Accounts Assistant - Credit Control in Leeds

To support the Finance department by maintaining accurate financial records, processing transactions, and managing the company's credit control activities. The role is responsible for ensuring invoices are processed efficiently, customer accounts are monitored effectively, and outstanding debts are collected in a timely manner to support healthy cash flow.

About Chef Works Europe Ltd

Chef Works and Bragard are the two true global culinary apparel brands manufacturing and distributing hospitality uniforms across 90+ countries under the umbrella of Chef Works Europe Ltd. Our dedicated team are based primarily in Leeds with a showroom and meeting space in London.

Key Responsibilities

Accounts Administration

• Process purchase invoices and ensure correct coding and authorisation.
• Reconcile supplier statements and resolve discrepancies.
• Assist with payment runs and supplier queries.
• Process sales invoices and credit notes.
• Perform bank reconciliations (including Stripe, Magento, Amazon and PayPal.)
• Maintain accurate accounting records and filing systems.
• Assist with month-end procedures, including journals and account reconciliations.
• Support the preparation of management accounts.
• Process employee expenses where required.
• Maintain customer and supplier account details within the accounting system.

Credit Control

• Monitor customer accounts and aged debt reports.
• Contact customers regarding overdue invoices via telephone, email, and written correspondence.
• Maintain accurate records of collection activities and customer communications.
• Resolve invoice disputes promptly and liaise with internal departments to ensure swift resolution.
• Negotiate payment plans where appropriate.
• Escalate problematic accounts to management when necessary.
• Produce regular debtor reports for the Finance Manager and General management.
• Monitor customer credit limits and assist with credit checks for new customers.
• Support the reduction of debtor days and improve cash collection performance.

General Finance Support

• Assist with audits and provide supporting documentation.
• Support continuous improvement of finance processes and controls.
• Provide ad hoc administrative support to the finance team.
• Ensure compliance with company policies and financial procedures.
• Previous experience in an Accounts Assistant, Finance Assistant, or similar finance role.
• Proven experience in credit control and debt collection.
• Experience reconciling accounts and resolving discrepancies.
• Working knowledge of accounting systems (e.g., Sage, Xero, QuickBooks, Microsoft Dynamics, SAP).
• Experience using Microsoft Excel, including formulas and data analysis.
• Strong numerical and analytical skills.
• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy.
• Strong organisational and time management abilities.
• Professional and confident communication skills.
• Ability to build positive relationships with customers and colleagues.
• Problem-solving mindset.Ability to work independently and prioritise workload effectively.

Qualifications

• AAT qualified or studying towards AAT or equivelant.
• GCSE (or equivalent) in Maths and English, Grade C/4 or above.
• Further accounting qualifications or relevant finance training.

Performance Measures

• Accuracy of financial processing.
• Timely completion of reconciliations.
• Reduction in aged debt balances.
• Achievement of debtor day targets.
• Speed of invoice query resolution.Compliance with finance procedures and deadlines.
• Positive internal and external stakeholder feedback.

Location

The role is based in Farsley, Leeds within modern refurbed office space with on-site parking.

Offer

• Competitive salary dependent on experience.
• Matched pension contribution.
• Annual wellbeing allowance.
• Company bonus scheme.
• 21 days plus Public Holidays.

Mission statement

To empower, honour and serve those who serve others.