James Hall & Co Ltd
Retail Accounts Assistant - James Hall & Co
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Based at our contemporary head office and distribution centre on the outskirts of Preston, James Hall & Co. Ltd. have been established for over 150 years proudly serving communities across the north of England as supplier and distributor to over 450 SPAR stores.
We are proud to be one of the biggest employers in Lancashire with over 4000 colleagues who represent our core values of passion, enterprise, and family every single day.
Contract Type: Permanent
Hours of work: 39 hours per week. 8.30am – 5.00pm (4.00pm Friday)
Location: Office based - James Hall & Co. Ltd, SPAR Distribution Centre, Bowland View, Preston, PR2 5QT
About the Role
We are looking for a Retail Accounts Assistant to join our Finance team and play an important role in supporting the day-to-day financial operations of our retail business.
This is a varied role, ideal for someone who is organised, analytical and enjoys working with numbers.
You will be responsible for a range of accounting activities, including accounting returns, bank reconciliations, VAT, balance sheet reconciliations and trading accounts, while also providing wider support to the Finance team.
We are committed to supporting your professional development and will fund your AAT qualification, or a similar relevant accounting qualification, where required. This makes the role a great opportunity for someone looking to develop their accounting knowledge and build a career within Finance.
You’ll have the opportunity to develop your accounting knowledge and contribute to improvements that help make our processes more efficient and effective.
Here’s What You Can Expect to be Doing
- Preparing and processing accounting returns, ensuring deadlines are met.
- Completing accurate bank reconciliations and investigating any discrepancies.
- Assisting with the preparation and submission of VAT returns in line with HMRC requirements.
- Completing balance sheet reconciliations to support the production of management and trading accounts.
- Posting and reconciling journals, accruals and prepayments.
- Supporting quarterly and year-end close activities.
- Maintaining accurate financial records relating to retail transactions.
- Supporting the Finance team with wider accounting activities as required.
- Identifying opportunities to improve processes and systems.
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A Few Things About You
We’re looking for someone with strong numerical and analytical skills who takes pride in getting the detail right. You’ll be comfortable managing your own workload, working to deadlines and investigating issues to find solutions.
You’ll ideally have:
- AAT Level 3 or 4 or be working towards an equivalent accounting qualification.
- Previous experience in a finance or accounts role, ideally within a retail environment.
- Good knowledge of accounting principles, VAT and relevant accounting standards.
- Experience with reconciliations and supporting management accounts.
- Strong Microsoft Excel skills, including pivot tables and lookups.
- Good written and verbal communication skills.
- A proactive, organised and problem-solving approach.
- The ability to work effectively as part of a team while managing your own priorities.
Why Join Us?
James Hall & Co. Ltd. have one simple vision: to still be in business in another 50 years!
To make this vision possible we need the best talent to join us on our journey. We are a family company and believe that if we look after our people, they will look after us.
- Loyalty Pay - Celebrate your work anniversary with a little extra! You’ll earn an additional £0.25 per hour over the financial year, with the hourly amount increasing the longer you stay with us. Your total is paid as a lump sum in the month following your anniversary.
- 20% Staff Discount - Enjoy 20% off your shopping in our company-owned SPAR stores — perfect for those everyday essentials and treats.
- Annual Leave - Start with a generous 30 days of annual leave, inclusive of Bank Holidays. Entitlement increases with length of service, rewarding your continued commitment.
- Health & Wellbeing - All colleagues can access our on-site registered nurses and physiotherapist at Bowland View for confidential support. We also run a year-round programme of health and wellbeing initiatives covering physical, mental, and lifestyle topics.
- Company Sick Pay - We offer a Company Sick Pay scheme to support you during periods of ill health, providing peace of mind when you need it most.
- Pension & Life Insurance - You will be enrolled into the Nest pension scheme. After two years of service, you will also receive life insurance cover, offering added security for you and your loved ones.
- Free Onsite Parking - All colleagues have access to free onsite parking, making your commute more convenient and cost-effective.
- Learning & Development - Whether you're looking to build your career or gain new skills, our in-house team will support you with fully funded, accredited training and industry-recognised qualifications.
- Grocery Aid Support - Access free, confidential, 24/7 support through Grocery Aid — offering expert advice and help on everything from mental health and financial concerns to legal issues and family support.
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For more information about us and the benefits we offer, please head over to our careers page.
Please note if we receive a high number of applicants, we may close the advert early. We advise interested candidates to submit their applications promptly to avoid disappointment.
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