We have a fantastic opportunity for an Assistant Accountant to join our Finance team on a full-time permanent basis. This is a hybrid role and can be based from our Bristol or Leeds office.

This role offers the chance to play a key part in supporting the financial management of our Bus Central Functions, working closely with the Financial Accountant and Financial Controller to deliver accurate and timely financial information.

The role will include completing balance sheet reconciliations to ensure all balances can be fully justified, supporting the period-end close process, and contributing to the preparation of budgets and forecasts.

Responsibilities

• Support the production of management accounts, and other financial information as required, as well as business partnering with cost centre owners
• Support the analysis of the management accounts and variances to budget/forecast and prior year
• Assist with the preparation of balance sheet reconciliations for each period
• Calculation of accruals and prepayments; working with the Data & Analytics team to understand and process data to support calculations and reconciliations
• Maintain spreadsheet models in line with standardized processes and local terms.
• Support delivery of a robust internal control environment ensuring compliance with all internal procedures and reporting standards.
• Ensure that journals are posted within the required deadlines, are accurate and appropriately approved.
• Support Financial Accountant & Financial Controller in maintaining the accuracy of financial and non-financial records
• Support the delivery of improved processes and ways of working to increase the efficiency of the function
• Support the production of budgets and forecasts for central cost centres
• Assist the financial accountant with the audit of Bus Centre and ensure journal postings have audit back up where required

Skills/Experience  

• Computer literate – good Excel skills. Power BI and SAP experience preferred but not essential.
• CIMA, ACCA or ACA studier
• Commitment to work to deadlines
• Excellent interpersonal skills, able to work well within the team
• High degree of attention to detail
• Ability to learn and take responsibility of tasks quickly

Study support will be provided for ACA/ACCA/CIMA qualifications.

Rewards & Benefits

• Your health is important to us which is why we offer Simply Health & Smart Health for you and your dependents at no cost to you! This offering includes cash back benefits across optical & dental as well as virtual GP appointments, mental health support and nutrition and fitness advise. Our EAP provision offers 24hr, 365 days a year mental health support
• We are also committed to your financial wellbeing, and we offer a platform with many discounts on high street brands and supermarkets etc
• Working at First you also receive discounted train travel for you and your family after 6 months service as well as a free bus pass
• Cycle to work scheme
• 25 days' holiday + bank holidays
• Holiday buy/sell scheme
• Pension scheme and chance to buy discounted First Group shares
• Flexible working

We put a big focus on physical and mental wellbeing at First Bus. We recognise that anyone can be affected by the stresses and strain of work, or life outside it. You'll find a range of health-promotion initiatives, and you will have 24/7 access to our confidential Employee Assistance Programme.

Public transport serves everyone, whatever their differences. At First Bus, we want to be an employer open to you, no matter what your differences are. We aspire to be an inclusive organisation because diverse backgrounds, thinking and experiences bring so many benefits to our customers, communities and people. We welcome applications from all.

Applicants are advised that background checks will be conducted as a standard part of our recruitment process.