Finance Assistant

Penn Gregory Recruitment Ltd; North East; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 27,000; Full time

Job summary

Penn Gregory Recruitment Ltd is seeking an experienced Finance Assistant for a fast-growing organisation in the North East. Core duties include processing supplier invoices, bank reconciliations, and supporting the accounts team across payables, receivables and general administration.

Ideal candidates will have solid finance experience, strong Excel skills, and the ability to manage a diverse workload to deadlines while maintaining accuracy.

Qualifications

• Previous experience in a finance or accounts role including reconciliations.
• Strong numerical skills and attention to detail.
• Good communication and ability to manage varied workload to deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Process supplier invoices and arrange payments in line with terms.
• Post daily bank transactions and perform bank reconciliations.
• Assist with accounts receivable tasks including raising invoices and credit notes.
• Handle general finance admin and respond to enquiries.

Skills

Finance experience

Excel

Outlook

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Deadline-driven

Tools

Sage

Xero

Job description

Great opportunity for an experienced Finance Assistant to join a fast growing organisation. Standard hours are 8am - 4pm, however there is flexibility for the right person to reduce slightly to fit into personal schedules. Career progression definitely an option!

Job Purpose

The Finance Assistant supports the Accounts team across a broad range of finance functions, including accounts payable, cash and bank. A key part of the role is learning the accounts receivable process, including our invoice discounting facility, so that you can support it day to day and provide cover when needed.

Key Responsibilities

Accounts Payable

• Process supplier invoices accurately and promptly, matching them to purchase orders and delivery records and resolving any discrepancies with suppliers and site teams.
• Reconcile supplier statements and respond to supplier queries.
• Prepare supplier payment runs for approval in line with agreed payment terms.

Cash and Bank

• Post daily bank transactions, including receipts, payments and direct debits, to the accounts system.
• Complete regular bank reconciliations and investigate any unreconciled items.
• Maintain cash records and help prepare cash flow forecasts.
• Process and reconcile company credit card transactions and expense claims.

Accounts Receivable

• Learn the full accounts receivable process so you can support the role day to day and provide cover during holidays and absences.
• Raise customer invoices and credit notes in line with agreed pricing and completed works.
• Allocate customer receipts and maintain accurate customer accounts.
• Assist with credit control, including reviewing aged debt and chasing overdue payments.
• Learn to operate the company's invoice discounting facility, including uploading sales ledger information, reconciling the facility account and requesting funding drawdowns.

General Administration

• Handle finance-related telephone and email enquiries and maintain organised filing systems.
• Provide general support to the Accounts team and the wider business.

Skills and Experience

Essential

• Previous experience in a finance or accounts role, including accounts payable and bank reconciliations.
• Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office, particularly Excel and Outlook.
• Strong numerical skills and close attention to detail.
• Good communication skills and the ability to manage a varied workload to deadlines.

Desirable

• Experience of accounts receivable or credit control.
• Experience of invoice discounting or invoice finance.
• Experience in the environmental, waste management, construction or industrial services sector.
• Experience with accounts software (e.g. Sage, Xero or similar).

Personal Attributes

• Organised, methodical and proactive, with a willingness to learn new skills.
• Confident liaising with colleagues, customers and suppliers.
• Able to work independently and as part of a team.
• Discreet when handling confidential financial information.