Finance Assistant

MacKenzie King; City Of London; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 30,000; Part time

Job summary

A successful import/export business in Felixstowe is seeking a part-time Accounts Assistant to join their supportive team. Candidates should have a basic understanding of accountancy and be eager to learn. Responsibilities include processing purchase invoices, managing credit control, and ensuring healthy cash flow. Strong Excel skills, attention to detail, and good communication are essential for success in this fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Some initial experience with accounting is preferred.
• Basic understanding of finance and accounts is essential.
• Desire to learn about freight forwarding is important.

Responsibilities

• Process and manage purchase ledger invoices.
• Handle credit control and customer queries.
• Monitor sales ledger and ensure timely payments.

Skills

Attention to detail

Time management

Proficiency in Excel

Good communication skills

Team player attitude

Tools

Sage200

MS Office

Job description

MacKenzie King are working with a well‑established and successful business based in Felixstowe, which boasts over four decades of experience in the import/export, supply chain, and customs industry. They are currently recruiting for an Accounts Assistant to join their close‑knit and supportive team on a part‑time basis. The ideal candidate will have some initial experience and a basic knowledge of accountancy, along with the drive to learn, grow, and take on more responsibility. As the Accounts Assistant, you will be working across both sides of the ledger, ensuring the timely processing of purchase ledger invoices and carrying out credit control duties to help manage debt and maintain healthy cash flow. A basic understanding of finance and accounts, along with some practical experience, is essential. However, full training will be provided.

Key tasks and responsibilities

Purchase Ledger:

• Daily monitoring the purchase ledger accounts inbox
• Uploading invoices/credits into our operational system from the inbox
• Process and pass supplier invoices (approx. 500 per week)
• Supplier invoice internal and external queries handling
• Onboarding new suppliers
• Overhead invoice processing
• Ad hoc duties as and when required
• Provide cover for bank and supplier statements reconciliations
• Provide cover for weekly payment runs

Credit Control:

• Monitoring the sales ledger, chasing cash and credit term customers accordingly
• Building relationships with our customers to ensure timely payment of invoices, whilst giving great customer service
• Liaising with our internal operations teams across the country regarding unpaid invoices and queries
• Handling customer requests for copy invoices and statements
• Onboarding new customers
• Confident approach to escalating issues with customers to the Finance Manager
• Sending out weekly payment reminders and monthly statements to customers
• Daily completion of duty and VAT report
• Weekly creation of spreadsheets to record customer chasing activity

Qualifications and experience

• Experience in Sage200, preferred but not essential
• Good time management and prioritisation skills
• Attention to detail and a pro‑active approach
• A confident communicator
• Proficient with MS Office
• A team player with a positive attitude and demeanour
• Desire to learn the fast‑paced industry of freight forwarding
• Strong excel skills are essential

To find out more about this opportunity, please contact Ben at MacKenzie King on 01473 760460.