Explore a wide range of Finance Assistant/Accounts Payable jobs and discover a foundational career path at the heart of any successful business. This profession is critical to an organization's financial health and operational efficiency, serving as the backbone of the finance department. Professionals in these roles are primarily responsible for managing a company's outgoing funds, ensuring that vendors and suppliers are paid accurately and on time. It is a detail-oriented career that offers stability, clear progression routes, and the satisfaction of maintaining precise financial records. The core responsibilities of a Finance Assistant/Accounts Payable are centered around the entire accounts payable cycle. This typically begins with processing a high volume of purchase invoices, verifying their accuracy against purchase orders and delivery receipts. A significant part of the role involves meticulous data entry, coding expenses to the correct general ledger accounts. Professionals are also responsible for preparing and executing payment runs via various methods such as BACS, CHAPS, or cheques. A crucial monthly task is reconciling supplier statements, resolving any discrepancies or queries directly with the supplier to maintain positive business relationships. Furthermore, these roles often include maintaining the supplier master file, setting up new accounts, and ensuring all information is current and accurate. Additional general administrative duties, such as filing, managing finance department correspondence, and assisting with month-end closing procedures, are also common facets of these jobs. To excel in Finance Assistant/Accounts Payable jobs, certain skills and qualifications are universally sought after. Employers typically look for candidates with a solid understanding of basic accounting principles, often gained through previous experience in a similar finance role or relevant college-level qualifications like AAT. Proficiency with accounting software (such as Sage, Xero, or QuickBooks) and the Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel for data management, is a standard requirement. The most critical skill is an unwavering attention to detail to prevent costly errors. Strong organizational abilities are essential for managing multiple priorities and meeting payment deadlines. Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, are necessary for effective interaction with colleagues and external suppliers. Finally, a proactive, team-player attitude coupled with the ability to work independently and manage one's own workload is highly valued. For those with a knack for numbers and a methodical approach, Finance Assistant/Accounts Payable jobs provide a stable and rewarding career with numerous opportunities for advancement into senior finance positions.
