At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage complex accounts payable and lead on resolving historical backlogs.
- Company: Join a leading housing association in London with a strong community focus.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, hybrid working, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment with a focus on continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on financial operations while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in accounts payable and strong analytical skills required.
BDS Recruitment are looking for a Senior Finance Officer to join our client who are a leading housing association in the N1 area.
Pay rate: £21.98 paye or £29.06 umbrella
Hours: Monday to Friday 9-6
Hybrid working: 2 days in the office a week compulsory – Tuesday are the Finance Core days – mandatory.
Contract: Temp ongoing
Location: London
The Senior Finance Officer (Accounts Payable) is a key role within the Finance Operational Hub, responsible for supporting the effective operation of the accounts payable function and maintaining the financial integrity. This role will lead on complex accounts payable activities, including supplier reconciliations, aged creditor reviews, query resolution and the clearance of a significant historical Accounts Payable backlog. The postholder will provide technical expertise, strengthen financial controls and support continuous improvement across the finance function.
Key Responsibilities
- Accounts Payable Operations
- Manage complex supplier accounts and payment activities, ensuring accuracy and compliance with financial controls.
- Lead the review and resolution of historical Accounts Payable backlogs, including aged creditor balances and unreconciled supplier accounts.
- Complete detailed supplier statement reconciliations and resolve discrepancies in a timely manner.
- Review, validate and process high-volume supplier invoices and payment requests.
- Ensure all transactions are appropriately authorised, recorded and supported by a clear audit trail.
- Monitor outstanding liabilities and proactively investigate aged balances.
- Stakeholder Management
- Act as the main escalation point for complex supplier and payment queries.
- Build and maintain effective relationships with suppliers and internal stakeholders.
- Work closely with budget holders, operational teams, local authorities and external agencies to resolve issues.
- Take ownership of enquiries through to successful resolution.
- Controls, Reporting and Continuous Improvement
- Produce analysis and reports on supplier balances, aged creditors and payment performance.
- Utilise Microsoft Dynamics 365 (D365) or similar ERP systems to investigate and resolve issues.
- Use advanced Excel techniques to support reconciliations and financial analysis.
- Identify and implement improvements to processes, controls and ways of working.
Senior Finance Officer employer: BDS (Northern) Limited
BDS is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity for mobile responders to make a meaningful impact in the North East community. With a supportive work culture that prioritises employee well-being and flexibility, staff enjoy generous benefits including a competitive daily rate, overtime pay, and enhanced rates for bank holidays. The company fosters growth through training and development, ensuring that employees are equipped to provide the best support to older adults in need.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Finance Officer
✨Join Financial Networking Events
Jump into local finance meetups and conferences — they’re a goldmine for temporary roles in banking and financial services. You can chat with industry professionals and even get leads on upcoming opportunities that might not be posted online yet.
✨Utilise Temp Agencies Specialised in Finance
Reach out to temp agencies that focus on the banking sector. They often have strong ties with various firms and can help you secure short-term gigs that can help beef up your CV and get your foot in the door at firms like BDS (Northern) Limited.
✨Connect with Alumni from Your Uni
Don't underestimate the power of your university’s alumni network. Many former students are working in banking and can help you find temporary roles or even offer mentorship. Reach out directly or attend alumni events to broaden your circle.
✨Stay Active on Job Boards and Company Websites
Keep your eyes peeled on job boards specifically for finance roles. Companies like BDS (Northern) Limited might post temporary positions directly on their sites, so make sure to apply there too. Set alerts to catch those roles the moment they go live!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Finance Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Academic Achievements:In banking and financial services, your academic record can really make you stand out. List relevant grades, certifications, or coursework on your CV, especially if you've taken finance-related modules. This is particularly important for a temporary role where qualifications can help you shine even brighter!
Highlight Relevant Experience:If you’ve done any internships, part-time roles, or even coursework that aligns with banking or finance, make sure you include those! Showcase specific tasks where you used quantitative skills or analytical thinking, as this is what the hiring managers at BDS (Northern) Limited will be keen to see in your application.
Tailor Your Cover Letter Purposefully:When writing your cover letter, focus on why you’re interested in a temporary position at BDS (Northern) Limited. Let them know how you can quickly adapt to the team's needs and how eager you are to learn the ropes of the banking sector during this short stint. Your motivation and enthusiasm could really set you apart!
Be Prepared with References:For temporary roles, references can play a crucial role in your application. Make sure you’ve got a couple of references lined up who can vouch for your skills and work ethic. This helps to give BDS (Northern) Limited confidence in your short-term commitment to the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at BDS (Northern) Limited
✨Brush Up on Financial Regulations
Since this is a role in banking and financial services, be ready to discuss key regulations like MiFID, Basel III, or GDPR. These are hot topics, and your awareness of how they impact daily operations can give you a significant edge during your interview with BDS (Northern) Limited.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Prepare for interview questions that assess your analytical abilities. You might need to tackle hypothetical scenarios involving risk assessment or financial forecasting. Bringing examples of relevant projects or coursework can emphasise your practical understanding of these concepts.
✨Highlight Flexibility and Adaptability
For a temporary role, showing that you can quickly pick up new processes and tools is crucial. Be ready to discuss previous experiences where you had to adapt to changing requirements or tight deadlines, as this will reassure BDS (Northern) Limited that you’re a reliable team player.
✨Demonstrate a Willingness to Learn
In a temporary position, leaning into your eagerness to learn can really set you apart. Be prepared to share how you’re staying updated on industry trends or any additional training you've pursued. Employers appreciate candidates who are proactive about their development—even for short-term roles.
