Accounts Specialist

Description:

We're looking for an Accounts Specialist to provide efficient and accurate financial administration, with a primary focus on a high-volume purchase ledger. You'll play a key role in ensuring suppliers are paid accurately and on time, while also supporting credit control, debt collection, and account management to maintain strong customer relationships.

Reports to: Finance Director

Location/Hours: Office-based, Monday to Friday, 08:00-16:30 (30-minute unpaid break)

Pay Rate: £20.50 per hour

Contract: 6-month temporary contract through the agency, with potential to become permanent

Notice Period: Candidates must have no more than one month's notice

Key Responsibilities of the Accounts Specialist:

Purchase Ledger / Accounts Payable

Process and post supplier invoices accurately and promptly
Match purchase invoices to purchase orders and goods received notes
Reconcile supplier statements and resolve invoice discrepancies
Manage a portfolio of supplier accounts, ensuring accurate records and timely payment
Prepare supplier payment runs in line with company payment terms
Liaise with suppliers to resolve invoice queries and payment issues
Maintain supplier master data and ensure records remain accurate
Assist with month-end purchase ledger reconciliations
Ensure invoices are correctly authorised in line with company procedures
Maintain organised electronic and paper filing systems
Pay outstanding payments and reconcile remittances

Credit Control / Accounts Receivable

Manage a portfolio of customer accounts within the credit control function
Monitor customer balances and ensure payments are received within agreed credit terms
Chase overdue/over credit limit accounts and report issues to the Finance Director
Reconcile customer accounts and investigate payment discrepancies
Produce aged debtor reports and highlight overdue accounts
Escalate unresolved issues to the Finance Director where appropriate
Monitor proforma accounts, ensuring payments are received before orders are released

General Finance Support

Support month-end and year-end finance processes
Assist with financial reporting and reconciliations
Respond promptly to finance-related enquiries
Assist with audits by preparing supporting documentation
Provide general administrative support to the finance department
Undertake other reasonable duties as requested by the Finance Director

This list is not exhaustive and may change in line with business needs.

Requirements of the ideal Accounts Specialist:

Essential

Previous experience in an Accounts Assistant, Purchase Ledger or Credit Control role
Good understanding of accounting principles
Excellent attention to detail and high level of accuracy
Strong organisational and time management skills
Confident communicator with an excellent telephone manner
Competent in Microsoft Excel, Outlook and Word
Experience using accounting software (preferably Sage 200 or similar)
Ability to prioritise workload and meet deadlines
Professional, reliable and trustworthy

Desirable

AAT qualification or currently studying towards AAT
Minimum of 3 years' relevant experience in accounts/finance/purchase ledger/credit control
Experience in a manufacturing or food industry environment
Knowledge of purchase order systems
Experience of month-end accounting procedures

Personal Attributes

Highly organised with strong numerical ability
Positive and proactive attitude
Excellent problem-solving skills
Able to work independently and as part of a team
Professional, customer-focused, and committed to confidentiality and accuracy

Should you require any support or assistance, please contact your local Gi Group office.

Gi Group Holdings Recruitment Limited are proud founding members of Menopause in business, corporate members for Neurodiversity in business, Disability Confident committed members, Gold status for the Armed Forces Covenant, Bronze trail blazers for Racial Equality matters and Age Friendly Employer pledge members.

Gi Group Holdings Recruitment Limited group of companies includes Gi Recruitment Limited, Draefern Limited, Gi Group Recruitment Ltd, INTOO (UK) Limited, Marks Sattin (UK) Limited, TACK TMI UK Limited, Grafton Professional Staffing Limited, Encore Personnel Services, Gi Group Ireland Limited and Kelly Services (UK) Ltd. Gi Group Ireland Limited are acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this role.

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