Every successful business has a highly skilled and efficient accounts department – they are essential for cash management, invoicing, tax returns and credit control and many other integral business functions.

Through clearlysecretarialjobs.co.uk you can access the latest accounts jobs in London and across the UK. Find opportunities for Accounts Administrators, Accounts Assistants, Purchase and Sales Ledger Assistants, Credit Controllers and Bookkeepers.

Job description

An Accounts Administrator or an Accounts Assistant helps to run a company's accounts department. The accounts department is one of the most important departments in any business - without it, the finances of the business would lack organisation which would impact upon staff and suppliers getting paid.

Your role will vary depending on the size of the company you're working for. If you work in a small business, you may get involved with all accounting tasks, from raising invoices and bank reconciliation to paying invoices by cheque and electronically. However, many larger organisations divide the accounts role into two - accounts receivable and accounts payable, the former specialising in monies due to the business and the latter in monies owed to suppliers.

Whichever side of the accounts department you work for, some typical daily duties include:

• Maintenance of internal spreadsheets and accounts software such as Sage or Quickbooks
• Opening post and filing accordingly
• Organisation of company direct debits
• Managing petty cash
• Preparation of cheques for payment
• Payment of invoices electronically eg by BACS
• Dealing with employee expense accounts
• Reconciliation of payments ie identifying which invoices have been paid and recording the information onto relevant spreadsheet/software

Generally the accounts administrator job involves working the standard 35-40 hour week. This can change depending on work loads and you can expect to work longer hours when very busy, for example when a company is nearing its year-end.

In terms of qualifications, none are formally required though some companies may want you to have obtained (or at least studying for) the Association of Accounting Technicians' (AAT) Accounting Qualification. GCSEs are a minimum requirement and often you'll need A-levels or even a degree. Experience in a similar role is usually the key criteria employers are looking for.

A potential employer will be looking for some fairly specific skills/attributes which include:

• A keen eye for detail and ability to meet tight deadlines accurately
• Knowledge of key software packages - Excel, Sage, Quickbooks
• Good communication skills - you'll be liaising with both internal and external contacts
• A sound CV including experience gained in a similar job
• Typing skills, preferably at least 50WPM
• Accurate data entry skills
• High level of numeracy

Salary Information

This really depends on level of experience, what type of business you're working in and where it's located. Outside of London, expect a starting salary of £12-14k and with a good few years' experience you could be looking at nearer the £18k mark. In London, expect £14-17k to start with and up to £25k with experience.