Accounting & Finance Assistant

Bentley Designs; Bicester; Hybrid; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading furniture supplier in the UK is looking for an Accounting & Finance Assistant. The role involves processing invoices, managing supplier accounts, and supporting the finance team. Ideal candidates should have experience in accounting, strong organizational skills, and proficiency in Excel. Join a family-run company with a supportive environment and opportunities for professional development.

Benefits

Friendly working environment

Opportunity for professional development

Qualifications

• 2+ years experience in finance, accounting or administrative support.
• Solid grasp of basic accounting principles.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively.

Responsibilities

• Process sales invoices and credit notes.
• Manage monthly BACS runs and supplier payments.
• Assist with month-end processes including preparing journals.

Skills

Numeracy

Attention to Detail

Proficiency in Microsoft Excel

Communication Skills

Organizational Skills

Education

AAT qualification or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central

Job description

Job Opportunity: Accounting & Finance Assistant

Location: Bicester (Hybrid working available)

Reports to: Head of Accounting & Finance

About Bentley Designs

Bentley Designs is a second-generation family business and one of the UK and Ireland’s leading furniture suppliers. Established in 1988, we’re renowned for delivering market-leading designs and exceptional craftsmanship with outstanding value. Our long-standing partnerships with national and independent retailers are underpinned by our commitment to innovation and excellent customer service.

The Role

As our Accounting & Finance Assistant, you’ll play a crucial part in the finance team. This role focuses on accurate transaction processing, timely payment runs, customer and supplier account management and assisting with cash‑flow monitoring. You’ll help keep our records up to date, support both Accounts Payable and Accounts Receivable tasks, and ensure our vendors and customers are treated with professionalism and care. You’ll report directly to the Head of Accounting & Finance.

Key Responsibilities

Invoice & Credit Processing

• Process sales invoices and credit notes to support the accounts receivable process, ensuring invoices are raised accurately and tracked for payment.
• Process supplier invoices and credit notes, ensuring they’re coded and authorised correctly. Maintain an organised purchase ledger and respond to supplier queries.
• Manage monthly BACS runs and ad hoc payments, ensuring all supplier payments are made on time.

Supplier & Customer Management

• Reconcile supplier statements regularly, resolving discrepancies and ensuring no duplicate payments.
• Set up new supplier accounts with appropriate checks and maintain accurate supplier records.
• Support credit application checks for new customers and monitor existing customer credit limits, escalating issues to the Head of Accounting & Finance as necessary.
• Assist with ad‑hoc investigations, analysis and reconciliations.

Financial Administration & Compliance

• Process bank transactions, payment runs and general ledger postings accurately and in the correct accounting period.
• Assist with month‑end processes, including preparing journals, checking ledgers and supporting cash‑flow reporting.
• Reconcile and process direct container invoices and freight‑related invoices, ensuring charges are correct before payment and system posting.
• Scan and index route paperwork for quick retrieval, ensuring PODs and documentation are filed correctly.

Cross‑Department Support

• Liaise with other departments (operations, transport, and sales) to resolve queries related to deliveries, collections, invoices and credit notes.
• Support cash collection efforts, including raising credit notes, issuing reminders, and following up on overdue accounts.
• Provide ad hoc administrative assistance within the finance team and contribute to continuous improvement of processes.

What We’re Looking For

• Good numeracy and attention to detail, with a solid grasp of basic accounting principles.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and finance software; experience with ERP systems (e.g. Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central) is an advantage.
• Previous experience (2 or more years) in a finance, accounting or administrative support role, ideally involving invoice processing and data entry.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to prioritise tasks, meeting deadlines under pressure.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the confidence to liaise with customers, suppliers and colleagues at all levels.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively as part of a tight knit finance team.
• Willingness to learn and to support multiple functions within the department.
• AAT qualification or equivalent is desirable but not essential.

Why Join Us?

You’ll be joining a supportive team in a business with over forty years of heritage and a reputation for quality. The role offers real variety and an opportunity to build your finance skills in a respected, family‑run company. We provide a friendly working environment, the chance to work alongside experienced colleagues and the opportunity to develop further as the business evolves.