Assistant Accountant

Who are we?

Howden is a global insurance group with employee ownership at its heart. Together, we have pushed the boundaries of insurance. We are united by a shared passion and no-limits mindset, and our strength lies in our ability to collaborate as a powerful international team comprised of 23,000 employees spanning over 56 countries.

People join Howden for many different reasons, but they stay for the same one: our culture. It's what sets us apart, and the reason our employees have been turning down headhunters for years. Whatever your priorities – work / life balance, career progression, sustainability, volunteering – you'll find like-minded people driving change at Howden.

Howden are delighted to have a vacancy as an Assistant Accountant in our rapidly growing Howden team. This position offers a dynamic opportunity to gain exposure across all facets of the Finance Department.About the Role:Reporting directly to the Financial Controller and collaborating closely with the Finance Team, the successful candidate will play a pivotal role in supporting the delivery of strategic financial objectives. This role is ideal for someone eager to develop both technical expertise and professional skills in a fast-paced, growth-oriented environment.Key Responsibilities:

• Monthly Management Accounts: Assist in the preparation and analysis of monthly management accounts, ensuring accuracy and timeliness in reporting.  
• Bank Reconciliations & Journals: Prepare bank reconciliations, prepayments, accruals, and other key financial journals, maintaining meticulous records and supporting audit requirements.
• Expense Analysis: Conduct detailed expense analysis, identifying trends, variances, and opportunities for cost optimization.
• Month-End Processes: Support the Finance Team in running efficient month-end processes, contributing to the smooth closure of accounts and preparation of financial statements.
• Query Resolution: Respond promptly and professionally to internal and external queries, demonstrating a commitment to excellent customer service.
• Ownership of Tasks: Take responsibility for assigned tasks, ensuring completion to a high standard and within agreed deadlines.
• Finance Administration: Support the Finance team with general administrative duties, including maintaining files, updating records, and supporting ongoing process improvements.
• Expense & Credit Card Claims: Assist if required with processing monthly employee expense and credit card claims, ensuring adherence to company policy and supporting documentation requirements.
• Other ad-hoc requests as required by the Finance area

About You:

• Experience working in a similar Assistant Accountant or finance support role.
• A relevant qualification in accounting, finance, or business administration is preferred but not essential if supported by practical experience.
• Previous experience in a finance or administration department is highly desirable, with a proven track record of supporting financial operations.
• Strong IT skills, particularly in Microsoft Excel and Word with the ability to learn new systems quickly.
• Demonstrates initiative, self-motivation, and a proactive approach to problem solving.
• Excellent numeric skills, with a keen eye for detail and a strong aptitude for reviewing, assessing, and presenting financial information.
• Flexible and results-driven, with a positive attitude and a commitment to supporting colleagues and contributing to team success.
• Ability to work independently, meet deadlines, and perform effectively under pressure in a busy environment.

About Howden Ireland:Howden Ireland is part of Howden, the global insurance intermediary group, and has over 500 employees across 28 local offices advising clients on their commercial insurance, personal insurance, health insurance, life and pensions and mortgage requirements. Our success is primarily down to the incredible people we employ.For more information, please visit About Us | Howden Ireland )What do we offer in return?

A career that you define. At Howden, we value diversity – there is no one Howden type. Instead, we're looking for individuals who share the same values as us:

• Our successes have all come from someone brave enough to try something new

• We support each other in the small everyday moments and the bigger challenges

• We are determined to make a positive difference at work and beyond

Reasonable adjustments

We're committed to providing reasonable accommodations at Howden to ensure that our positions align well with your needs.  Besides the usual adjustments such as software, IT, and office setups, we can also accommodate other changes such as flexible hours* or hybrid working*.

If you're excited by this role but have some doubts about whether it's the right fit for you, send us your application – if your profile fits the role's criteria, we will be in touch to assist in helping to get you set up with any reasonable adjustments you may require.

*Not all positions can accommodate changes to working hours or locations. Reach out to your Recruitment Partner if you want to know more.

Permanent

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