Senior Accounts Assistant – Birmingham

We are looking for a Senior Accounts Assistant to join our growing team.

PJA are one of the leading independent transport, engineering and placemaking specialists in the UK, with offices in Birmingham, Bristol, Cambridge, London, Manchester and Reading.

We provide expert advice on a wide range of projects across the UK and beyond from new settlements and nationally strategic infrastructure projects, through to urban regeneration schemes and a wide range of education, employment and sports and leisure developments.

Our strength lies with our team of people, all of whom have been employed for their unique skills and talents but, if you cut us in half you’ll find the same core values all the way through us – we are credible, engaging and creative and our mission is to create better places through great design.

We are looking for a Senior Accounts Assistant to provide comprehensive accounts administrative support to the Finance Team, taking responsibility for specific areas as required and delivering an excellent level of service to both internal staff and external clients through efficient and accurate performance in the role.

Some of the key responsibilities would include:

1. Monitoring and responding to internal and external finance related emails daily (UK and Australia)
2. Checking and approving sales invoices and credit notes in the system as required
3. Managing the credit control process, maintaining up-to-date records, sending monthly statements and managing legal proceedings as required
4. Management of key client accounts and the maintenance of positive client relationships
5. Performing regular sales ledger reconciliations between accounting software and project management software
6. Responsible for the day to day processing of our Australian company transactions including assisting in preparation of BAS Reports (Australia) and supporting the management team in Australia.
7. Processing monthly staff expenses
8. Petty cash management and reconciliation
9. Ad hoc duties as necessary

Skills and experience:

1. Minimum of 3 years practical experience of working in assisting with the preparation of monthly accounts and financial records
2. Excellent understanding of fundamental accounting principles and systems, with the ability to identify and investigate accounting and operational issues.
3. Understanding of double entry accounting is essential.
4. Experience in preparing Australian BAS Reports desirable but not essential; training available.
5. Computer literate, with sound knowledge of Microsoft packages, particularly Excel
6. Experience of using Xero software is desirable.
7. Experience in using the project-based software Rapport is desirable but not essential

The applicant should be able to demonstrate:

1. Effective communication skills, both written and verbal
2. Good team player, with a proactive, collaborative approach
3. Excellent organisational skills, with the ability to prioritise
4. Ability to multitask whilst meeting deadlines
5. Excellent customer service skills and proven ability to build a strong rapport at all levels across the business
6. Able to work on own initiative

We are proud to employ a wide range of people from diverse disciplines and backgrounds. Senior members of the team share a common desire to get the job done without the encumbrances often associated with large multi-disciplinary practices, whilst the more junior members of the team thrive on the fast-paced environment and the variety of work they can get involved with.

Rewards and Benefits

As a member of the PJA team, you can expect:

1. An attractive and modern working environment with good accessibility by all modes of transport
2. Ongoing support, training and mentoring from senior professionals within the business with a real commitment from senior management towards personal and professional development

We also offer an attractive benefits package that includes:

1. Hybrid Working (minimum 3 days in the office)
2. 25 Days annual leave plus bank holidays and the ability to purchase additional days
3. Option to participate in the Company Share Ownership scheme
4. Private healthcare and access to a range of wellbeing services
5. Cycle to Work Scheme
6. Payment of professional subscription
7. Membership of our group pension scheme
8. Life Assurance

To find out more about what it’s like to work at PJA, please visit our website.

How to Apply

If you would like to be considered for this role, then please email your CV and a covering letter to recruit@pja.co.uk. Please ensure you state the role you are applying for in the email subject.

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and promote fair employment procedures and practices to ensure equal opportunities for all.