Penn Contracting Ltd
Bookkeeper
Get notified of more jobs like this · No spam, ever
How your CV stacks up
Upload your CV to see how well it fits this job role
?%
Bookkeeper
Penn Contracting has been established for 30 years and is growing fast carrying out refurbishment projects ranging from £100k to £3m in and around London. We focus on high-quality projects with an uncompromising attitude to our work. We currently have several projects in central London and Surrey.
We are a family-oriented business where people genuinely matter. Our team is tight-knit, loyal and ambitious — many of our people have been with us for years and have grown with the business. If you are looking for a place where you are known, valued and have real room to develop, Penn is the right fit.
About the Role
Penn Contracting is seeking a proactive and organised Bookkeeper to join our growing team. This is a fast-paced, reactive role supporting the day-to-day financial operations of a busy construction business. Working closely with senior management, project managers, site teams and suppliers, the ideal candidate will play a key role in maintaining accurate financial records, ensuring compliance with construction specific regulations and supporting the smooth running of a crucial part of our business. The ideal candidate must be confident in managing competing priorities, working both independently and in close cooperation with our existing finance team and able to communicate confidently with both internal and external stakeholders while consistently delivering accurate work to tight deadlines.
Any candidate should have as a minimum:
- AAT Level 3 minimum qualification or equivalent qualifications and training.
- Minimum of 3 years' experience working within the construction industry, ideally for a building contractor.
- Minimum of 2 years' hands-on experience using Xero and be confident using other finance related systems.
- Full understanding of bookkeeping end to end, including reconciliations, creditors ledger and debtors ledger.
- Strong understanding of CIS regulations, including assisting with monthly CIS returns.
- Working knowledge of Reverse Charge VAT and assisting with quarterly VAT returns.
- Strong Microsoft Office experience and skills, including Outlook, Excel and Word alongside excellent digital filing practices.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to prioritise workload independently within a fast-paced, reactive environment.
- A proactive, adaptable and solutions-focused approach with the ability to meet deadlines consistently.
Reasons to use Rodeo
Start with a chat, not a search bar
Grad scheme, placement, apprenticeship? Not sure what you want yet — that's fine. Your agent talks it through with you and turns "I have no idea" into a shortlist.
It searches the market for you
Every day your agent scans the market matching roles against what actually matters to you, not just keywords on a CV.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
Key Responsibilities:
- Process purchase invoices, reconcile bank accounts, supplier payments and financial transactions using Xero, ensuring banks reconcile every month.
- Assist with further financial requirements and projects to assist other team members.
- Support the preparation and submission of monthly CIS returns, ensuring compliance with HMRC requirements.
- Assist with the preparation of quarterly VAT returns, including the correct application of Reverse Charge VAT.
- Assist in managing / co-managing the accounts payable inbox and maintain accurate digital filing systems.
- Communicate professionally with subcontractors and suppliers regarding invoices, payment queries and payment schedules.
- Liaise with senior management, project managers and administrative staff to obtain invoice approvals and ensure accurate cost coding.
- Cross-check subcontractor invoices against timesheets and site logbooks before processing.
- Assist with weekly supplier and subcontractor payment runs.
- Support payroll administration and other finance related activities.
- Carry out general administrative duties as reasonably required to support the efficient operation of the finance department.
- Maintain accurate financial records while ensuring confidentiality, compliance and attention to detail at all times.
Get help with your application
Your very own career expert that helps elevate your application to the next level.
Job Type:
- Full-time, permanent and hybrid.
- Ability to reliably commute to Cobham 3 days a week.
- Adhering to Penn / Bright HR policy and procedures.
Hours of Work:
- Monday to Friday — 9:00am to 5:30pm.
Pension:
- You will be automatically enrolled into the Government NEST scheme.
Holiday Entitlement:
- The holiday year is 1 January to 31 December and holiday entitlement is 28 days including Bank Holidays, subject to director approval.
Feel free to take a deeper look at who we are at Penn Contracting Ltd via our website: www.penncontracting.co.uk. If you feel you would be a good fit for the role, please email your CV and a brief description as to why you want to join our team to people@penncontracting.co.uk. We look forward to hearing from you!
We value your privacy, and we are committed to protecting your personal details. If you choose to apply for this role, please do not include any sensitive data on your CV which reveals (directly or indirectly); your race or ethnic origins, your political, philosophical, or religious opinions, or your membership of a trade union, your social security number, or information which relates to your health or sexual orientation or to any criminal convictions. For any further information on how we process data, please contact people@penncontracting.co.uk.
Note:
- Be prepared to be hands-on. We are not a corporation.
- Promotion potential: grow your career with the company as it expands.
- Salary is negotiable and dependent on experience / what you can bring to the company.
- September 2026
“It took my CV and asked me questions relevant to understanding what kind of jobs to suggest for me. Suggestions were almost perfect. Jobs were exactly what I’ve been looking for.”
Jessica, London
Location