Accounts Administrator 6 months Mat Cover

Job Title: Accounts Administrator (Maternity Cover - Fixed Term Contract)Location: Clacton-on-SeaContract: 6-month Fixed Term Contract (with potential to extend)Start Date: ASAP (handover required)Hours: Flexible - ideally 5 days x 5 hours per day, though 4 longer days will be consideredOFFICE BASED - No hybrid working available OverviewWe are recruiting an experienced Accounts Administrator to join a well-established and stable business in Clacton-on-Sea to cover maternity leave. This is a key role within the finance function and will require someone confident managing accounts, payroll, and management accounts, while working closely with the wider finance team to ensure continuity and a smooth handover.This position offers flexibility around hours and working patterns and would suit a qualified-by-experience or AAT-qualified professional seeking a fixed-term opportunity with autonomy and variety.Key ResponsibilitiesFinance & AccountsPreparation of monthly management accountsMonth-end duties including journals, accruals, prepaymentsMaintenance of fixed asset register and CAPEXSales invoicing and data inputProcessing supplier and customer invoicesReconciliations and statement processingSupporting credit controlGeneral bookkeeping and ad-hoc financial reportingPayroll & HRManaging payroll for approximately 62 employeesWeekly and monthly payroll processing using BrightPayWorking closely with the weekly payroll administratorEnsuring payroll compliance and accuracySupporting HR-related administration as requiredSystemsDaily use of Sage 50 (essential)BrightPay payroll system (essential)Team CollaborationWorking alongside the existing accounts teamProviding cover during holidays or sickness where neededEnsuring a smooth handover from the current post-holderSkills & Experience RequiredProven experience in a hands-on accounts role covering management accounts and payrollStrong working knowledge of Sage 50 and BrightPayExperience processing payroll for both weekly and monthly staffConfident completing month-end processes independentlyEither AAT qualified or qualified by experienceOrganised, adaptable, and comfortable in a varied roleProfessional, reliable, and able to commit to the full contract periodWorking Environment & BenefitsFlexible working hours (office open 6:30am-6:00pm)On-site parkingCanteen facilitiesLocal amenities nearby (shops and food outlets)Friendly, long-standing team with excellent staff retentionSalaryCompetitive, dependent on experience(Full-time equivalent typically £35,000 - £45,000 pro rata)Recruitment ProcessInterviews W/C 5th May