An opportunity has become available for an experienced Purchase Ledger & Finance Projects Coordinator to join our Finance team.
We are looking for someone with strong purchase ledger experience who is confident taking ownership of the full purchase ledger function, ensuring that suppliers, invoices, payments and reconciliations are managed accurately and efficiently.
Alongside the day-to-day purchase ledger responsibilities, this role will have an important focus on continuous improvement. We are looking for someone who is naturally curious about how processes work, is comfortable questioning existing ways of working, and can identify opportunities to improve efficiency through better processes, systems and automation.
The successful candidate will be reliable, conscientious, self-motivated and able to work on their own initiative. You will need to communicate professionally with both colleagues and suppliers and demonstrate a positive approach to our Company values, safety, quality and continuous improvement.
Main Responsibilities
Purchase Ledger Ownership
- Take day-to-day ownership of the purchase ledger, ensuring transactions are processed accurately, efficiently and within agreed deadlines.
- Match purchase invoices against approved purchase orders, checking price, quantity, VAT and supporting documentation before processing.
- Investigate and resolve discrepancies between purchase orders, goods received and supplier invoices.
- Liaise with Stores, Purchasing and other departments to ensure invoices and queries are dealt with promptly.
- Reconcile supplier statements regularly and investigate and resolve any outstanding differences.
- Maintain accurate and up-to-date supplier accounts and records.
- Proactively review aged and outstanding items and ensure queries are followed through to resolution.
- Build professional working relationships with suppliers and internal departments.
- Identify recurring purchase ledger issues and recommend improvements to prevent them from reoccurring.
Supplier Payments
- Prepare supplier payment lists for mid-month and month-end payment runs and submit them for authorisation.
- Set up authorised supplier payments through the Company's banking system and process payments accurately within Sage.
- Maintain clear and accurate records of payments that are due, overdue, held or under query.
- Ensure payment deadlines and agreed supplier terms are effectively managed.
- Investigate payment queries and ensure issues are resolved promptly.
Process Improvement, Automation & Finance Projects
A key part of this role will be supporting the continued development of the Finance function.
- Review existing finance and purchase ledger processes and identify opportunities to improve efficiency, accuracy and control.
- Challenge processes constructively rather than assuming that a process should continue simply because it has historically been done in a particular way.
- Work with the wider Finance team to identify repetitive or manual tasks that could be simplified or automated.
- Support the implementation and testing of new systems, automation tools and improved ways of working.
- Help document and standardise processes as improvements are introduced.
- Use Excel and other systems to analyse information, identify issues and develop more efficient solutions.
- Participate in ad-hoc finance and business improvement projects as systems and processes continue to develop.
- Bring forward ideas and suggestions for improving the way the Finance department operates.
We are looking for someone who is comfortable thinking differently, asking questions and looking for better ways of doing things, rather than simply following an established process.
Additional Finance Duties
- Receive and process Stores stocktake data, ensuring information is accurate and complete.
- Assist with the investigation of discrepancies between physical stock counts and system records.
- Collate, code and post monthly company credit card transactions accurately into the accounting system.
- Assist with balance sheet reconciliations, reporting and other finance tasks as required.
- Provide support to the wider Finance team during busy periods.
Cross-Training & Team Support
As part of the wider Finance team, you will be expected to contribute to team resilience and cross-training.
This will include providing training and guidance to colleagues on key aspects of your role to ensure adequate cover during periods of annual leave, absence or increased workload.
You will also be expected to develop an understanding of other areas within Finance where appropriate, helping to promote flexibility within the department, maintain continuity of service and minimise disruption to day-to-day financial operations.
Qualifications, Experience & Skills
Essential
- Strong previous purchase ledger experience, ideally including responsibility for or ownership of a purchase ledger function.
- Good understanding of the full purchase-to-pay process, including purchase orders, invoice matching, supplier reconciliations and payment runs.
- Strong IT skills and confidence using accounting and business systems.
- Good Excel skills and confidence working with spreadsheets and large volumes of data.
- Ability to work accurately and efficiently in a high-volume environment.
- Strong attention to detail.
- Ability to organise and prioritise workload and work to strict deadlines.
- Confidence investigating discrepancies and following queries through to resolution.
- Ability to work independently and take responsibility for completing tasks.
- A proactive and inquisitive approach, with the confidence to question existing processes and suggest improvements.
- An interest in automation, systems development and improving efficiency.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to communicate professionally with suppliers and colleagues across the business.
- Flexible and positive attitude towards work and willingness to become involved in wider Finance projects.
Desirable
- AAT Level 3 or above, or equivalent experience.
- Previous experience using Sage 200.
- Experience of improving or automating finance processes.
- Experience working within a manufacturing, stock-based or high-volume transactional environment.
Training & Development
Full training will be provided in Company-specific systems and procedures.
We are committed to supporting the successful candidate's professional development and will provide opportunities to broaden their knowledge beyond purchase ledger through involvement in Finance projects, systems development and continuous improvement activities.
This role would suit someone who already has a strong grounding in purchase ledger but is looking for an opportunity to take greater ownership, develop their skills and play an active part in improving how a Finance department operates.
Benefits:
- Cycle to work scheme
- Free flu jabs
- On-site parking
Work Location: In person
