Assistant Accountant

Port of Blyth; Blyth; On-site; GBP 30,000 - GBP 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A dynamic port organization based in Blyth is seeking an Assistant Accountant to support various financial duties including cashbook processing and reconciliation. This office-based position is ideal for candidates with a minimum of two years of finance experience and proficiency in Microsoft Excel. The organization offers comprehensive employee benefits including a defined contribution pension scheme and 33 days of holiday. Join a company known for its commitment to employee wellbeing and growth opportunities.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Generous bonus program

Free private medical coverage

Regular staff events

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years experience in a finance role.
• Excellent Microsoft Office skills required, especially Excel.
• High enthusiasm and interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

• Process cashbook, perform reconciliations and analysis.
• Manage credit cards and petty cash.
• Assist with monthly bank reconciliations.
• Support accounts production for Blyth Tall Ship.
• Maintain fixed assets register.
• Assist in management accounts preparation.

Skills

Microsoft Excel

Communication skills

Analytical skills

Team player

Adaptability to deadlines

Tools

Sage Finance / ERP

Job description

This is an exciting opportunity for a motivated and detail driven Assistant Accountant to join a fast moving and growing business, with the potential to quickly take on responsibility and grow within the organisation.

This is an office-based role, 4 days per week possibly 5, working in an established team that will involve working closely with the Finance Director.

We are a high-growth dynamic business with exciting and ambitious plans ahead. This would be an ideal time to join the Finance team to gain experience and skills in a wide range of Finance areas as well as to contribute to the organisation’s continued success.

If you have a talent for numbers and a passion for bookkeeping, this could be the perfect opportunity for you.

Duties and Responsibilities

Main duties and responsibilities will include:

• Cashbook processing, posting, reconciliation and analysis
• Credit card management
• Monthly bank reconciliations
• Petty cash management
• Assisting accounts production for Blyth Tall Ship
• Maintain fixed assets register
• Assisting in aspects of management accounts, including journal preparation, posting and account reconciliation
• Analysis and investigation of P&L and income expenditure
• Analysis for business units
• Supporting senior management / accountant and the wider finance team including purchase ledger and sales ledger
• Responsibility for management of utilities, including mobile phones
• Assisting in preparation of year end information and liaising with the auditors
• Governmental submissions

Skills Requirements

• A minimum of 2 years experience in a finance role
• Excellent skills with Microsoft Office (especially Excel)
• Practical experience of Finance / ERP system
• High levels of enthusiasm
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills – good team player
• Excellent numerical and analytical skills, with the ability to challenge
• Ability to plan and manage changing priorities
• Able to work to deadlines – both internally and externally

Preferred (but not Essential)

• Sage Finance / ERP experience
• Understanding of prepayment, accruals and journals

Remuneration

• Defined contribution pension scheme
• 33 days holiday (inclusive of 8 statutory days)

Why work at Port of Blyth?

The Port of Blyth values its employees as its most important assets and provides a comprehensive range of benefits, including a competitive salary, a generous bonus program, free private medical coverage, and regular staff events such as breakfast meetings to create a supportive environment for employees to excel in.

The Port has taken proactive measures to promote health and wellbeing in the workplace. Having transitioned from the North East Better Health at Work Award to the NECA Shine employer accreditation scheme, the Port continues to deliver regular health and wellbeing campaigns and initiatives tailored to the workforce. These initiatives include activities such as NHS free health checks, free coffee van visits and free ice cream van visits, all of which have been well received by staff and have supported strong engagement and positive wellbeing across the workforce.

The port’s dedication to enhancing health and wellness was acknowledged at the Maritime UK Awards 2024, where it was honoured with the Employer of the Year Award. It was also acknowledged in 2025 at the North East Business Awards where Port of Blyth was named Joint Winner of the Best Place to Work for Northumberland & Tyneside. These accomplishments not only provided well-deserved recognition for the Port’s employees but also served as a source of immense pride and motivation to continue striving for excellence.

Port of Blyth is the port operating division of Blyth Harbour Commission, an independent statutory trust established in 1882. It is one of the largest Trust Port’s in the UK handling cargo across four terminals based around the River Blyth.

Together with major logistics and training divisions, the Port group has a growing turnover exceeding £31 million, driven by growth across a variety of sectors but particularly offshore energy, with the Port is now recognised as a major strategic east coast base supporting the sector. Other trade handled includes containers, dry bulks (coal, aggregates, cement etc.) and marine fuels.