At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage accounts receivable, cash collection, and support accounting functions.
- Company: Join Crosslake, a dynamic business consulting firm with a focus on excellence.
- Benefits: Enjoy a full-time role with opportunities for professional growth and skill development.
- Other info: Flexible work environment with a focus on process improvement and client relationships.
- Why this job: Build your finance skills while making a real impact in a supportive team environment.
- Qualifications: 3 years in finance, strong credit control skills, and ideally pursuing AAT qualification.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Overview
The Collections Specialist & Assistant Accountant will report to the Financial Controller and work closely with the Management Accountant, other managers within the organization, and the Finance team at the parent company in the USA. Your time will be shared across being the key contributor to Crosslake EMEA’s accounts receivable and cash collection needs, plus playing a crucial role in supporting the accounting function with generating timely and accurate management accounts and maintaining robust ledgers.
The Collections Specialist activities require high quality support to Crosslake’s investor client base, understanding the commercial circumstances of each project and what is required in relation to billings and collecting cash receivables, whilst being responsible within Finance for client invoice generation and account reconciliation. The role requires a confident communicator who can handle difficult conversations with professionalism and empathy, ensuring clients feel supported while upholding the company’s financial goals and ultimately driving timely cash collection.
The Assistant Accountant activities encompass a variety of responsibilities within the accounting function, including managing accurate general ledger postings, supporting the Management Accountant with month end processes and lead schedules, plus contributing to broader Finance processes such as cashflow management and client project setup. The work would be attractive to someone looking to build their technical financial and accounting skillset.
The role is a crucial part of the effective running and ongoing improvement of the Finance function. The individual will have a strong pro active mindset and uphold Crosslake’s standards of excellence in client service. They will be committed to paying attention to detail.
Responsibilities
Collections Specialist
- Lead all external credit control activities to drive timely cash collection
- Manage the aged accounts receivables reporting and ongoing collections monitoring tools
- Timely and accurate co-ordination and production of client invoicing: in collaboration with client-facing colleagues, driving the conversation and through reviewing the CRM, time-keeping tool and underlying contracts
- Lead all internal conversations in relation to credit control
- Support the Financial Controller in the auditing processes to check for missing or inaccurate invoices
- Perform the Finance function input in the client setup process, including reviewing work prepared by the Project Setup team
- Demonstrate strong business acumen around Crosslake’s work for its clients and a willingness to continually learn and improve
Assistant Accountant
- Ensure the ledgers are up to date for payables, receivables and cash
- Provide a key contribution to the maintenance of the long-term asset registers and the accruals and prepayments monthly lead schedules
- Support the accounting function with input into revenue analysis files
- Prepare the bank reconciliation and other balance sheet reconciliations for review
- Monitor the Finance email inboxes and take the lead on responding within function SLAs
- Ensure e-document filing is up to date and pro-actively seek process improvement suggestions for the Financial Controller
- Propose and prepare supplier payment batches for approval, ensuring all invoices are approved
- Support the team in the accurate and timely payment of Crosslake’s practitioners and purchases to other group companies
- Ensure that expense receipts are fully accounted for and that the business has reclaimed all VAT
- Support the weekly cash forecasting through updating the latest ledger data and reviewing the forecast collections outlook
- Provide accurate information to the auditors, including monthly lead schedules and invoice support
- Be flexible and able to address the many ad-hoc and “new” initiatives and be able to both respond, and complete work related to such tasks
Qualifications & Expierence
- At least 3 years’ experience in a finance function with strong credit control and ledger maintenance skills, ideally within a services business
- A keen interest in, or currently pursuing, AAT qualification or similar
- Demonstrated ability to manage long term client relationships, preferably within a professional services or private equity environment
- Exceptional customer service and communication skills, exemplifying Crosslake’s dedication to high quality service
- Strong knowledge of purchase and sales ledger processes, reconciliations, and expense handling
- Proficiency in financial software (preferably NetSuite) and Excel
- High attention to detail and spotting opportunity for process improvement
Seniority level
- Not Applicable
Employment type
- Full-time
Job function
- Accounting/Auditing and Finance
Industries
- Business Consulting and Services
Collections Specialist & Assistant Accountant, EMEA in Manchester employer: Crosslake Technologies
Crosslake is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and supportive work culture, making it an ideal place for professionals seeking to enhance their financial expertise. With a strong commitment to employee growth, the company offers opportunities for skill development and career advancement, all while maintaining a focus on delivering high-quality service to clients. Located in the vibrant EMEA region, employees benefit from a dynamic environment that encourages innovation and teamwork, ensuring a rewarding and meaningful work experience.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Collections Specialist & Assistant Accountant, EMEA in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific financial software mentioned in the job description, such as NetSuite. Having hands-on experience or even completing online tutorials can give you a significant edge during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Brush up on your communication skills, especially in handling difficult conversations. Practising role-play scenarios can help you articulate your thoughts clearly and empathetically, which is crucial for this role.
✨Tip Number 3
Research Crosslake’s client base and understand their business model. This knowledge will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your proactive mindset and genuine interest in the company.
✨Tip Number 4
Network with professionals in the finance sector, particularly those who have experience in credit control and ledger maintenance. Engaging with them can provide insights into the role and potentially lead to referrals.
We think you need these skills to ace Collections Specialist & Assistant Accountant, EMEA in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in finance, credit control, and ledger maintenance. Use specific examples that demonstrate your skills in managing accounts receivable and cash collection.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Write a cover letter that showcases your understanding of the role and how your background aligns with the responsibilities outlined. Emphasise your communication skills and ability to handle difficult conversations with professionalism.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications:If you have any qualifications related to finance, such as AAT or similar, be sure to mention them prominently. This will show your commitment to professional development and your suitability for the role.
Showcase Process Improvement Skills:In your application, provide examples of how you've identified and implemented process improvements in previous roles. This is particularly relevant given the emphasis on maintaining robust ledgers and supporting the Finance function.
How to prepare for a job interview at Crosslake Technologies
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Collections Specialist & Assistant Accountant. Familiarise yourself with accounts receivable processes, cash collection strategies, and the importance of maintaining accurate ledgers. This will help you demonstrate your knowledge during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Since the role requires handling difficult conversations with clients, prepare examples of how you've successfully managed challenging situations in the past. Highlight your ability to communicate professionally and empathetically, ensuring clients feel supported while achieving financial goals.
✨Demonstrate Attention to Detail
The job demands high attention to detail, especially when it comes to invoicing and reconciliations. Be ready to discuss specific instances where your meticulous nature has positively impacted your previous work, such as identifying discrepancies or improving processes.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Brush up on your knowledge of financial software, particularly NetSuite, and Excel. Be prepared to answer technical questions related to ledger maintenance, credit control, and cashflow management. Showing your proficiency in these areas will set you apart from other candidates.
