Manufacturing Finance Assistant (12-Month Temporary Contract)

Reed; High Wycombe; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

Reed is hiring a Manufacturing Finance Assistant for a 12-month temporary assignment in High Wycombe. The role is office-based, full-time, with immediate start and finance duties in a standalone capacity.

The candidate will handle receivables, payables, and month-end processes, with support from the Group Finance team as needed. Manufacturing experience and ongoing CIMA/QBE studies are essential.

Qualifications

• Previous experience in a Finance Assistant, Accounts Assistant or similar finance role within a manufacturing environment.
• Actively studying towards CIMA or QBE within a manufacturing environment.
• ACCA candidates will not be considered for this position.
• Experience managing Sales Ledger, Purchase Ledger, Accounts Receivable and Accounts Payable.
• Strong month-end skills: journals, accruals and prepayments.
• Proficient with finance systems, ideally Oncore and Xero.
• Ability to work independently and manage competing priorities.
• Excellent organisational, communication and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Accounts Receivable: Manage customer accounts, follow up payments, liaise with sales on queries and overdue debt.
• Accounts Payable: Process supplier invoices, ensure timely payment, reconcile documents.
• Proformas: Set up and maintain proforma invoices in the finance system.
• Month-End: Prepare journals, post accruals/prepayments, and produce a trading trial balance.
• Payroll: Minimal involvement; transfer payroll funds as required.

Skills

Finance experience

Manufacturing environment

CIMA studying

QBE (Qualified by Experience)

Independence & prioritisation

Education

Pursuing CIMA or QBE

Tools

Oncore

Xero

Job description

Manufacturing Finance Assistant (12-Month Temporary Contract)

Location: High WycombeContract: 12-Month Temporary AssignmentWorking Hours: Full-time, Office-Based (08:30am to 4:30pm)

Immediate Start Required

Immediate start available for a 12-month temporary Manufacturing Finance Assistant position based in High Wycombe. This role is strictly for candidates with previous finance experience gained within a manufacturing environment. Applicants without manufacturing industry experience will not be considered.

The successful candidate will take responsibility for the day-to-day financial operations of the business in a standalone capacity, requiring a proactive and self-sufficient approach with support available from the wider Group Finance team when required.

Key Responsibilities

Accounts Receivable

• Manage customer accounts.
• Follow up outstanding payments.
• Liaise with the sales team regarding customer account queries and overdue debt.

Accounts Payable

• Process supplier invoices accurately and efficiently.
• Ensure timely payment of suppliers.
• Reconcile goods received against supplier invoices and documentation.

Proformas

• Set up and maintain proforma invoices within the finance system.

Month-End Processes

• Prepare and post journals for accruals, prepayments and fixed assets.
• Produce a trading trial balance.
• Support month-end reporting activities.

Payroll

• Minimal payroll involvement.
• Transfer payroll funds into the designated bank account.

Skills & Experience Required

• Previous experience in a Finance Assistant, Accounts Assistant or similar finance role within a manufacturing environment.
• Actively studying towards CIMA or Qualified by Experience (QBE) within a manufacturing environment.
• Candidates studying ACCA or holding ACCA qualifications will not be considered for this position.
• Experience of managing Sales Ledger, Purchase Ledger, Accounts Receivable and Accounts Payable activities.
• Strong understanding of month-end processes, including journals, accruals and prepayments.
• Proficiency with finance systems, ideally Oncore and Xero.
• Ability to work independently and manage competing priorities effectively.
• Excellent organisational, communication and problem-solving skills.

Additional Information

This is a standalone finance position offering a high level of autonomy and responsibility. It will suit a confident finance professional who enjoys taking ownership of processes and managing a broad range of accounting duties within a manufacturing business.

Manufacturing experience is an essential requirement. Applications from candidates without previous finance experience within a manufacturing organisation will not be considered.

Candidates must be available to start immediately or at short notice.