Bookkeeper in Canterbury, Kent

BOOKKEEPER

Canterbury City Centre | Hospitality | £Excellent

Accurate numbers. Strong financial control. Real ownership.

Are you a hands-on Bookkeeper who takes pride in getting the detail right, keeping financial records under control and ensuring the numbers add up?

We’re looking for an organised, commercially aware Bookkeeper to take responsibility for the day-to-day financial records of a busy hospitality venue, working directly with the business owner to maintain accurate accounts, robust financial controls and timely reporting.

This is an opportunity for someone who enjoys taking ownership of their work, spotting discrepancies and ensuring the financial foundations of a business run smoothly.

THE ROLE

You’ll take responsibility for day-to-day bookkeeping, ensuring transactions are accurately recorded, reconciliations are completed and financial information is reliable, complete and available when needed.

Working closely with the owner, you'll play an important role in providing the accurate financial information needed to support sound business decisions.

Your key responsibilities will include:

• Maintaining accurate financial records across purchase and sales ledgers.
• Reconciling daily EPOS sales, cash takings, card payments and payment-platform settlements.
• Processing supplier invoices, reconciling supplier statements and preparing payments for authorisation.
• Completing bank, credit card and control account reconciliations.
• Supporting VAT compliance, ensuring records are accurate and ready for review and submission.
• Coordinating payroll information, including hours, starters, leavers and approved tips or service-charge data, as applicable.
• Supporting month-end close and the preparation of management accounts.
• Investigating discrepancies, resolving queries and escalating issues promptly.
• Maintaining an organised audit trail and providing the owner with accurate financial information, reports and analysis as required.

WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR

You’ll be a methodical, dependable finance professional who combines strong bookkeeping fundamentals with a proactive, problem-solving approach.

You’ll bring:

• Proven experience in a hands-on bookkeeping or accounts role.
• Confidence with bank reconciliations, purchase ledgers, nominal coding and financial controls.
• A working knowledge of UK VAT and associated record-keeping requirements.
• Good Excel skills and experience using accounting software such as Xero, Sage or QuickBooks, or a comparable system.
• Exceptional attention to detail and a commitment to accuracy.
• The confidence to investigate discrepancies, challenge inconsistencies and follow issues through to resolution.
• Strong organisation, clear communication and the ability to manage competing deadlines.
• Integrity and discretion when handling confidential financial information.

Experience within hospitality, restaurants, hotels, pubs or other high-volume trading environments would be a distinct advantage, particularly where you have worked with EPOS systems, daily takings and card payment reconciliations.

A relevant bookkeeping or AAT qualification would be beneficial, but practical ability and a track record of reliable delivery are what matter most.

WHY JOIN?

This is an opportunity to become a trusted financial right hand to the business owner, taking responsibility for the accuracy and organisation of the venue's day-to-day finances.

You'll have direct access to the decision-maker, the autonomy to manage your responsibilities and the satisfaction of knowing your work makes a genuine difference to the business.

We're looking for someone who wants to do more than simply process transactions: someone who takes ownership, maintains high standards and ensures the owner has confidence in the numbers.

READY TO MAKE AN IMPACT?

If you're an accurate, organised Bookkeeper who enjoys responsibility, takes pride in getting things right and would relish the opportunity to work directly with a business owner, we'd like to hear from you.