Scotts Of Southend is a busy garden centre located between Rochford and Southend. The business has experienced considerable growth over recent years and will continue to grow in the coming years.
Reporting to the management team, we are seeking an experienced and detail-oriented professional to join our team in a full-time position at our busy Garden Centre in Rochford. This role is ideally suited to someone with at least 3 years’ experience in stock control and accounts administration, with a strong focus on accuracy, analysis, and process improvement. The role will include assisting the Financial Director with administrative and reconciliation work on the Garden Centre as well as the sister company EAF Group Ltd
Working Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00am – 5:00pm onsite at Scotts Of Southend
Role Overview
This position combines stock management responsibilities with accounts administration duties, playing a key role in ensuring the accuracy of stock records, maintaining financial controls, and supporting efficient business operations. Strong Excel skills are essential, as data handling and system updates form a core part of the role.
Key Responsibilities
Stock Control & Inventory Management
- Maintain and manage accurate stock records using internal systems (Win Retail), including:
- Setting up new stock via Excel imports with correct pricing, VAT rates, and department allocation
- Updating existing stock for cost and price changes
- Monitor stock margins by liaising with department managers to ensure profitability is maintained
- Investigate and resolve negative stock discrepancies, implementing preventative measures where possible
- Coordinate and support stock takes, including:
- System setup
- Reviewing variance reports
- Investigating and resolving discrepancies
- Proactively identify stock control issues and recommend process improvements to enhance accuracy and efficiency
- Ensure the “goods in” staff are recording movements accurately
Accounts Administration
- Raise purchase orders and match supplier invoices against confirmed deliveries
- Process and enter non-stock invoices into Sage 200 for payment
- Reconcile supplier statements against Sage accounts, identifying and resolving discrepancies
- Liaise with suppliers to chase missing invoices and ensure timely resolution
- Prepare and submit reconciled statements to Head Office for payment runs
- Set up new supplier credit accounts as required
- Assist Financial Director with administration and reconciliation
Skills & Experience
- Minimum 3 years’ experience in a similar stock control and/or accounts role
- Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including data manipulation and imports
- Experience with accounting systems (e.g. Sage 200) and stock management systems
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, particularly in resolving stock discrepancies
- High level of accuracy and attention to detail
- Excellent organisational and time management abilities
- Ability to communicate effectively with internal teams and suppliers
Key Strengths for Success in This Role
- Strong understanding of inventory control processes and financial reconciliation
- Ability to manage both stock accuracy and accounts integrity simultaneously
- Proactive approach to identifying inefficiencies and improving processes