About Sykes Pickavant
Sykes Pickavant is one of the UK's leading manufacturers and distributors of specialist automotive and industrial tools. With more than 100 years of engineering heritage, we supply professional technicians, workshops, distributors, vehicle manufacturers and industrial customers in the UK and internationally. We are committed to quality, innovation, teamwork and excellent customer service.
Role
We are seeking an organised, proactive and commercially minded Accounts, Finance & Credit Control Assistant to support the day-to-day operation of our Finance Department.
The role has particular responsibility for credit control, customer account management, purchase ledger and sales ledger. The successful candidate will work closely with Sales, Customer Services, Purchasing, Warehouse and Management to maintain accurate records, resolve queries quickly and ensure that cash is collected promptly.
Key Responsibilities
Credit Control
· Take day-to-day ownership of the company credit control function and actively manage the aged debtor ledger.
· Proactively contact customers by telephone and email to secure payment of outstanding invoices.
· Build professional and constructive customer relationships while maintaining clear payment expectations.
· Identify overdue or potentially problematic accounts and escalate concerns in line with company procedures.
· Investigate and resolve invoice, pricing, delivery and credit note queries by working with Sales, Customer Services and Warehouse colleagues.
· Allocate customer receipts promptly and accurately and reconcile customer accounts.
· Produce weekly aged debt and collection reports for management, including agreed actions and expected payment dates.
· Review credit limits, account terms and payment performance, highlighting credit risk and recommending appropriate action.
· Place accounts on hold, or recommend further recovery action, where required and authorised.
· Maintain complete and accurate records of customer contact, promises to pay, disputes and agreed actions.
· Support the reduction of overdue debt and debtor days and contribute to improved business cash flow.
Purchase Ledger
· Process UK and overseas supplier invoices accurately and within agreed timescales.
· Match invoices to purchase orders and goods received records and investigate discrepancies.
· Reconcile supplier statements and resolve outstanding items with suppliers and internal departments.
· Prepare supplier payment runs for approval and maintain accurate supplier records.
· Assist with foreign currency invoices and payments where required.
Sales Ledger
· Raise customer invoices and credit notes accurately and promptly.
· Maintain accurate customer account records and support customer account reconciliations.
· Respond to customer account enquiries and provide copies of invoices, statements and supporting documentation.
· Work with the Sales Team to ensure account information and customer terms are kept up to date.
Banking, Cash and General Finance
· Complete daily bank reconciliations and process receipts and payments.
· Reconcile company credit card and employee expense transactions.
· Assist with cash flow reporting and short-term cash collection forecasts.
· Process journals and nominal ledger postings and assist with month-end procedures.
· Support VAT return preparation, stock reconciliations and year-end audit requirements.
· Produce financial and management reports using Sage 50 and Microsoft Excel.
· Maintain clear electronic records and support continuous improvement of finance processes and controls.
Skills and Experience Essential
· Previous experience in an accounts, finance or credit control role.
· Practical experience of chasing overdue debt and managing customer accounts.
· Experience using Sage 50 Accounts or similar accounting software.
· Good knowledge of sales ledger and purchase ledger processes.
· Good Microsoft Excel skills and strong numerical ability.
· Confident telephone manner with effective communication and negotiation skills.
· High level of accuracy, organisation and attention to detail.
· Ability to prioritise work, meet deadlines and work both independently and as part of a team.
Desirable
· AAT qualified or studying towards an AAT qualification.
· Experience within manufacturing, engineering, automotive or product distribution.
· Knowledge of stock accounting, VAT and foreign currency transactions.
· Experience with Sage 50 producing aged debt, cash collection or management reports.
Personal Attributes
· Commercially aware, confident and professional when communicating with customers.
· Firm but diplomatic when discussing overdue accounts and payment commitments.
· Reliable, trustworthy and discreet when handling confidential information.
· Proactive, self-motivated and willing to take ownership of issues through to resolution.
· Friendly, approachable and able to build positive relationships across the business.
· Calm and organised when working to competing deadlines in a busy environment.
Key Performance Indicators
· Overdue debt and debtor days maintained within agreed company targets.
· Customer collection activity completed consistently and accurately recorded.
· Customer receipts allocated daily and account queries resolved promptly.
· Supplier invoices and payment runs processed accurately and on time.
· Daily bank reconciliations and month-end tasks completed to timetable.
· Low transaction error rate and accurate financial records maintained.
Qualifications
· GCSE or equivalent in Mathematics and English.
· AAT Level 2 or Level 3, or active study towards an accounting qualification, would be advantageous.
Benefits
· Competitive salary, dependent on experience.
· Company pension scheme.
· 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays.
· Employee discount on Sykes Pickavant products.
· Free onsite parking.
· Training and development opportunities.
· Friendly and supportive working environment.
Sykes Pickavant is committed to equal opportunities and to creating an inclusive working environment.
Pay: £16.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Life insurance
- On-site parking
- Sick pay
Application question(s):
- Only candidates living within a 10 mile radius of Burntwood can apply
Experience:
- accounts: 2 years (required)
Language:
- fluent English (required)
Work authorisation:
- United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person
