Accounting Assistant

Job Purpose

The Accounting Assistant will support the accurate and timely completion of banking, reconciliation and general accounting activities. The incumbent will reconcile bank accounts, process banking transactions, prepare daily and monthly reports, maintain petty-cash records and assist with stock counts. The position requires accuracy, confidentiality, strong analytical skills and the ability to meet strict financial reporting deadlines.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

• Reconcile all company bank accounts, ensuring that transactions are accurately recorded in the accounting system and correspond with the relevant bank statements.
• Investigate and resolve outstanding or unmatched reconciliation items promptly.
• Enter cash-payment vouchers and other receipts daily.
• Ensure that all banking entries for the month are completed by the third working day of the following month.
• Maintain reports analysing bank charges across all company bank accounts.
• Prepare reports and supporting schedules relating to bank transactions, as required.
• Report internal or external banking discrepancies to the Accountant immediately.
• Prepare and circulate the daily bank-status report to the relevant stakeholders by 9:00 a.m.
• Identify and report transactions that do not correspond with internally processed debits and credits.
• Prepare the required cash-receipt reports accurately and within established deadlines.
• Update the daily deposit spreadsheets for the company’s northern and southern operations.
• Disburse, reconcile and maintain the US-dollar petty-cash float.
• Audit petty-cash transactions and supporting documentation daily, as required.
• Prepare and submit monthly bank reconciliations using Microsoft Dynamics GP by the seventh working day of each month.
• Assist with biannual stock counts.
• Participate in site visits to multiple manufacturing facilities, as required.
• Comply with revised financial closing deadlines when necessary to support statutory and reporting obligations.
• Maintain complete, accurate and properly organized accounting records and supporting documentation.
• Perform other related duties assigned by the Accountant or designated representative.

Education and Experience

• ACCA Level 1 or Level 2, or an equivalent accounting certification
• Practical experience performing bank reconciliations, processing financial transactions and maintaining accounting records.
• Experience using an integrated accounting system; proficiency in Microsoft Dynamics GP or Great Plains is highly desirable.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel and Word.
• Experience working within a manufacturing or multi-site business environment would be an asset.

Key Competencies

• Excellent numerical and analytical skills.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to identify, investigate and report financial discrepancies.
• Effective organization and time-management skills.
• Ability to prioritize assignments and meet strict daily and monthly deadlines.
• High standards of confidentiality, accountability and professional integrity.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaborate with internal stakeholders.
• Willingness to travel to different company locations when required.