Accounts Payable Assistant

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

Benefits offered by this job

Company pension scheme

25 days annual leave + bank holidays

Job summary

Morgan McKinley in Milton Keynes is seeking an Accounts Payable Assistant to join a busy finance team. The role focuses on accurate processing of supplier invoices and employee expenses, maintaining a precise purchase ledger, and supporting weekly payment runs from an on-site office in Milton Keynes.

The ideal candidate will have AP experience, strong Excel skills, and familiarity with ERP systems. This permanent position offers a competitive salary and standard UK benefits in a structured

Qualifications

• Experience in AP/ Purchase Ledger.
• Knowledge of double-entry bookkeeping.
• Proficiency with ERP software (SAP/Sage/Oracle/Xero/MS Dynamics).
• Excel skills including VLOOKUP and PivotTables.

Responsibilities

• Process high volumes of supplier invoices and match to POs.
• Prepare weekly and mid-month payment runs (BACS, CHAPS, international).
• Reconcile supplier statements and chase missing invoices/credit notes.
• Liaise with procurement to resolve invoice discrepancies and unapproved invoices.
• Assist with month-end and year-end closing and maintain the ledger.

Skills

Attention to Detail

Time Management

Communication

Reliability

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