Job Title:  Assistant Accountant

Location: Towcester, Northamptonshire 

Employment Type: Permanent | Full-time.  Please note that this is an office based role. 

About the Role 

We are seeking a detail-focused and proactive Assistant Accountant to join our finance team and take ownership of key accounting and compliance activities across the business. Working closely with operational and functional leaders, you will play a hands-on role in financial reporting, balance sheet management, payroll, tax compliance, and audit processes. This role offers broad exposure across finance and is ideal for someone looking to continue developing their technical accounting skills within a structured and regulated environment. 

Key Responsibilities 

• Complete end-to-end monthly payroll, including all calculations, reconciliations and statutory submissions 

• Prepare and maintain full balance sheet ownership, including reconciliations and supporting schedules 

• Support the preparation of management accounts, including P&L analysis and variance reporting 

• Deliver accurate month-end, quarterly and annual close activities to agreed deadlines 

• Prepare and submit VAT returns and HMRC requirements, including P11Ds, PSA and statutory returns 

• Maintain robust financial controls, supporting SOX compliance, testing and documentation 

• Liaise with external auditors and accountants to support statutory accounts and audits 

• Support budgeting, forecasting and continuous improvement of finance processes and systems 

Education & Qualifications 

Educated to A-level standard or equivalent, with strong numerical ability. A degree in Accounting, Finance, Business or a related discipline is desirable but not essential. You will be studying towards, or willing to study towards, a recognised professional qualification such as AAT, ACCA or CIMA, and demonstrate a commitment to ongoing professional development. 

Skills 

You will have a strong understanding of core accounting principles and double-entry bookkeeping, with proven experience in balance sheet reconciliations and month-end processes. You will demonstrate high attention to detail, strong analytical skills, and confidence working with financial data. Strong Excel skills are essential, along with experience using ERP or accounting systems. You will be well organised, deadline-driven, and able to communicate effectively with both finance and non-finance stakeholders. 

Experience 

You will typically have 1–3 years’ experience in a finance or accounting role, with hands-on responsibility for running payroll end to end. Experience of VAT returns, HMRC submissions, audit support, and working with external accountants is highly desirable. Exposure to SOX, US GAAP or international accounting environments would be advantageous but is not essential. 

Benefits:

You’ll receive benefits including a competitive pension scheme, 25 days annual leave, Health and Life Assurance.   You’ll also have access to additional benefits such as an employee assistance programme, Cycle2work and employee discounts.

GDPR:

By applying for this position, you acknowledge that your personal data will be processed in accordance with AMETEK/Abaco Data Protection Policy. We will use your information solely for recruitment purposes and will not share it with third parties without your consent. Your data will be stored securely and retained only as long as necessary for the recruitment process. You have the right to access, rectify, or delete your personal data at any time. For more information on how we handle your data, please refer to our Privacy Policy.

Security Clearance:

Please be aware that many roles working for Abaco Systems will be subject to security and export control restrictions. All roles are therefore subject to candidates being able to meet BPSS level pre-employment screening criteria, which includes criminal record checks and a minimum of 3 years continuous UK residency. In some roles you may also need to have or be able to achieve full SC level security clearance without restrictions. This requires a minimum of 5 years continuous UK residency. Security and export control requirements mean that factors including your nationality, any other nationalities you have or have previously held, your place of birth and your employment and residency status may limit those roles you can perform for the organisation. For more information and guidance about security requirements visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/united-kingdom-security-vetting-clearance-levels