Accounts Assistant

Accounts Assistant - AccountsReceivable

Based in Chelmsford

This role will suit a recent graduate or someone who is AAT qualified or qualified by experience.

We are ideally looking for someone who is highly numerical and competent in Excel.

Countrywide is part of the Connells group, the UK’s largest estate agency and property services business incorporating many well-known high street brands: Hamptons, Abbotts, Bairstow Eves, Taylors Estate Agents, are but a few. The Countrywide finance team is bringing back in house the accounting functions that are currently outsourced in India and looking to build on existing processes and enhance the quality of service. As part of this project we are creating an expanded Finance Team in Chelmsford.

As part of the Surveying finance team, you will support the re-shoring process and be responsible for the accurate accounting of income whilst ensuring that we have robust procedures in place.

• Strong numerical and analytical skills with an attention to detail
• Strong communication skills, in particular the ability to communicate complex financial information in plain English
• Experience of Microsoft Office suite, in particular Excel
• Ability to work to tight deadlines and work under own initiative

Your key Tasks and Responsibilities will include:

• Responsibility for all aspects of sales ledger accounting in the Surveying business.
• Ensure that strong financial controls are maintained.
• Develop processes and controls as part of on-shoring the AR function (and wider finance function) within the Surveying business.
• Allocate all receipts and payments to open items on the sales ledger.
• Investigate all unallocated income promptly to minimise unallocated cash balances.
• Provide explanations for old unpaid items and unallocated cash balances to management.
• Assist with bank reconciliations by posting lender receipts.
• Key client management, including direct contact with Lender clients.
• Ensure that client receipts are settled within payment terms.
• Prepare income reconciliations.
• Review aged debtors on a weekly basis.
• Undertake pre-billing processes to ensure that fees are correct.
• Raise invoices and credit notes.
• Set up new client accounts and make amendments to existing client accounts.
• Assist in the year end audit process, ensuring key deliverables are available on time and liaise with the external audit team.

The successful candidate will be tenacious, with the drive to provide great service and deliver change in an exciting and challenging environment.

About Connells Group

Connells Group is one of the largest and most successful estate agency and property services providers in the UK. Founded in 1936 and with a network of over 1200 branches nationwide, the Group combines residential sales and lettings expertise with a range of consumer and corporate services including new homes, mortgage services, conveyancing, EPC provision, surveying, corporate lettings, asset management, land & planning, LPA receivers and auctions.

Connells Group UK is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, transgender status, religion or belief, marital status, or pregnancy and maternity.