Accounts Assistant

William Stobart & Son Appleton Thorn (Office Based) Permanent | Full-Time £25,000 – £30,000 per annum Company Overview William Stobart & Son is an established UK haulage business operating a modern fleet across national distribution routes. The business supports a broad customer base across logistics and transport sectors, delivering reliable and time-sensitive services. Finance plays a central role in maintaining commercial control, working capital discipline and operational performance. Due to continued growth and internal development, we are recruiting an Accounts Assistant to join our finance team at our Appleton Thorn office. This is a permanent, full-time, office-based role reporting directly to the Finance Manager and working closely with the wider Finance Team. Role Summary This is a hands-on Accounts Assistant position with exposure across Purchase Ledger, Sales Ledger and core transactional finance processes. You will be responsible for maintaining accurate financial records using Sage 50, supporting month-end processes and ensuring strong control over cash, supplier balances and customer accounts. The role will suit someone who enjoys structured transactional finance work and understands the importance of accuracy in a haulage environment where margins and cash flow require careful management. There is genuine opportunity for development into broader month-end and management accounts exposure over time. Key Responsibilities Purchase Ledger Processing high volumes of supplier invoices accurately into Sage 50 Matching invoices to purchase orders and resolving discrepancies Maintaining supplier accounts and performing regular supplier reconciliations Preparing weekly and monthly BACS payment runs for review Managing supplier queries and ensuring timely resolution Sales Ledger Raising customer invoices in line with agreed rates and contract terms Supporting Credit Control activities including chasing overdue balances Allocating cash receipts and maintaining accurate customer accounts Assisting with customer statement preparation Cash & Bank Performing daily and weekly Bank Reconciliations Posting cash receipts and payments accurately Supporting cash flow visibility through accurate ledger maintenance Month End & Reporting Assisting with Month End close processes Supporting preparation of journals, including accruals and prepayments Maintaining nominal ledger accuracy Supporting VAT return preparation Assisting with intercompany reconciliations Providing transactional support for management accounts preparation Additional Finance Support Processing employee expenses Supporting payroll administration where required Assisting with audit queries and documentation Contributing to process improvements within the Finance Team This role provides exposure across working capital management, ledger integrity and financial controls within a transport and haulage environment. Essential Skills & Experience Previous experience in an Accounts Assistant role Practical experience of Purchase Ledger and Sales Ledger processes Experience performing Bank Reconciliations Familiarity with Month End support and basic journals Working knowledge of Sage 50 or similar accounting software Strong Excel skills (basic formulas, data accuracy checks) High level of accuracy and attention to detail Organised and able to manage workload to meet deadlines Confident communicator when dealing with suppliers and internal stakeholders We welcome applications from candidates currently working as Accounts Assistant, Accounts Clerk, Finance Assistant or Ledger Clerk. Desirable Skills Experience within haulage, logistics or transport Exposure to accruals and prepayments Experience supporting VAT returns AAT qualification (studying or qualified) Understanding of working capital and cash flow controls Benefits & Package Salary: £25,000 – £30,000 depending on experience Permanent, full-time position Office-based role at Appleton Thorn 25 days holiday plus statutory bank holidays Company pension scheme Structured reporting line to Finance Manager Exposure to wider finance processes and career progression opportunities This position offers clear progression within the finance function. For the right candidate, there will be opportunity to take on increased Month End responsibility and develop towards Senior Accounts Assistant level over time. Working Pattern Monday to Friday Standard office hours Office-based role at Appleton Thorn How to Apply If you are an experienced Accounts Assistant with strong Purchase Ledger and Sales Ledger knowledge and are looking for a stable role within a well-established haulage business, we would welcome your application. Please submit your CV via the job board. Shortlisted applicants will be contacted directly