Finance Assistant - Construction - IMMEDIATE START in Lewes

Finance Assistant

Location: Rodmell, near Lewes
Salary: Circa £40,000 DOE
Job Type: Full-time, Permanent
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00am–5:00pm

The Role

An established construction contractor is seeking an ambitious Finance Assistant to join its team. This opportunity would suit an AAT-qualified professional looking to progress towards ACCA or an equivalent qualification, or someone already studying towards a professional qualification with a few years of relevant experience.

Working closely with the Finance Director and Business Manager, you will gain broad experience across financial operations, project accounting and management reporting.

This is a genuine long-term career opportunity, with potential to progress into a senior finance leadership position over the next 5–6 years.

Immediate availability or a maximum one-week notice period is required. Candidates with a month's notice will not be considered.

Key Responsibilities

• Process supplier and overhead invoices, matching them against purchase orders.

• Reconcile supplier statements, maintain accurate records and respond to supplier enquiries.

• Prepare supplier payment schedules, process payments and issue remittances.

• Maintain supplier and subcontractor accounts across finance systems.

• Prepare fortnightly subcontractor payment certificates, checking CIS deductions and retention.

• Verify suppliers and subcontractors through HMRC.

• Process customer applications for payment and receipts, maintaining accurate sales ledger records.

• Monitor outstanding debts and prepare weekly aged debtor reports.

• Reconcile credit card statements and post transactions to the accounting system.

• Assist with bank reconciliations and weekly cash flow reporting.

• Prepare monthly work in progress (WIP) reports and reconcile balances.

Skills and Experience

• AAT qualified, studying towards ACCA or equivalent, or keen to progress towards a professional finance qualification.

• A few years of relevant finance or accountancy experience.

• Previous construction industry experience is highly desirable.

• Understanding of double-entry bookkeeping and general accounting principles.

• Knowledge of construction project accounting and WIP valuations is advantageous.

• Essential knowledge of the Construction Industry Scheme (CIS).

• Experience with Sage 50 or similar accounting software is beneficial.

Salary and Benefits

• Circa £40,000 salary, depending on experience.

• Professional study sponsorship and discretionary exam success bonuses.

• Mentoring from an ACCA-qualified Finance Director.

• Genuine long-term career progression into senior finance management.

• Annual staff incentive scheme.

• 23 days' holiday, including Christmas closure.

• Free on-site parking.

Candidates must be immediately available or on a maximum one-week notice period.

How to Apply

Please submit your CV for immediate consideration if you are looking for a finance role offering professional development, increased responsibility and long-term career progression.