Accounts Payable Assistant

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

Benefits offered by this job

Company pension

25 days holiday

Job summary

eFinancialCareers in Milton Keynes is seeking an Accounts Payable Assistant to join our finance team. The role focuses on high-volume supplier invoices, employee expenses, and maintaining the purchase ledger with strict financial controls.

You will support weekly payment runs and month-end processes, build relationships with departments, and ensure timely, accurate processing in a collaborative, on-site environment.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in AP, purchase ledger, or finance admin.
• Strong grasp of double-entry bookkeeping and basic accounting.
• Familiar with ERP/accounting software (SAP/Sage/Oracle/Xero/MS Dynamics).
• Good Microsoft Excel skills including VLOOKUPs and Pivot Tables.

Responsibilities

• Invoice processing and ledger management: log, match, batch, and code invoices against POs and delivery notes.
• Ensure invoices are authorized by department heads prior to payment.
• Maintain a clean, up-to-date purchase ledger.
• Identify and investigate discrepancies between POs, delivery receipts, and supplier invoices.
• Prepare and process weekly and mid-month payment runs (BACS, CHAPS, and international transfers).
• Perform supplier statement reconciliations and chase missing invoices or credit notes.
• Process and reconcile employee expenses and corporate card statements.
• Assist with month-end and year-end closing procedures and AP timelines.
• Serve as primary contact for supplier inquiries, resolve disputes and holds.

Skills

Accounts payable

Purchase ledger

Double-entry bookkeeping

Excel (VLOOKUP/Pivot)

ERP software (SAP/Sage/Oracle)

Tools

ERP software (SAP/Sage/Oracle)

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.

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