Bookkeeper

About the Company Our client is a well-established scaffolding company based in Brighton, known for delivering high-quality, safety-driven scaffolding solutions across the South East. With continued growth and a busy project pipeline, they are seeking a dedicated and detail-focused Bookkeeper to join their team. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone with strong construction-sector finance experience who thrives in a fast-paced, hands-on environment. Role Overview The Bookkeeper will take responsibility for the day-to-day financial operations of the business, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and smooth-running accounts. This role reports directly to the Directors and works closely with operational teams, project managers, and external accountants. Key Responsibilities General Bookkeeping & Financial Management Maintain accurate financial records using accounting software (e.g., Xero, Sage, or QuickBooks). Manage the purchase ledger, sales ledger, and general ledger. Reconcile bank accounts, credit cards, and petty cash accounts. Process supplier invoices, allocate costs to projects, and handle supplier queries. Prepare and issue customer invoices, including applications for payment where required. Monitor aged debtors and conduct credit control. Construction-Specific Duties Knowledge of CIS (Construction Industry Scheme): Verify subcontractors. Process CIS deductions and produce monthly CIS returns. Work closely with site and project teams to ensure accurate job costing and allocation of labour/materials. Payroll & HR Support Prepare payroll data for external payroll provider or process payroll internally (depending on setup). Maintain employee records, timesheets, holiday logs, and overtime calculations. Assist with onboarding documentation and right-to-work checks where needed. Financial Reporting & Compliance Prepare month-end reports, profit & loss summaries, and cashflow updates. Assist with budget tracking and forecasting. Support year-end accounts preparation for external accountants. Ensure compliance with HMRC regulations. Skills & Experience Required Proven experience as a Bookkeeper or Finance Assistant, ideally within construction or scaffolding. Strong understanding of CIS, invoicing, and construction payment cycles. Proficient with accounting software (Xero/Sage/QuickBooks) and Microsoft Excel. High attention to detail and excellent organisational skills. Strong communication skills and confidence interacting with suppliers, subcontractors, and internal teams. Ability to work independently, manage deadlines, and prioritise workload effectively.  Personal Attributes Reliable, proactive, and eager to take ownership. Professional and approachable with a positive attitude. Comfortable working in a small, close-knit team. Strong numerical aptitude and problem-solving skills