Bookkeeper

BOOKKEEPER (Construction) REQUIRED: Brentwood, Essex

Duration: Permanent

Rate for the Bookkeeper (Construction): £38,000 (Negotiable DOE) per annum

Role Overview

We are seeking an experienced and qualified Bookkeeper with a minimum of 3 years’ experience within construction accounting.

The successful candidate must have a strong working knowledge of the Construction Industry Scheme (CIS) and be fully competent using Xero accounting software. The role requires someone who is confident managing bookkeeping across a construction or property development business, including subcontractor payments, supplier accounts, VAT submissions, intercompany transactions and project-related accounting.

The ideal candidate will also have experience working within a group-structured business, including dealing with intercompany accounts, cross-invoicing, SPVs and multiple company entities.

This is an important role within the business and requires someone who is highly organised, accurate, proactive and able to work independently.

Key Responsibilities

The Bookkeeper will be responsible for managing the day-to-day financial records of the business and ensuring all transactions are processed accurately and on time.

Main duties will include:

• Managing daily bookkeeping duties using Xero
• Processing purchase invoices, sales invoices and supplier payments
• Raising customer invoices and managing sales ledger records
• Reconciling bank accounts, credit cards and supplier statements
• Managing accounts payable and accounts receivable
• Preparing supplier and subcontractor payment runs for approval
• Monitoring aged debtors and assisting with credit control
• Liaising with suppliers, subcontractors, consultants and clients regarding account queries
• Maintaining accurate records for subcontractors, suppliers and customers
• Processing subcontractor invoices and applying CIS deductions where required
• Verifying subcontractors under the Construction Industry Scheme
• Preparing and submitting monthly CIS returns
• Maintaining CIS records and ensuring compliance with HMRC requirements
• Preparing and submitting VAT returns
• Ensuring VAT transactions are correctly recorded across the business
• Assisting with VAT queries and maintaining supporting records for submissions
• Managing intercompany transactions between group companies
• Processing and reconciling intercompany accounts
• Raising and recording cross-company invoices
• Reconciling balances between related companies and SPVs (Special Purpose Vehicles)
• Maintaining accurate records across multiple company entities
• Supporting the accounting of Special Purpose Vehicles, particularly for project-specific construction or property developments
• Assisting with project cost tracking and job-costing records
• Allocating costs to the correct project, company or SPV
• Supporting cash flow reporting and management accounts preparation
• Preparing financial reports for directors or management when required

Supporting the external accountant with year-end accounts preparationEnsuring financial records are accurate, up to date and properly filedMaintaining confidentiality and professional standards at all times

Essential Requirements

Applicants must have:

Minimum 3 years’ bookkeeping experience within the construction industry

Strong understanding of construction accounting

Full working knowledge of Xero accounting software

Strong knowledge of the Construction Industry Scheme, including: subcontractor verification, CIS deductions, monthly CIS returns, CIS record keeping, HMRC compliance

Experience preparing and submitting VAT returns

Understanding of VAT treatment across construction or property-related businesses

Experience processing supplier and subcontractor invoices

Experience reconciling bank accounts, supplier statements and ledgers

Good understanding of accounts payable and accounts receivable

Experience working with group-structured businesses

Understanding of intercompany accounts

Experience with cross-invoicing between related companies

Understanding of SPVs, particularly within construction, property or development businesses

Ability to manage bookkeeping across multiple company entities

Excellent attention to detail

Strong organisational skills

Ability to work independently and manage deadlines

Good communication skills

Confidence dealing with subcontractors, suppliers, clients and management

Preferred Qualifications

The following would be advantageous:

Accountancy or bookkeeping qualification

Experience working for a main contractor, subcontractor, developer or property group

Experience with project cost reporting or job costing

Experience assisting with management accounts

Knowledge of payroll would be beneficial but is not essential

Experience working with external accountants and year-end accounts preparation

Personal Attributes

The successful candidate should be:

Reliable and trustworthy

Accurate and methodical

Highly organised

Proactive and able to use initiative

Confident working in a busy construction environment

Able to manage multiple companies, projects and deadlines

Professional when dealing with suppliers, subcontractors and clients

Able to maintain confidentiality

Benefits

Competitive salary based on experience

Opportunity to work within an established construction/property business

Long-term role with potential for growth

Supportive working environment

Flexible working arrangements may be considered

Varied role across construction, property development, group companies and SPV

Benefits:

Company pension

On-site parking

Work Location: In person