At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage purchase ledgers, ensure timely payments, and support credit control.
- Company: Join a dynamic finance team in a supportive environment.
- Benefits: Earn £20.50 per hour with potential for permanent role and career growth.
- Other info: Office-based role with Monday to Friday hours and a collaborative team culture.
- Why this job: Be a key player in financial operations and build strong supplier relationships.
- Qualifications: Experience in accounts roles and proficiency in accounting software required.
The predicted salary is between 20.5 - 20.5 £ per hour.
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:
- 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
We are committed to protecting the privacy of all our candidates and clients. If you choose to apply, your information will be processed in accordance with the Gi Group Privacy Statement. To view a copy and to help you understand how we collect, use and process your personal data please visit the Privacy page on our Gi Group website.
Accounts Specialist in London employer: Gi Group
Gi Group is an excellent employer for Class 2 Drivers, offering a dynamic work environment that values professionalism and customer service. With competitive pay rates, exclusive discounts on various services, and a commitment to employee well-being through initiatives like the Armed Forces Covenant and support for neurodiversity, we foster a culture of inclusivity and growth. Join us in a role that not only drives your career forward but also allows you to be part of a supportive team dedicated to making a difference.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Accounts Specialist in London
✨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 Gi Group.
✨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 Gi Group 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 Accounts Specialist in London
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 Gi Group 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 Gi Group. 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 Gi Group confidence in your short-term commitment to the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Gi Group
✨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 Gi Group.
✨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 Gi Group 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.
