Accounts Payable Assistant

Morgan McKinley (Milton Keynes); Bletchley; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company pension scheme

25 days annual leave

Job summary

Morgan McKinley (Milton Keynes) is seeking an Accounts Payable Assistant for a permanent, on-site role in Milton Keynes. You will manage high-volume supplier invoices, employee expenses, and supplier queries while supporting weekly payment runs and ensuring robust internal controls.

The role requires accuracy, strong communication, and a proactive approach to reconcile ledgers and resolve discrepancies within a fast-paced finance team.

Qualifications

• Proven track record in Accounts Payable, Purchase Ledger or finance admin.
• Strong understanding of double-entry bookkeeping and basic accounting principles.
• Familiarity with major ERP/accounting software (SAP, Sage, Oracle, Xero, MS Dynamics).
• Intermediate Excel skills (VLOOKUP, Pivot Tables, basic formulas).

Responsibilities

• Log, match, batch and code high volumes of purchase invoices against POs/delivery notes.
• Ensure invoices are authorized by department heads before payment.
• Maintain an accurate purchase ledger and investigate PO/invoice discrepancies.
• Prepare weekly and mid-month payment runs (BACS, CHAPS, international transfers).
• Perform supplier statement reconciliations and chase missing invoices/credit notes.
• Process employee expenses and corporate cards; assist month-end/year-end closing.

Skills

Attention to detail

Time management

Communication

On-site work

Tools

SAP

Sage

Oracle

Xero

MS Dynamics

Job description

Role Overview

The Accounts Payable Assistant is a core member of the finance team, responsible for ensuring the accurate, efficient, and timely processing of high-volume supplier invoices and employee expenses. Based in our Milton Keynes office, this permanent role focuses on maintaining a precise purchase ledger, resolving financial queries, and facilitating weekly payment runs while ensuring strict adherence to internal financial controls.

Key Responsibilities

• Invoice Processing & Ledger Management

  • Accurately log, match, batch, and code high volumes of purchase invoices against corresponding purchase orders (POs) and delivery notes.

  • Ensure all invoices are authorized by the appropriate department heads prior to payment.

  • Maintain a clean, up-to-date, and accurate purchase ledger.

  • Identify and investigate discrepancies between POs, delivery receipts, and supplier invoices.

• Payment Runs & Reconciliations

  • Prepare and process weekly and mid-month payment runs (BACS, CHAPS, and international transfers) accurately and on time.

  • Perform regular supplier statement reconciliations, actively chasing missing invoices or credit notes to ensure account balances align.

  • Process and reconcile employee out-of-pocket expenses and corporate credit card statements in line with company policy.

  • Assist with month-end and year-end closing procedures, ensuring all AP timelines are met.

• Query Resolution & Supplier Relations

  • Serve as the primary point of contact for external supplier inquiries via phone and email, resolving payment disputes and account holds professionally.

  • Liaise internally with procurement and operational teams to resolve unapproved invoices and PO discrepancies.

  • Set up new supplier accounts and maintain accurate vendor master data, ensuring bank details are verified to prevent fraud.

• Experience & Knowledge

  • Proven track record working within an Accounts Payable, Purchase Ledger, or general Finance Administration role.

  • Strong understanding of standard double-entry bookkeeping and basic accounting principles.

  • Familiarity with major ERP or accounting software (e.g., SAP, Sage, Oracle, Xero, or MS Dynamics).

  • Intermediate proficiency in Microsoft Excel (VLOOKUPs, Pivot Tables, and basic formulas).

• Skills & Attributes

  • Attention to Detail: Exceptional numerical accuracy and a meticulous approach to data entry.

  • Time Management: Ability to manage a fast-paced workload, prioritize effectively, and meet strict daily and monthly deadlines.

  • Communication: Clear, professional written and verbal communication skills for handling internal stakeholders and external suppliers.

  • Reliability: A strong sense of accountability and comfort working fully on-site in a structured 9-to-5 team environment.

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary: 30,000 - 32,000

• Pension: Company pension scheme with employer contributions

• Holiday: 25 days annual leave plus standard UK bank holidays