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