Finance Assistant - Accounts Payable

Optima Recruitment; Malden Rushett; On-site; GBP 27,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

A reputable recruitment agency is seeking an Accounts Payable Specialist based in Chessington. In this office-based role, you will manage supplier payments, ensure compliance with financial regulations, and work with internal and external stakeholders. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in accounts payable and be detail-oriented. Competitive salary up to £32,000 is offered, with benefits including health cover and a generous pension plan.

Benefits

Generous pension

Health cover

Onsite parking

Qualifications

• Practical experience in accounts payable or transactional finance work.
• Ability to investigate unusual items with accuracy.
• Strong communication skills to collaborate across departments.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and monitor purchase ledgers across multiple entities.
• Process and reconcile supplier payment runs and statements.
• Ensure compliance-related payments are processed accurately.

Skills

Accounts payable experience

Attention to detail

Communication skills

ERP system familiarity

Education

Formal accounting qualifications

Job description

Location: Chessington

• Hours: 30 - 37.5 hrs over 4 or 5 days
• Contract: Permanent
• Salary: Up to £32,000

Benefits

• Generous pension
• Health cover
• Onsite parking

Role overview

We are seeking an organised and reliable Accounts Payable Specialist to manage supplier payments, reconciliations and support month-end close activities. You will play a key part in timely and accurate transactional processing and will liaise with internal stakeholders and external advisors as needed. There are opportunities to work on finance projects and to gain experience with modern ERP systems.

Key responsibilities

• Maintain and monitor purchase ledgers across multiple entities
• Process regular and ad hoc supplier payment runs and reconcile supplier statements
• Ensure compliance‑related payments (e.g. PAYE, tax instalments) are processed accurately and on time
• Accurately code and process non‑manufacturing and intercompany recharge invoices
• Liaise with colleagues who manage manufacturing invoices to ensure correct processing
• Support group treasury activity (intercompany transfers, loan interest payments)
• Respond professionally to supplier queries by telephone and email
• Prepare and review balance sheet reconciliations and post assigned journalsSupport month‑end close to meet team deadlines
• Process employee expense claims and provide backup for sales‑ledger / cash handling tasks
• Occasional petty cash management and ad hoc finance support tasks

Who you’ll work with

• Report to the Financial Controller
• Work closely with the Financial Accountant and the wider group finance team
• Regular interaction with purchasing, operations and manufacturing teams and occasional external advisors (e.g. auditors)

Skills & experience

• Practical experience in accounts payable / transactional finance work
• Accurate, detail‑focused and comfortable investigating unusual items
• Strong communication skills and ability to work with colleagues across departments
• Able to work primarily on‑site
• Experience of modern accounting / ERP systems is an advantage
• Formal accounting qualifications are welcome but not essential — we value practical experience and a willingness to learn

What’s on offer

• Supportive, collaborative finance team
• Hands‑on role with opportunities for project involvement and system exposure
• Office‑based role in an accessible location with a modern working environment

Optima Recruitment Limited are acting as a recruitment agency in relation to this vacancy and are an equal opportunities employer