Experienced Bookkeeper Needed in Bristol BS11
Join a leading Bristol business on a temporary basis with the potential for a permanent role. Competitive pay, flexible hours, and local support from Temporary Staff Agency.
Bristol BS11
Local role with excellent transport links. Serving Avonmouth, Shirehampton, and surrounding areas.
ASAP / Immediate
Urgent placement. Can start within days of successful registration and interview.
£14 - £18 p/h
Competitive hourly rate, paid weekly. Subject to experience and qualifications.
Temporary
Initial 3-month placement with strong potential for extension or temp-to-perm conversion.
Job Description: Bookkeeper, Bristol BS11
Temporary Staff Agency is seeking a meticulous and experienced Bookkeeper for an immediate temporary assignment with a reputable client based in the Bristol BS11 postcode. This role is ideal for a finance professional who thrives in a fast-paced environment and is looking for flexible, rewarding work with the backing of a trusted local agency.
Our client, a well-established SME in the logistics and distribution sector, requires urgent support to manage their day-to-day financial transactions and maintain accurate records. This is a hands-on role where your expertise in accounts payable, accounts receivable, bank reconciliations, and VAT returns will be crucial. By applying through Temporary Staff Agency, you gain access to our extensive network of Bristol employers, benefit from our streamlined payroll and HR support, and have a dedicated consultant advocating for you. Whether you're seeking a stop-gap role, a foot in the door with a great company, or flexible hours around other commitments, this Bookkeeper position offers a fantastic opportunity.
Core Responsibilities & Duties
Transaction Management
- • Processing sales invoices and purchase ledgers with precision.
- • Managing supplier payments and customer receipts.
- • Preparing and posting journals for accruals and prepayments.
Reporting & Reconciliation
- • Performing weekly and monthly bank reconciliations.
- • Assisting with the preparation of management accounts.
- • Maintaining the nominal ledger and ensuring the trial balance is accurate.
VAT & Compliance
- • Preparing and submitting quarterly VAT returns to HMRC.
- • Ensuring all financial records comply with current legislation.
- • Liaising with external accountants during the year-end process.
Administrative Support
- • Credit control duties, including chasing overdue invoices.
- • Providing clear and timely financial information to department heads.
- • Using accounting software (e.g., Sage, Xero, QuickBooks) to maintain records.
Essential Skills & Experience Required
-
Proven Bookkeeping Experience
Minimum of 2-3 years' experience in a similar Bookkeeper or Accounts Assistant role. You must be confident managing the full purchase and sales ledger cycle independently.
-
Software Proficiency
Strong working knowledge of at least one major accounting package such as Sage 50, Xero, QuickBooks, or Microsoft Dynamics. Advanced Excel skills (VLOOKUPs, PivotTables) are essential.
-
VAT Knowledge
Experience preparing and submitting VAT returns is mandatory. An understanding of Making Tax Digital (MTD) requirements is highly advantageous.
-
Attention to Detail & Organisation
Exceptional accuracy and a methodical approach to work. You must be able to prioritise tasks, meet deadlines, and maintain confidentiality at all times.
-
Communication Skills
Ability to communicate financial information clearly to non-financial colleagues and build strong working relationships with suppliers and customers.
How to Succeed in Temporary Finance Roles
Watch: How to Turn a Temporary Job into a Permanent Position
This insightful guide from our resource library is perfect for anyone considering a temporary Bookkeeper role. Learn the strategies that make temporary staff indispensable and how to navigate the path to a permanent offer.
Apply Now for Immediate Consideration
This Bookkeeper role in Bristol BS11 is being actively interviewed for. Submit your details today to be fast-tracked.
Email Your CV Nowor call +44 333 242 2711 to speak with our Bristol finance recruitment team.
Why Register with Temporary Staff Agency?
-
Weekly Pay & On-Time Payments
You'll be paid accurately and every week, without fail. We handle all the payroll admin.
-
Dedicated Local Consultant
A single point of contact who understands the Bristol market and fights your corner.
-
Temp-to-Perm Pathway
Many of our temporary roles, like this Bookkeeper position, have a clear route to a permanent contract.
-
Access to Hidden Roles
We fill positions that are never advertised publicly. Get first refusal on the best local opportunities.
Other Urgent Roles in Bristol
We're also recruiting for these immediate-start positions in the region. Explore our full range of latest jobs.
Frequently Asked Questions
We are aiming for an immediate start. Once you apply, our process is very swift. After an initial phone screening with your consultant, we can often arrange a client interview within 24-48 hours. If successful, you could be starting the role within the same week, subject to reference checks. For more on our speedy process, see our guide on The Ultimate Guide To Temp Work Staffing.
Temporary Bookkeeper roles are excellent stepping stones. Many of our temps are offered extended contracts or permanent positions by the client after proving their value. Others use the varied experience to strengthen their CV before moving into more senior roles like Management Accountant or Finance Manager. Temporary work also allows you to experience different industries, from logistics (like this role) to retail, healthcare, or professional services, helping you find your perfect niche.
No. The client will provide all necessary equipment, including a computer, secure login credentials, and access to their chosen accounting software (which will be one of the major packages listed in the requirements). Your role is to bring your expertise and apply it using their systems. We ensure all our placements comply with data protection and cybersecurity standards.
Your support is our priority. You will have a dedicated consultant who is your main point of contact for any questions, from payroll queries to role feedback. We conduct regular check-ins to ensure you are happy and the assignment is going well. We also handle all the employer responsibilities, such as payroll, holiday pay accrual, and pension auto-enrolment where applicable. Think of us as your HR department, allowing you to focus purely on your Bookkeeper duties. Discover more about our full staffing services for candidates.
Absolutely. While this specific role is in Bristol BS11, we recruit for finance positions across the South West and nationally. By registering with us, you gain access to our entire job board. We frequently have urgent needs for Bookkeepers, Accounts Assistants, and Payroll Administrators in areas like Bath, Gloucester, and Cardiff. We encourage you to browse our all jobs page to see the full spectrum of opportunities.
Ready to Secure Your Next Role?
Don't let this opportunity pass you by. This Bookkeeper role in Bristol BS11 is perfect for a detail-oriented professional seeking immediate, rewarding work with a clear future.
Review & Apply
Ensure your CV is up-to-date and highlights your bookkeeping and software experience.
Speak with Us
We'll call you for a friendly, informal chat to discuss your experience and this specific role.
Start Your New Role
After a successful client interview, we'll handle all the paperwork for a smooth, fast start.
How to Apply for the Bookkeeper Position
To express your interest and send your application directly to our Bristol recruitment team, please use the contact details below. Ensure you quote reference BK-BS11-TSA.
Contact Information
Agency: Temporary Staff Agency
Location Focus: Bristol BS11 & South West
Phone: +44 333 242 2711
Email: [email protected]
Application Checklist
- Updated CV (PDF or Word)
- Cover Note (Optional but helpful)
- Reference BK-BS11-TSA
- Your availability to start
Final Call to Action: If you are interested email your cv and info to [email protected]. Our team checks applications throughout the day and will respond promptly to suitable candidates.
Temporary Staff Agency
Connecting talented professionals with forward-thinking businesses across Bristol and the UK. Your partner in flexible staffing.
For Jobseekers
For Employers
© Temporary Staff Agency. All rights reserved. An equal-opportunities recruitment and temporary staffing agency serving Bristol BS11 and the surrounding region.
A Day in the Life of a Bristol Bookkeeper
To give you a true sense of this role, let's walk through a typical day. Our client in BS11 operates on a Monday-Friday schedule, with core hours between 9 am and 5 pm, though we can discuss some flexibility for the right candidate. You'll be integrated into a small, friendly finance team, reporting directly to the Financial Controller.
Morning Routine (9:00 AM - 12:30 PM)
-
1
Log In & Prioritise
You'll start by checking the shared finance mailbox and the accounting software task list. Urgent supplier payments and incoming customer queries are triaged first. This is where your organisational skills shine.
-
2
Process Invoices & Reconcile
Batch processing of yesterday's sales invoices and received purchase invoices. You'll code them to the correct nominal ledger accounts, ensuring VAT is correctly applied. A quick check of the bank feed for unreconciled transactions follows.
-
Afternoon Focus (1:30 PM - 5:00 PM)
-
3
Credit Control & Reporting
After lunch, you might run the aged debtor report and send polite, professional payment reminders via email or phone. You'll also update cash flow forecasts and prepare a summary of weekly transactions for the management team.
-
4
Project Work & Month-End Prep
This is where you add strategic value. You could be assisting with a audit preparation, cleaning up supplier data, or creating a new expense reporting template in Excel. In the week leading to month-end, focus shifts to accruals, prepayments, and reconciliation finalisation.
Team Note:
"The culture is collaborative. You're not just a number-cruncher; you're a problem-solver who helps other departments understand their budgets and costs." – Current Temp on the Team.
Industry Insight: The Logistics & Distribution Sector in Bristol
Understanding the client's industry makes you a more effective Bookkeeper. Bristol BS11, encompassing Avonmouth and the port, is a major national logistics hub. This sector has unique financial characteristics that shape the bookkeeping role.
Key Financial Flows in Logistics
- High Volume, Low Margin Transactions: Many individual consignments mean numerous invoices and payments. Accuracy and efficiency in processing are paramount.
- Fuel & Vehicle Costs: A significant portion of the P&L. You'll manage fuel card reconciliations, vehicle lease payments, and maintenance invoices.
- Complex VAT: Dealing with both UK and potential EU transactions requires a clear understanding of place-of-supply rules and reverse charge mechanisms.
Case Study: Sarah's Temp-to-Perm Journey
Sarah Jones
Former Temporary Bookkeeper, now Permanent Finance Officer
"I registered with Temporary Staff Agency after a redundancy. They placed me in a 3-month bookkeeping role at a Bristol wholesaler. I treated it as a permanent job from day one – asking questions, suggesting improvements to their invoice filing system, and staying late to help during year-end."
Sarah's proactive approach was noticed. After 10 weeks, she was offered a permanent contract with a salary increase.
Sarah's Key Advice for Temps:
- • Be Curious: Understand how your role fits into the bigger business picture.
- • Document Everything: Create clear process notes for your tasks. It shows ownership and helps your successor.
- • Communicate with Your Agency: My consultant gave me feedback from the client and helped me negotiate the permanent offer.
This real-world example underscores the potential of temporary assignments. They are not just stop-gaps but genuine career opportunities and auditions for permanent positions.
Deep Dive: Mastering the Essential Software
While you don't need to be an expert in all packages, depth in one is crucial. Here’s a breakdown of what our client's likely software entails, and how to quickly get up to speed.
Sage 50cloud
A desktop-based powerhouse common in established UK SMEs. Expect deep nominal ledger structures and robust reporting.
Key Modules for This Role:
- • Sales & Purchase Ledgers
- • Bank Reconciliation
- • VAT Return Generator
Pro Tip: Master the ‘Find’ and ‘Audit Trail’ functions. They are invaluable for tracking transactions and correcting errors.
Xero
The intuitive, cloud-based favourite for growing businesses. Known for its dashboard, bank feed, and user-friendly interface.
Key Features for This Role:
- • Direct Bank Feeds & Rules
- • Easy Invoice Creation & Tracking
- • MTD-compliant VAT Filing
Pro Tip: Use the ‘Claim’ feature for expenses efficiently. Set up repeating invoice schedules for regular customers to save time.
Microsoft Excel
No accounting role exists without it. Used for analysis, reporting, data cleansing, and tasks outside the main software.
Essential Skills to Highlight:
- • VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP & PivotTables (Non-negotiable)
- • Data Validation & Conditional Formatting
- • Importing/Exporting data from accounting software
Pro Tip: Prepare a simple example of a reconciliation or report you built in Excel to discuss in your interview.
Your Financial & Career Rewards
Beyond the Hourly Rate: The Total Package
The advertised rate of £14 - £18 per hour is competitive, but your total reward package with Temporary Staff Agency includes significant additional benefits.
Guanteed Weekly Payroll
You submit your timesheet; we ensure you are paid accurately and into your bank account every Friday. No chasing invoices or delayed payments as you might face in self-employment.
Statutory Entitlements & Pension
You accrue holiday pay on every hour you work, in line with UK law. We also manage workplace pension auto-enrolment, ensuring you're building for the future while on assignment.
Liability & Indemnity Insurance
As our temporary worker, you are covered by our employer's liability insurance. This professional safety net is a significant benefit compared to contracting directly.
Long-Term Career Capital
This role isn't just a job; it's an investment in your professional capital. Here’s how it enhances your CV and future prospects.
-
A
Sector Specialisation
Adding"Logistics & Distribution" to your skillset makes you highly attractive to a massive sector in the Bristol region, opening doors to future roles in import/export, shipping, and supply chain management.
-
B
Software Proficiency Proof
Hands-on experience with a client's live system is the best proof of competence. You can confidently state you've used software X"in a commercial, high-volume environment," which trumps any course certificate.
-
C
Adaptability & Business Acumen
Successfully integrating into a new company quickly is a prized soft skill. It demonstrates resilience, learning agility, and commercial awareness – all key traits for career progression into supervisory or management roles.
Next Step: To capitalise on this opportunity, your application needs to translate the above into your unique story. Highlight specific achievements from past roles that mirror these responsibilities.