Colchester
Bookkeeper \n Location: Ardleigh, Colchester (CO7)Job Type: Full-time, PermanentHours: Monday to Friday, standard office hoursWork Location: Office-based \n Benefits \n\n • Company pension\n, • 25 days holiday plus bank holidays\n, • On-site parking\n\n About My Client \n My client is an established mechanical services company operating across the UK and Europe. The business delivers specialist mechanical services and continues to grow within the construction sector. \n The Opportunity \n An experienced and detail-oriented Bookkeeper is required to join the finance team based in Colchester. This is a hands-on role supporting the Finance Lead and wider finance function, ensuring accurate financial records, timely payments, and smooth day-to-day accounting operations within a busy construction environment. \n Key Responsibilities \n\n • Process purchase invoices using Sage 50, matching to purchase orders and delivery notes where applicable.\n, • Support the sales ledger by raising invoices and assisting with credit control activities.\n, • Reconcile supplier statements and resolve account queries with suppliers and site teams.\n, • Assist with weekly and fortnightly supplier and CIS subcontractor payment runs.\n, • Post and reconcile bank accounts, credit cards (including Amex), and petty cash.\n, • Support the preparation and submission of monthly CIS returns.\n, • Issue subcontractor payment and deduction statements.\n, • Assist with quarterly VAT returns, including CIS domestic reverse charge coding.\n, • Allocate project-related costs to the correct jobs and cost centres.\n, • Maintain supplier records and carry out verification checks for new payment details.\n, • Prepare accurate and organised records to support audits and tax requirements.\n\n Candidate Requirements \n Essential \n\n • Previous bookkeeping experience within a UK SME environment.\n, • Experience within construction, engineering, manufacturing, or a trades-related business would be advantageous.\n, • Strong working knowledge of Sage 50, including:\n \n, • Purchase ledger\n, • Sales ledger\n, • Bank reconciliations\n, • VAT processes\n \n, • Sound understanding of UK VAT regulations, including CIS and Domestic Reverse Charge.\n, • Experience processing CIS subcontractor verifications, deductions, and monthly returns.\n, • Strong Excel skills, including pivot tables, lookups, and reconciliations.\n, • Excellent attention to detail and organisational skills.\n, • Ability to work to weekly and monthly deadlines.\n, • Professional and trustworthy approach to confidential financial information.\n\n Desirable \n\n • AAT qualified (Level 2, 3 or 4) or qualified through experience.\n, • Knowledge of construction project costing, applications for payment, and retentions.\n, • Experience with document capture software such as AutoEntry, Dext, or Paperless.\n\n Package \n\n • Company pension scheme\n, • 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays\n, • On-site parking\n, • Stable and growing business environment\n, • Full-time, office-based role in Colchester\n\n