Accounts Administrator 6 months Mat Cover

Job Title: Accounts Administrator (Maternity Cover - Fixed Term Contract)

Location: Clacton-on-SeaContract: 6-month Fixed Term Contract (with potential to extend)Start Date: ASAP (handover required)Hours: Flexible - ideally 5 days x 5 hours per day, though 4 longer days will be considered

OFFICE BASED - No hybrid working available

Overview

We are recruiting an experienced Accounts Administrator to join a well-established and stable business in Clacton-on-Sea to cover maternity leave. This is a key role within the finance function and will require someone confident managing accounts, payroll, and management accounts, while working closely with the wider finance team to ensure continuity and a smooth handover.

This position offers flexibility around hours and working patterns and would suit a qualified-by-experience or AAT-qualified professional seeking a fixed-term opportunity with autonomy and variety.

Key Responsibilities

Finance & Accounts

• Preparation of monthly management accounts
• Month-end duties including journals, accruals, prepayments
• Maintenance of fixed asset register and CAPEX
• Sales invoicing and data input
• Processing supplier and customer invoices
• Reconciliations and statement processing
• Supporting credit control
• General bookkeeping and ad-hoc financial reporting

Payroll & HR

• Managing payroll for approximately 62 employees
• Weekly and monthly payroll processing using BrightPay
• Working closely with the weekly payroll administrator
• Ensuring payroll compliance and accuracy
• Supporting HR-related administration as required

Systems

• Daily use of Sage 50 (essential)
• BrightPay payroll system (essential)

Team Collaboration

• Working alongside the existing accounts team
• Providing cover during holidays or sickness where needed
• Ensuring a smooth handover from the current post-holder

Skills & Experience Required

• Proven experience in a hands-on accounts role covering management accounts and payroll
• Strong working knowledge of Sage 50 and BrightPay
• Experience processing payroll for both weekly and monthly staff
• Confident completing month-end processes independently
• Either AAT qualified or qualified by experience
• Organised, adaptable, and comfortable in a varied role
• Professional, reliable, and able to commit to the full contract period

Working Environment & Benefits

• Flexible working hours (office open 6:30am-6:00pm)
• On-site parking
• Canteen facilities
• Local amenities nearby (shops and food outlets)
• Friendly, long-standing team with excellent staff retention

Salary

• Competitive, dependent on experience(Full-time equivalent typically £35,000 - £45,000 pro rata)

Recruitment Process

• Interviews W/C 5th May