Finance Operations Assistant
Role Summary
Working in the Finance Operations Team, the Finance Operations Assistant role is key to ensuring that our suppliers are paid accurately and that the group’s cash and debt are reconciled and reported on a timely basis in line with the expectations of the business. A key part of the role is to challenge the status quo and facilitate a continuous improvement culture underpinned by excellent service provision. Team working and collaboration are essential to be successful in the role as well as an eagerness to learn, to facilitate additional financial accounting and month end activities carried out within the team.
What You’ll Do
- Invoice processing, reconciliations and supplier payments:
- Work across all areas of Finance Operations ensuring all suppliers are paid on a timely basis.
- Ensure the accuracy and timeliness of invoice processing and of employee expense claim processing.
- Complete accurate vendor payment runs in line with standard schedule in line with business requirements.
- Investigate invoice matching differences including validating delivery/receipting and analysing stock discrepancies and processing of invoices including raising debit notes where applicable.
- Perform supplier statement or balance sheet reconciliations on a timely basis, ensuring any discrepancies are investigated and resolved.
- Address and respond to vendor queries within agreed SLA, developing excellent working relationships with vendors and communicating with other relevant stakeholders where required (e.g. Finance, Commercial, Store Operations, IT, Payroll).
- Take ownership for supplier rebates and discounts, ensuring all are accounted for on a timely basis.
- Suggest and support implementation of new processes and controls where needed, to ensure efficiencies are made or controls strengthened.
- Assist with business reporting within the team.
- Additional ad hoc tasks.
How You’ll Do It
Essential Skills
- Financial acumen, including a sound knowledge of basic accounting principles and of effective financial controls.
- Strong analytical abilities.
- Ability to identify and support process improvement and efficiencies.
- Willingness to take opportunities for self development.
- Strong interpersonal skills.
- Self-motivated and able to demonstrate initiative.
- Team player who is collaborative in approach and actively seeks to support others.
Desirable Skills
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office packages, particularly Excel.
- Competent in the use of ERP systems, particularly SAP.
- Not restricted to but preferably 2–3 years of experience within an Accounts Payable Team or general accounting background.
- Supportive and embracing of change, understanding the rationale and actively works to make improvements within own role.
- Positive, can-do attitude, seeks out ways to contribute to the wider team and business.
- Celebrates success by recognising the achievement and contribution of others and provides constructive feedback to colleagues on a timely basis.
- Seeks out responsibility for taking on new challenges within their team
Behaviours
- Team Working - Offering support to others, showing you care and asking for help when needed.
- Being Curious - Asking why and seeking to understand to improve knowledge.
- Customer First - Taking pride in how you help create a great customer experience.
- Taking Responsibility - Being self-driven and determined, accepting responsibility for your actions.
- Growth Mindset - Enjoying the opportunity to learn new things, self-improve and extend your contribution
KPI’s
- Invoices processed
- Queries outstanding
- Supplier statement reconciliations
- Payment run completions
- Aged creditor/debtor analysis
- Bank/balance sheet reconciliations