Bookkeeping jobs in Hornchurch

We are seeking a highly organised and detail-oriented Senior Bookkeeper to take full ownership of the finance function within a growing IT recruitment business. This is a hands-on, all-encompassing role suited to someone who thrives in a fast-paced SME environment and is confident managing end-to-end bookkeeping, payroll, compliance, and operational finance processes.

You will play a critical role in maintaining financial accuracy, supporting strategic decision-making, and ensuring compliance across all financial and regulatory requirements.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Management & Bookkeeping

• Maintain accurate financial records using Sage 50 Cloud
• Manage day-to-day bookkeeping, including:
• Accounts Payable (supplier invoicing and payments)
• Accounts Receivable (customer invoicing and collections)
• Ensure accuracy of all financial entries across nominal ledgers and contract records
• Manage bank feeds and perform monthly bank reconciliations across multi-currency accounts
• Process invoice discounting entries and produce monthly sales accounting breakdowns and reconciliations

Cashflow & Reporting

• Monitor and manage cash flow, ensuring sufficient liquidity across all operations
• Handle foreign exchange transactions and ensure currency exposure is effectively managed
• Lead month-end and quarter-end close processes, including:
• Cashflow forecasting
• Profit & Loss reporting
• Aged debtor and creditor analysis
• Prepare board-level financial packs, including agendas and supporting documentation

Tax, Payroll & Compliance

• Prepare and reconcile quarterly VAT returns
• Manage corporation tax reconciliations
• Oversee end-to-end Sage Payroll, including:
• PAYE, National Insurance, and pension contributions
• Year-end processes and reporting
• Act as primary liaison with HMRC and overseas accountants to ensure compliance and correct tax documentation
• Support annual audits, including preparation and submission of year-end financials

Stakeholder & Operational Management

• Act as first point of contact for contractors and clients regarding financial queries
• Ensure accuracy of contractor submissions and banking details
• Liaise with auditors and external stakeholders as required
• Monitor and report monthly purchase order positions to the Director

Process Improvement & Business Operations

• Identify and implement improvements to accounting systems and processes to drive efficiency
• Oversee staff holiday and sickness records
• Manage employee contracts, handbook updates, and Health & Safety compliance
• Oversee office and premises management, including lease, landlord, and utilities
• Manage business insurance policies (Professional, Legal, and Premises via Hiscox)

Compliance & Governance

• Ensure adherence to all relevant regulations, including:
• REC (Recruitment & Employment Confederation) standards
• GDPR and ICO Data Protection requirements
• IR35 compliance

Key Skills & Experience

• Proven experience as a Senior Bookkeeper or similar role within an SME environment
• Advanced proficiency in Sage 50 Cloud
• Strong understanding of multi-currency accounting and cashflow management
• Experience within recruitment, professional services, or contractor-based businesses highly desirable
• In-depth knowledge of UK tax, payroll, and compliance requirements
• Excellent attention to detail and organisational skills
• Confident communicator with the ability to liaise across internal and external stakeholders

Why Join Us?

• High-impact role with full ownership of the finance function
• Exposure to senior leadership and strategic decision-making
• Opportunity to improve and shape financial processes
• Growing, dynamic IT recruitment business with strong market presence

Apply now to take ownership of a critical finance function within a fast-growing recruitment business.

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Orpington, Greater London: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)

Application question(s):

• Are you within an hour from Orpington?

Experience:

• Bookkeeping: 1 year (required)
• Sage 50 Accounting: 1 year (required)

Language:

• English (required)

Work authorisation:

• United Kingdom (required)

Location:

• Orpington, Greater London (preferred)

Work Location: In person