Role Overview
Optimax is seeking a proactive, accurate and well-organised Finance Assistant to support the day-to-day operation of the finance function. This role will assist with purchase ledger, sales ledger, bank reconciliation, supplier and customer queries, finance administration, and general reporting support. The successful candidate will play an important part in maintaining accurate financial records, supporting efficient processes, and helping the wider business make informed decisions.
About Optimax
Optimax provides specialist imaging, inspection and measurement solutions to precision industries. We support customers through technical expertise, high-quality products, calibration, service, training and consultancy-led support. Our team is focused on delivering excellent customer service, continuous improvement and practical solutions that help customers improve quality, reduce waste and operate with confidence.
Key Responsibilities
· Process supplier invoices, credit notes and payment information accurately and in line with company procedures.
· Support the preparation of supplier payment runs and maintain clear records of approvals and supporting documentation.
· Raising customer invoices, allocating receipts and supporting credit control activity, including monitoring overdue accounts, sending payment reminders, making professional customer follow-up calls and escalating outstanding debts where required.
· Reconcile supplier statements, bank transactions, customer accounts and internal finance records.
· Respond professionally to finance-related queries from suppliers, customers and internal colleagues.
· Maintain accurate finance records within company systems, ensuring data is entered correctly and kept up to date.
· Support month-end activities, including journal preparation, accruals, prepayments and reporting tasks as required.
· Process employee expense claims, ensuring receipts, approvals and coding are accurate before reimbursement, and assist with company credit card reconciliation and petty cash administration where applicable.
· Help improve finance processes by identifying recurring issues, inefficiencies or opportunities for automation.
· Support the wider business with finance administration, document management and audit preparation.
· Handle confidential financial information responsibly and in line with company policies and data protection requirements.
Skills and Experience
· Previous experience in a finance, accounts or administration role is desirable.
· Good working knowledge of purchase ledger, sales ledger, reconciliations or general finance administration.
· Experience supporting credit control activity, including customer account follow-up and payment query resolution, would be beneficial.
· Comfortable speaking with customers by phone in a professional and confident manner when following up overdue accounts or resolving payment queries.
· Strong attention to detail with a high level of accuracy in data entry and record keeping.
· Confident using Microsoft Excel, Outlook and finance or ERP systems.
· Good organisational skills with the ability to prioritise workload and meet deadlines.
· Clear written and verbal communication skills, with a professional approach to suppliers, customers and colleagues.
· Ability to work independently while also contributing positively to the wider team.
· Understanding of confidentiality, data protection and the importance of accurate financial information.
Desirable Attributes
· Intrinsically motivated, reliable and willing to take ownership of tasks.
· Forward looking, with a desire to improve processes and make day-to-day work more efficient.
· Solution focused and able to stay calm when resolving queries or working to deadlines.
· Versatile and adaptable, with a willingness to support different areas of the finance function.
· Positive, collaborative and generous with knowledge when supporting colleagues.
· Comfortable working in a growing business where priorities may change and continuous improvement is encouraged.
Key Measures of Success
· Supplier invoices and customer transactions are processed accurately and on time.
· Employee expense claims are processed accurately, promptly and in line with company policy.
· Customer accounts are monitored effectively, with overdue balances followed up professionally by email and phone and escalated when needed.
· Finance records are complete, organised and easy to audit.
· Queries are handled promptly, professionally and with clear ownership.
· Reconciliations are completed accurately and issues are escalated appropriately.
· The finance team is well supported during month-end and reporting cycles.
· Processes are followed consistently, with improvement ideas raised where appropriate.
Working Relationships
The Finance Assistant will work closely with the finance team, senior leadership, sales, purchasing, service, administration and customer operations teams. The role will also involve regular communication with suppliers and customers regarding invoices, payments, statements, credit control follow-up, telephone payment queries and account queries.
Qualifications
· GCSE or equivalent in Maths and English is expected.
· AAT qualification or working towards AAT is desirable but not essential.
· Relevant experience in finance administration may be considered in place of formal qualifications.
Next Steps
If you are interested in this role or would like further information, please email [email protected] or telephone in and ask for Peter Clements
Pay: £25,000.00-£30,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Free parking
- Health & wellbeing programme
- On-site parking
- Private dental insurance
- Private medical insurance
Education:
- GCSE or equivalent (required)
Work Location: In person
