Finance Assistant

About us:
We are an international company with offices in the UK, Portugal, US and UAE. The Virtual Forge works with organisations to create digital and technology platforms to drive transformation, develop capabilities and deliver digital and transactional experiences that build a business around the world.
We are looking for a talented Finance Assistant to join our Global Finance Team.

You will be based on our Wokingham office.

Role Overview:
The Finance Assistant will look after the day to day running of the finances, including processing all financial transactions (Xero), reconcile bank accounts and completing credit control. This post involves inward/outward invoicing including payment progression. Reporting to the Finance Manager.

Responsibilities:
Processing financial transactions through XERO, maintaining accurate ledger balances and records in accordance with current regulations (be aware of VAT input and output tax).
Access the HMRC portal and be aware of VAT returns, including EC lists.
Checking and sending sales invoices through Xero.
Processing all purchase invoices through Xero.
Working with project budgets to ensure accurate invoice processing.
Being aware of the trial balance. Eg, Accruals/ prepayments.
Reconciliation of all bank accounts and credit cards company-wide.
Accurately handling, processing and reconciling employee expenses.
Assisting with month end reconciliations by processing transactions in a timely manner to meet deadlines.
Weekly credit control and reporting on cash inflow to the Finance Manager.
Ensure monthly statements are sent out to clients.
Processing pension contributions and maintaining appropriate records.
Process manual journals when requested.
Communicating effectively to Senior Managers, Directors, suppliers, customers and staff.
Maintaining accounting records, filing systems and computer files.
Undertaking general clerical duties such as dealing with correspondence, filing and cheque payments.

Other Duties:
Any other administrative duties as required to ensure the smooth and efficient running of the organisation.
Attend and participate in regular staff meetings
Attend appropriate training courses where identified
Attend and participate in regular work appraisals and any other support systems as appropriate.

Essential Skills:

AAT Studying towards - Ideally between level 3 and 4
Administrative skills
Extremely organised
Excellent communication skills
Experience using cloud-based accounting software Xero (Ideal but not essential)
Proficient in Google Sheets, docs and Word equivalents