to all aspects of translational drug discovery and development.

Blending more than 900 years’ experience across the R&D chain, we are specialists in de-risking drug discovery and drug development across therapeutic areas. We are privileged to be making a real impact on drug development success rates, translating to better medicines for patients.

Purpose of the role

Weatherden is seeking a talented and enthusiastic individual to join our growing finance function during a period of growth for the company. Working closely with the Finance Manager, the Assistant Accountant will be supporting both the day-to-day core finance function along with contributing to the month-end close and management reporting.

Key responsibilities

Daily finance and payment preparation

• Monitor the finance inbox, process invoices and expenses, and maintain organised supporting records.
• Communicate with suppliers, including initial supplier set-up and handling supplier queries.
• Review and approve expense claims.
• Prepare supplier and expenses payment runs.
• Allocate receipts & payments, reconcile bank accounts regularly and investigate unknown - transactions.
• Monitor aged receivables, chase overdue customer balances and prepare aged balance reports for the Finance Manager.

Billing and month end

• Review staff time entries, reconcile consultant invoices, and chase missing entries.
• Prepare client invoices, expense recharges, and update monthly invoicing schedule.
• Complete credit card reconciliations.
• Preparation of month end journals (e.g. prepayments, accruals movements).
• Prepare balance sheet reconciliations and intercompany reconciliations.

Reporting and wider finance support

• Update the monthly revenue tracker and working capital schedules.
• Provide analysis and supporting information for monthly management accounts and quarterly board reports.
• Assist with preparation of the annual finance budget.
• Support the Finance Manager during the year-end audit by preparing reconciliations, schedules and other evidence requested by the auditors.
• Support the Finance Manager with reviewing and processing the monthly payroll.
• Support the Finance Manager with other ad hoc tasks.

Person specification

Essential

• Practical experience in a Finance Assistant, Accounts Assistant, bookkeeping or similar role, covering invoice processing, bank reconciliations and accurate record keeping.
• Understanding of double-entry bookkeeping, sales and purchase ledgers, basic VAT coding and reconciliation procedures.
• Confidence using accounting software and intermediate Excel skills, including formulas, lookups and data checking.
• Strong attention to detail with the ability to investigate discrepancies.
• Ability to prioritise workloads and work to tight deadlines, particularly with regard to month end.
• Clear, professional communication with colleagues, clients and suppliers, including discretion when handling confidential information.
• AAT qualification, or a similar accounting qualification, or comparable practical experience.

Desirable

• Experience of processing UK payroll, including starters, leavers, variable pay, PAYE and National Insurance, pension contributions, RTI submissions and payroll reconciliations.
• Experience with Xero and project management software
• Exposure to budgeting & forecasting, in addition to management reporting.
• Experience in a consultancy or professional services business, particularly in a life sciences setting.
• Experience with processing and submitting monthly VAT returns.
• Experience with company audits, including handling audit requests and liaising with auditors.