Assistant Accountant

Fixed term up to January 2026

Part Time position

Westhill, Aberdeenshire

About us…

We are an Off-site manufacturer, at the forefront of the sector. We have a range of sustainable build systems, that utilise Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) that allows us to construct homes which are Greener, Faster, Better.

We supply the nation’s House Builders with state of the art, third party certified wall panel systems, large floor cassettes and roof systems. Nationwide, from Exeter to Aberdeen and everything in between we have a network of skilled Installers and regional Construction Managers and Supervisors installing timber superstructures on our client’s developments.

With a capacity to manufacture 10k houses a year, we supply and install for the UK’s leading private house builders. We do the same in the affordable sector working for national and regional contractors. We also enjoy strong relationships with more regionally focussed house builders. So, our portfolio of projects is diverse from small developments to large schemes and a variety of designs. We have a range of Build Systems and services to suit our client’s needs; it’s what we call tailored customisation. We differentiate ourselves through great client service, even going so far as offer training modules to our clients on MMC.

We are always pushing for better ways to make Off-Site Manufacturing more efficient, better quality, more cost effective and make net carbon homes a reality. That’s why our business is growing.

What a great time to join the Off-Site sector and Donaldson Timber Systems: building in volume and faster to overcome the housing shortage crisis; building leaner with Off-Site Manufacturing techniques to overcome skills shortages; building with the world’s truly sustainable material: timber – to help the country get to net zero carbon by 2050.

Want to know more? You’ll find us here: https://www.donaldsontimbersystems.com/

And…We are part of the Donaldson Group

We are a part of a group of 11 businesses operating from 48 locations throughout the UK. Established in 1860, Donaldson Group is one of UK’s largest, privately owned timber companies supporting the construction industry. Family owned, our offer includes: B2B, retail, ecommerce, all with shared values and a common vision, driven by the desire to always do good. We are focused on always providing a number one customer experience, embracing innovation, and doing things in a sustainable way, not just for our business but also for the communities we operate in. But most of all, our People are at the heart of everything we do, which is why we are committed to nurturing and empowering our 1,500+ colleagues across the UK.

We are ambitious about diversity and inclusion. We specifically encourage those from minoritised groups to apply for this post as they are currently underrepresented in the manufacturing and construction sectors of our organisation.

Our success has been built from our ability to build long-term relationships with clients, becoming an integral part of their business process with our complete service solution.  Our services cover concept design information and technical guidance, full design service, manufacture, delivery and construction on site.

The Role

Reporting to the Head of Finance, you will be a key member of the finance team managing all technical areas of financial reporting.  You will have the opportunity to use your people and management skills to provide clarity and confidence on financial aspects for the Division, with a clear emphasis on accuracy, analysis and timeous reporting.

Input is required at senior management level to assist the senior management team in the smooth running of the operational business and divisional objectives.  Excellent communication skills are required to lead the year end audit and liaise with the external and internal auditors.  Strong and effective team working skills are needed to achieve business objectives. People management and motivation skills are critical to the role across the UK and decisive communication skills are necessary when working across multiple functions.

In keeping with the specific importance given to Health & Safety and the Environment by the Donaldson Group you have specific accountabilities as set out in our Corporate Responsibility for Health & Safety and Environmental Policy.

We will offer you the chance to develop your skills and experience further through our performance management process giving you the opportunity to progress your career within the Donaldson Group.

Part-time hours could include shorter working days or fewer days each week, this role will be 20-25 hours per week.

This role is a fixed term position to cover Maternity Leave.

Accountabilities

• Working with the financial accountant to ensure the monthly and year end accounts, forecasts and audit files are accurate and timeously prepared in accordance with Divisional and Group timetables, providing technical guidance.
• Support the senior management team to ensure the delivery of the year one operational plan.
• Assist and lead the reporting of working capital, working with the head of finance to ensure this is managed, highlighting and mitigating risk.
• Provide analysis to Financial Director and Head of Finance  (1 & 3) above highlighting variance against targets and offer business improvement ideas where appropriate.
• Take a lead role in supporting the transactional teams, assisting with queries and providing coaching and support.
• Assist and prepare with submitting the external compliance requirements including VAT and MTD.
• Support all areas of the finance team ensuring that the team understand all departmental objectives and are compliant with accounting standards and legislation.
• Build and maintain effective working relationships, internally and externally to maximise successful delivery of all areas within your responsibility.

Essential Technical Expertise

• Formal accountancy qualification preferable(CA/ACCA/CIMA), will accept working towards or QBE.
• High level of Microsoft Office Skills – particularly excel/spreadsheets.
• Ability to advise and train staff.

Desirable Technical Expertise

• Ability to analyse and resolve problems.
• Awareness of changing economic, social and political factors which are likely to affect the performance of the Division.
• Ability to positively influence others.
• Ability to work as part of a senior management team.

Salary and Benefits

Donaldson Timber Systems is proud to develop our employees, offering career development and promotion opportunities across the Group.

• Competitive Salary
• Pension Scheme
• Bonus Scheme – Subject to bonus rules
• Life Assurance
• Company Sick pay after probationary period
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Employee Referral Scheme