Accounts Payable Assistant

Howden; Witney; Hybrid; GBP 22,000 - 28,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working

Flexible hours

Job summary

Howden is seeking an Accounts Payable Assistant to join its Finance team in a fast-paced environment. You’ll process supplier invoices, support payment runs and help maintain strong financial controls across the business.

The role suits someone with prior AP or transactional finance experience, strong attention to detail, and solid Excel/ERP skills. Hybrid working is available alongside a collaborative, growth-focused culture at Howden.

Qualifications

• Previous experience in Accounts Payable or transactional finance
• Finance/Accounting qualification or related field (entry-level)
• Strong attention to detail with high accuracy in expense validation
• Good organisational skills with ability to manage workload and meet deadlines
• Excellent communication skills and a collaborative approach
• Experience using finance systems and ERP platforms (e.g., Kanbina, Unit4)
• Strong Excel and data-handling skills
• Finance-related qualifications or studies would be advantageous but are not essential

Responsibilities

• Process high volumes of supplier invoices accurately and in a timely manner
• Validate approvals and supporting documentation in line with company policies and procedures
• Manage invoice workflows, including reminders and follow-ups on outstanding approvals
• Respond to supplier and colleague queries, resolving issues promptly and professionally
• Maintain accurate financial records and supporting documentation
• Support payment runs and assist with month-end activities and reconciliations
• Escalate issues and exceptions to the Accounts Payable Manager as required
• Contribute to maintaining strong financial controls and compliance within the accounts payable function

Skills

Attention to detail

Organisational skills

Communication skills

Collaborative approach

Willingness to learn

Education

Finance/Accounting qualification or related field

Tools

Kanbina

Unit4

Job description

We're looking for a proactive and detail-oriented Accounts Payable Assistant to join our Finance team. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone with previous accounts payable or transactional finance experience who enjoys working in a fast-paced environment. You'll be responsible for ensuring supplier invoices are processed accurately and efficiently, supporting smooth payment processes, and helping maintain strong financial controls across the business.

Key Responsibilities

• Process high volumes of supplier invoices accurately and in a timely manner.
• Validate approvals and supporting documentation in line with company policies and procedures.
• Manage invoice workflows, including sending reminders and following up on outstanding approvals.
• Respond to supplier and colleague queries, resolving issues promptly and professionally.
• Maintain accurate financial records and supporting documentation.
• Support payment runs and assist with month-end activities and reconciliations.
• Escalate issues and exceptions to the Accounts Payable Manager as required.
• Contribute to maintaining strong financial controls and compliance within the accounts payable function.

What We’re Looking For

• Previous experience in an Accounts Payable or similar transactional finance role.
• Entry-level qualification in Finance, Accounting, or related field (or relevant experience)
• Strong attention to detail with a high level of accuracy in expense validation.
• Good organisational skills with the ability to manage workload and meet deadlines.
• Excellent communication skills and a collaborative approach.
• Experience using finance systems and ERP platforms (e.g., Kanbina, Unit 4).
• Strong Excel and general data-handling skills.
• A reliable and accountable individual with a willingness to learn and develop.
• Finance-related qualifications or studies would be advantageous but are not essential

Who are we?

Howden is a global insurance group with employee ownership at its heart. Together, we have pushed the boundaries of insurance. We are united by a shared passion and no-limits mindset, and our strength lies in our ability to collaborate as a powerful international team comprised of 24,000 employees spanning over 56 countries.

People join Howden for many different reasons, but they stay for the same one: our culture. It’s what sets us apart, and the reason our employees have been turning down headhunters for years. Whatever your priorities – work / life balance, career progression, sustainability, volunteering – you’ll find like-minded people driving change at Howden.

What do we offer in return?

A career that you define. At Howden, we value diversity – there is no one Howden type. Instead, we’re looking for individuals who share the same values as us:

• Our successes have all come from someone brave enough to try something new
• We support each other in the small everyday moments and the bigger challenges
• We are determined to make a positive difference at work and beyond

Reasonable adjustments

We’re committed to providing reasonable accommodations at Howden to ensure that our positions align well with your needs. Besides the usual adjustments such as software, IT, and office setups, we can also accommodate other changes such as flexible hours* or hybrid working*.