BookLife Publishing Ltd
Bookeeper (Maternity Cover)
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Salary: £25,000 – £28,000 pro rata for 2 – 3 days a week / 15 – 22 hours per week (DOE)
Hours: Part-time (2 -3 days per week / 15 – 22 hours per week), with flexibility around core hours (10am – 3pm)
Location: King’s Lynn – Onsite
Reports to: Director
Contract: Maternity Cover – approx. 15 months fixed-term (3 months training/handover + 12 months cover), option to extend
About BookLife
BookLife Publishing Limited specialises in creating innovative, original, and engaging children’s books and directly supplying resources to educational establishments. With a focus on filling a gap in the market for inspired and educational content, the company combines striking designs and curriculum-oriented content to create high-quality publications and resources for schools. Our books are crafted to captivate young readers while encouraging curiosity and a desire to explore and understand the world. Located in King’s Lynn, BookLife is dedicated to delivering creative and meaningful content to inspire the next generation. We are looking for an experienced, detail-focused Bookkeeper to keep our day-to-day finances running smoothly on a part-time basis.
The Role
As Bookkeeper, you will own the core financial processes of the business, from raising purchase orders and paying supplier invoices through to bank reconciliation, VAT returns, and producing basic management information. This is a hands-on, all-round bookkeeping role suited to someone who is confident working independently, enjoys accuracy and process, and is comfortable being the first point of contact for day-to-day finance queries.
Key Responsibilities
Purchase orders
- Raise and process purchase orders in Orderwise, ensuring they are correctly coded and authorised before issue.
- Match purchase orders to supplier invoices and delivery notes, resolving any discrepancies with suppliers or internal teams.
- Maintain accurate, up-to-date purchase order records and keep suppliers informed of order status where needed.
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Purchase (supplier) invoices and payments
- Process supplier invoices accurately and on time, checking coding, VAT treatment, and approvals.
- Prepare and run supplier payment runs, ensuring payments are made within agreed terms.
- Monitor the purchase ledger, chase missing invoices/approvals, and deal with supplier account queries.
- Reconcile supplier statements to the purchase ledger on a regular basis.
Credit control (sales)
- Manage the sales ledger, issuing customer invoices promptly and accurately.
- Chase overdue customer accounts by phone and email, resolving payment queries and disputes in a professional manner.
- Allocate incoming customer payments and reconcile customer accounts on a regular basis.
- Produce and review aged debt reports, escalating problem accounts to the Director as needed.
Bank reconciliation
- Reconcile all business bank and card accounts regularly, investigating and resolving any discrepancies.
- Post bank transactions, allocate receipts against customer accounts, and keep cash records up to date.
- Monitor cash balances and flag any issues to the Director.
VAT returns
- Prepare and submit quarterly VAT returns in line with Making Tax Digital requirements, ensuring accuracy and timely filing.
- Reconcile VAT control accounts and investigate any anomalies before submission.
- Keep up to date with relevant VAT rules (including any book/publishing-specific VAT treatment) and flag changes that affect the business.
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Management accounts and reporting
- Support month-end close by preparing accruals, prepayments, and basic journal entries.
- Provide accurate purchase ledger, cash, and bank information to support the preparation of management accounts.
- Produce simple management reports (e.g. aged creditors, cash position summaries) for the Director as required.
- Maintain organised financial records in line with company policy.
What We’re Looking For
- Proven bookkeeping experience, ideally including purchase and sales ledger, credit control, bank reconciliation, and VAT return preparation.
- AAT qualification (or equivalent) desirable but not essential – relevant hands-on experience is equally valued.
- Experience using Orderwise (or similar systems) is highly desirable; training can be provided for the right candidate.
- Confident using standard accounting software (e.g. Xero, Sage, or QuickBooks) and comfortable in Excel.
- High accuracy and strong attention to detail, with good organisational and time-management skills.
- Able to work independently, prioritise a varied workload, and communicate clearly with colleagues and suppliers.
- Discreet and trustworthy when handling financial and supplier information.
What We Offer
- Nest Pension scheme, 22 days holiday entitlement pro rata, enhanced sick pay
- Flexible part-time hours to suit work/life balance.
- A friendly, supportive team environment within the book trade.
- Free on-site parking
How to Apply
To apply, please send your CV and a short covering note to jenna.noble@booklife.co.uk, stating your current or most recent salary and availability.
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