Assistant Accountant

Learning Resources is the home of award-winning toys, games and learning aids for children aged 2-12. We understand the importance of learning through play and offer toys and games that positively influence children's growth and development. Learning Resources Inc is a US based family-owned company. Learning Resources Ltd. was founded in Kings Lynn, Norfolk in 1994 to serve the European, Middle Eastern, African, and Indian markets.

Position Summary

Providing approximately 12 months maternity cover for our Assistant Accountant, you will be responsible for a wide variety of duties including the delivery of accurate, timely and relevant financial reporting information within a fast-paced working environment. You will work closely with and report into the Senior Financial Analyst. You will be the first point of contact for financial information relating to our Amazon account. The role will be best suited to an adaptable and resilient individual who is able to demonstrate their experience within the financial sector. While the core responsibilities of the role are defined, the scope and level of responsibility may be adjusted in line with the successful candidate's skills and experience, provided they meet the baseline requirements.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Lead all financial aspects of the Amazon account, including managing shortages, charges, deductions, and the Amazon receivables account. Work closely with the Amazon team to ensure alignment and report status updates during weekly team meetings. Maintain shortages as a percentage of Amazon turnover below 0.25%, proactively identifying and disputing shortages and deductions.
• Provide ongoing recommendations for any process improvements identified in the team, once agreed with the Senior Financial Analyst and Head of Finance implement these processes to drive efficiency by contributing one improvement per quarter.
• Responsible for several daily, weekly, and monthly reports/analysis, including stock count and exchange rates analysis, balance sheet reconciliations. Ensuring all reports are distributed to key stakeholders and any new or revised reports are explained for understanding, with an error rate below 2%.
• Act as primary cover for Accounts Receivable and Accounts Payable functions, ensuring continuity of service during periods of absence (e.g., holidays, sickness, or training), with a target of maintaining 100% of critical deadlines and service levels during cover periods. Additionally, responsible for accurately setting up new vendors in the ERP system within two working days of the initial request, to support uninterrupted payment processes.
• Support the month-end close process by accurately preparing and posting journal entries in accordance with accounting policies and deadlines. Ensure all entries are completed with 100% accuracy and within the established close schedule deadlines to facilitate timely and reliable financial reporting.
• Maintain adequate funding across all bank accounts by monitoring balances, executing timely fund transfers, and managing foreign currency purchases to ensure sufficient coverage for all outgoing payments. Target 100% availability of required funds for scheduled payments, with zero payment delays due to insufficient balances.
• Support external audit readiness by assisting with the timely and accurate preparation of documentation and schedules, including year-end stock audit requirements, ensuring 100% compliance with agreed audit timelines and zero material audit findings related to inventory.

Skills:

• Strong excel skills.
• Adept at understanding systems and generating reports.
• Accuracy and attention to detail.
• Strong time management and organisation skills.
• Able to work on own initiative but also play a key part within a team.

Competencies:

• Cross functional collaboration (Amazon, Operations, sales, product development).
• Learn continuously.
• Show drive and initiative.
• Show adaptability.
• Manage and improve processes.

Experience & Qualifications:

• Either part/qualified AAT, ACCA/CIMA or qualified by experience.
• Minimum of 3 years previous experience working within a finance team.
• Experience with Microsoft Dynamics 365 preferrable but not essential.

** Contract length can be 9 to 12 months

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• Company pension
• Employee discount
• Free flu jabs
• Free parking
• On-site parking
• Private medical insurance
• Profit sharing

Work Location: Hybrid remote in King's Lynn PE30 2HZ