Accounts Assistant (12 Month FTC)

Shoosmiths; Northampton; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 27,000; Full time

Job summary

Shoosmiths is seeking an Accounts Assistant to join our Finance team on a 12-month fixed term contract in Northampton. You will be part of the Transactional team, ensuring accurate financial records and compliance with firm policies, using SAP and supporting process improvements.

The role covers accounts payable, client matter disbursements, supplier management and financial operations. It requires attention to detail, strong organisation, and ability to work collaboratively; prior experience in

Qualifications

• Previous experience within an Accounts Payable.
• Experience working within a professional services environment would be advantageous.
• Excellent attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to prioritise competing workloads.
• Good level of IT literacy; SAP knowledge desirable.
• Strong numerical and analytical skills.

Responsibilities

• Process supplier invoices accurately and in a timely manner.
• Review invoices to ensure appropriate approval.
• Resolve invoice issues and assist with payment runs.
• Monitor mailboxes and respond to supplier enquiries.
• Support month-end activities relating to accounts payable.
• Reconcile supplier statements and investigate outstanding items.
• Maintain accurate supplier records within finance systems.
• Assist with expense claim processing and financial controls.
• Contribute to the maintenance of accurate accounting records.

Skills

Accounts Payable

Attention to detail

Organisational skills

Tools

SAP

Job description

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an Accounts Assistant to join our Finance team on a 12-month fixed term contract.

Working as part of the Transactional team

This is an excellent opportunity for someone with previous finance

The team

Our Finance team is dedicated to delivering an efficient

Main responsibilities

General:

• To understand and ensure compliance with all firm policies
• To maintain accurate financial records using SAP and ensure data integrity across all systems.
• To provide a professional and responsive service to internal and external stakeholders.
• To be approachable
• To identify opportunities for process improvement and support the implementation of more efficient ways of working.

Key areas:

Accounts Payable:

• Process supplier invoices accurately and in a timely manner.
• Review invoices to ensure appropriate approval
• Resolve invoice
• Assist with payment run preparation and associated controls.
• Monitor shared mailboxes and respond to supplier and colleague enquiries.
• Support month-end activities relating to accounts payable transactions.
• Reconcile supplier statements and investigate outstanding items.

Client Matter Disbursements:

• Process client matter-related disbursements accurately and in accordance with firm procedures.
• Review and validate disbursement requests and supporting documentation.
• Ensure costs are correctly allocated to client matters and appropriate accounting records maintained.
• Investigate and resolve disbursement-related queries from legal advisers and support functions.
• Support the timely recovery of client-related costs through effective processing and control.

Supplier Management:

• Maintain accurate supplier records within finance systems.
• Assist with reviewing and updating supplier information when required.
• Liaise with suppliers regarding account queries

Financial Operations:

• Assist with expense claim processing and associated financial controls.
• Maintenance of client exception rates.
• Support the wider General Accounts team during periods of high demand.
• Assist with reconciliations and routine financial control activities.
• Contribute to the maintenance of accurate accounting records and documentation.
• Support finance projects

General duties:

• Work collaboratively with colleagues across the Finance teams to ensure service levels are maintained.
• Provide cover for other team members during periods of absence
• Assist other Finance teams when required.
• Ensure issues
• Additional hours may occasionally be required during peak periods
• This list is not exhaustive

Skills and qualifications

• Previous experience within an Accounts Payable
• Experience working within a professional services environment would be advantageous.
• Excellent attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to prioritise competing workloads.
• Good level of IT literacy
• SAP knowledge is desirable.
• Strong numerical and analytical skills.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
• Positive attitude with a willingness to learn and develop.
• Reliable
• Ability to work independently whilst also contributing positively to a wider team environment.
• Understanding of financial controls and compliance requirements would be advantageous.

The firm

Shoosmiths is the law firm clients choose for excellent service

We have an outstanding benefits package to complement our competitive remuneration system. In addition to the competitive salaries

To discover more about our benefits

Shoosmiths is proud to be a Disability Confident Employer. Disability Confident is a government scheme designed to encourage employers to recruit and retain disabled people and those with long term conditions. The Disability Confident scheme replaced the Two Ticks Positive about Disabled People scheme. We had been accredited as a two tick employer for many years - Disability Confident broadens and develops that original commitment

As part of our accreditation

Further information on the Disability Confident scheme is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/disability-confident-campaign

We are committed to ensuring our recruitment process is inclusive and accessible to and usable by everyone. If you have a disability

Background Checks

Due to the nature of the work undertaken

Our approach to our people is underpinned by our approach to diversity, inclusion and well-being. Our ambition is to build a diverse and ambitious workforce that reflects all backgrounds and talents, and a workplace that is supportive and inclusive, recognises and nurtures talent, and has a strong sense of community between colleagues.

This means that everyone who either applies to or works for the firm is treated equally, whatever their gender, age, ethnic origin, nationality, marital status, disability, sexual orientation or religious beliefs.