Assistant Accountant

  • Talent Finance Ltd
  • Shaftesbury, Dorset
  • May 09, 2026
Contractor Accounting

Job Description

Assistant Accountant Shaftesbury £35,000 - £40,000 3 -Month FTC Hybrid (Flexible)

We're working with a well-established and growing business in Shaftesbury to recruit a Assistant Accountant on a 3 -month fixed-term contract.

This is a hands-on, high-impact role suited to someone who can hit the ground running and take ownership of day-to-day finance operations from the outset. You'll play a key role in ensuring processes run smoothly, accurately, and in line with internal controls across purchase ledger, sales ledger, and payroll.

The business offers flexible hybrid working, with the opportunity to tailor office and home working patterns to suit the right candidate.

The Role

This is a varied position with real responsibility, where you'll be trusted to manage core finance processes and support the wider team by ensuring transactions, reporting, and payroll activities are delivered accurately and on time.

Key Responsibilities

Purchase Ledger

  • Processing supplier invoices accurately and in a timely manner
  • Maintaining a clean and up-to-date purchase ledger
  • Supporting the purchase order process and ensuring compliance
  • Assisting with payment runs
  • Handling supplier queries and resolving discrepancies
  • Supporting reporting and completing bank reconciliations

Sales Ledger & Credit Control

  • Raising sales invoices and credit notes accurately
  • Allocating incoming payments and maintaining customer accounts
  • Supporting credit control activities and chasing outstanding payments
  • Ensuring compliance with credit insurance and invoice finance requirements
  • Assisting with reporting and maintaining accurate records

Payroll

  • Processing weekly and monthly payrolls
  • Maintaining accurate payroll records and employee data
  • Ensuring payroll is compliant with statutory requirements
  • Providing payroll-related information to internal stakeholders

VAT & Statutory Returns

  • Preparing and submitting VAT returns
  • Managing PAYE/NI submissions and payments
  • Supporting pension submissions
  • Assisting with year-end processes and audit requirements

General

  • Maintaining a strong audit trail and accurate financial records
  • Supporting continuous improvement across finance processes
  • Working closely with internal teams and external stakeholders

About You

  • Previous experience across AP, AR, and payroll (ideally 3+ years)
  • Confident working independently and able to hit the ground running
  • Strong Excel skills and confidence using finance systems
  • Highly organised with strong attention to detail
  • Proactive, with a problem-solving mindset
  • Confident communicator who can build relationships across the business

Why Apply?

  • Competitive salary of £35,000 - £40,000
  • Flexible hybrid working tailored to the right candidate
  • 3 -month FTC with immediate impact
  • Varied, all-round finance role with real responsibility
  • Opportunity to step into a role where you can add value from day one

This role would suit an experienced Assistant Accountant looking for a fast-paced, hands-on position where they can take ownership and make an immediate impact.

If you're available at short notice and ready to get stuck in, we'd love to hear from you.

Talent Finance is committed to promoting Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in the workplace. All applications are reviewed on merit, and we welcome candidates from all backgrounds.