Assistant Accountant (ACCA Trainee Programme)

Element was originally created to hire the founding team behind the Matrix protocol – the leading project for open, secure, decentralised communication. 

Matrix’s mission is to make messaging as open as email, allowing everyone to choose where their data is hosted, enjoy private conversations and ultimately be in control of their communications. 

Element helps large organisations run Matrix at scale. Customers include the French, German and British governments, not to mention NATO and the UN.  

The Role

Element is looking for an Assistant Accountant to join their growing Finance team. The role will initially focus on purchasing, asset ledger and month end accounting processes, reporting to our Senior Accountant within the Finance team. The successful applicant  will work closely with the Head of Biz Ops on general admin and business support.

This is a development role for someone eager to qualify as an accountant (ACCA or ACA) whilst gaining hands-on experience in a fast-growing international technology company. You will be involved in core accounting processes, gaining international accounting experience and exposure to statutory accounting. 

Element will support the successful candidate in obtaining  their chosen professional qualification in accounting (e.g. ACCA) and providing study support alongside practical experience within the finance function. Over time the successful candidate will take on increasing responsibility in the month-end close and financial reporting processes as they progress through their professional qualification.

• Clear communication and willingness to ask questions
• Strong attention to detail and analytical thinking
• A genuine interest in accounting and pursuing a professional qualification 
• Organisation and ability to manage multiple priorities
• Initiative and curiosity to improve processes
• A collaborative mindset and willingness to learn from others

Accounting responsibilities:

• Process incoming supplier invoices and manage the purchase ledger
• Maintain fixed asset register and process asset additions
• Assist with bank reconciliations 
• Support preparation of monthly accruals and prepayments
• Assist with month-end reconciliations and the month-end close process
• Respond to finance-related queries from suppliers and internal teams 
• Support the development and improvement of the current accounting system

Operational / Business support:

• Support the company travel management system 
• Assist in managing an online merchandise store and inventory tracking

General administration:

• Office admin duties including mail handling (weekly) 
• Maintaining office supplies stock
• Assisting with event logistics, bi-yearly
• ad-hoc office and admin tasks 

Other Requirements:

• Right to work in the UK
• Must be willing to work at our London office in Chiswick at least two days per week
• A-levels, degree or equivalent academic qualification
• University degree preferable but not required
• Previous experience with the Xero accounting system would be preferable but is not required.

• Fully sponsored professional accounting qualification (ACCA / ACA / CIMA)
• Study leave and training support
• Meaningful, mission-driven work in open source
• 40 days of annual leave (incl. local public holidays)
• Private healthcare (depending on location)
• Share options
• Family-friendly environment
• Annual bonus subject to individual and company performance

Our Values

• We care about the greater good
• We work together in the open
• We are proud of how we serve our customers
• We are ambitious and iterate rapidly

Equality, diversity, and inclusion

Element does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, colour, religion, age, national origin, marital status, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other reason prohibited by law in provision of employment opportunities and benefits.

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