Finance Assistant: AP, Payroll & Reporting - Growth Path

Extons Foods Ltd; Manchester; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free parking, within proximity to all

31 days holiday, inclusive of bank hol

Birthday day off

Health cash plan (Medicash)

Enhanced parental leave

Employee Assistance Program

Company pension scheme – employer 4%

Company paid events throughout the

Fruity Tuesday

FREE pack of cheese every week

Discounted staff cheese shop

Doughnut Fridays

Job summary

Extons Foods Ltd in Manchester is seeking a Finance Assistant to join our busy Finance team, covering Accounts Payable, Payroll and Reporting responsibilities. You will report to the Finance Manager and work closely with our Finance Business Partner, gaining exposure to cost analysis, month-end activities and ad hoc projects in a friendly, family‑run environment.

The role suits someone with a keen eye for detail, good Excel skills and a proactive approach to continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Experience in a finance/accounts environment with AP/AR, payroll or reconciliations.
• Proficient in Excel; familiar with accounting software such as Sage or similar.
• Strong numerical ability and excellent attention to detail.
• Ability to reconcile information and investigate differences rather than just processing.
• Comfortable with large volumes of data and multiple tasks.
• Good organisational and communication skills across teams.
• Proactive problem solving and willingness to learn wider reporting responsibilities.
• Confidential data handling with discretion.
• ERP experience desirable (e.g., SAP ByDesign).
• AAT qualification or accounting studies are useful but not essential.

Responsibilities

• Manage day-to-day accounts payable including invoice processing and supplier reconciliations.
• Prepare and process weekly payroll and resolve queries with HR and managers.
• Handle cash and banking activities including reconciliations.
• Support cash-flow reporting and monitor receipts/payments.
• Provide accounts receivable cover including cash allocation and credit control support.
• Produce regular reports using Excel and financial systems data.
• Assist with cost, trend and variance analysis for the Finance Partner.
• Investigate discrepancies and assist with month-end reconciliations.
• Contribute to process improvements and reporting automation.
• Engage in ad-hoc finance and commercial projects as needed.

Skills

Accounts payable/receivable

Excel proficiency

Numerical ability

Attention to detail

Payroll experience

Communication

Problem-solving

Discretion with confidential data

Time management

Proactive mindset

ERP experience

Education

AAT qualification

Accounting studies

Tools

Sage

SAP ByDesign

Job description

Extons Foods Ltd in Manchester is seeking a Finance Assistant to join our busy Finance team, covering Accounts Payable, Payroll and Reporting responsibilities. You will report to the Finance Manager and work closely with our Finance Business Partner, gaining exposure to cost analysis, month-end activities and ad hoc projects in a friendly, family‑run environment.

The role suits someone with a keen eye for detail, good Excel skills and a proactive approach to continuous improvement.