Interim Accounts Payable Assistant | Luxury Retail Scale-Up | London/Hybrid

Interim Accounts Payable Assistant | Luxury Retail Scale-Up | London/Hybrid

Full-Time 30000 - 42000 £ / year (est.) Hybrid
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Process supplier invoices and payments while supporting month-end activities in a dynamic retail environment.
  • Company: Join a globally recognised luxury retail brand with a strong international presence.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, hybrid working, and the chance to make a real impact.
  • Other info: Opportunity for career growth and exposure to finance transformation initiatives.
  • Why this job: Be part of a fast-paced team and enhance your finance skills in a collaborative setting.
  • Qualifications: 4-5 years in Accounts Payable, strong Excel skills, and a knack for detail.

The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.

The Client

Harmonic are delighted to be partnering with a globally recognised retail brand known for its distinctive products and strong international presence. With operations spanning the UK, US and Europe, the business is continuing to invest in its finance function and is now seeking an experienced Interim Senior Accounts Payable Assistant to support the team during a busy period. This is a 6-month contract with the opportunity to make a tangible impact within a fast-paced, collaborative environment.

The Role

Reporting into the Accounts Payable Manager, you will play a key role within the purchase-to-pay function, ensuring supplier invoices and payments are processed accurately and efficiently. Alongside core transactional responsibilities, you will support month-end processes, strengthen internal controls and contribute to ongoing improvements within the AP function. This position requires someone confident operating in a high-volume environment who can build strong relationships with both internal stakeholders and external suppliers.

Responsibilities

  • Owning the processing of non-PO supplier invoices, ensuring accurate coding and timely posting to the ledger.
  • Monitoring outstanding approvals and liaising with budget holders to avoid payment delays.
  • Preparing and managing regular payment runs for non-stock suppliers.
  • Maintaining supplier onboarding processes, ensuring compliance with internal procedures.
  • Posting purchase ledger transactions including invoices, payments and allocations within the accounting system.
  • Managing direct debit payments and overseeing company credit card administration.
  • Responding to a high volume of supplier and internal queries via shared inbox, resolving issues promptly.
  • Supporting month-end activities including accruals, prepayments and balance sheet reconciliations.
  • Reviewing supplier statements and performing reconciliations to resolve discrepancies.
  • Assisting with audit preparation and provision of supporting documentation.
  • Contributing to process enhancements, strengthening controls and segregation of duties within AP.
  • Supporting ad hoc reporting and finance projects as required.

4–5 years’ experience within an Accounts Payable or Purchase Ledger role.

Strong understanding of the end-to-end purchase-to-pay process.

Experience working in a high-volume, fast-moving environment.

Proficient in Excel (including lookups and conditional formulas) and confident handling large data sets.

Highly organised with excellent attention to detail.

Comfortable communicating across departments and with external suppliers.

Self-motivated with the ability to prioritise workload effectively.

Bonus Experience

  • Exposure to SAP Business One or similar ERP systems.
  • Experience supporting audit processes or contributing to finance transformation initiatives.

Location: West London (Hybrid)

Start Date: ASAP

At Harmonic, we are dedicated to fostering an inclusive and equitable workplace. We actively welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and assure you that every candidate will be thoughtfully considered for the roles we represent, without regard to race, religion, gender expression, disability, or sexual orientation.

Interim Accounts Payable Assistant | Luxury Retail Scale-Up | London/Hybrid employer: Harmonic Finance | Certified B Corp

Harmonic is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic remote-first work environment that prioritises innovation and AI-driven growth. As a Series B B2B SaaS scale-up, employees benefit from a culture of collaboration and continuous learning, with clear pathways for career advancement, particularly for those looking to transition from practice to industry. Joining Harmonic means being part of a forward-thinking team that values your contributions and supports your professional development in a rapidly evolving sector.

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Contact Details:

Harmonic Finance | Certified B Corp Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Interim Accounts Payable Assistant | Luxury Retail Scale-Up | London/Hybrid

✨Tap into Campus Networks

If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.

✨Get Certified

Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.

✨Connect on Professional Platforms

Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.

✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive

Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like Harmonic Finance | Certified B Corp. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.

We think you need these skills to ace Interim Accounts Payable Assistant | Luxury Retail Scale-Up | London/Hybrid

Accounts Payable
Purchase Ledger
High-Volume Processing
Supplier Invoicing
Payment Processing
Month-End Activities
Excel Proficiency

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.

Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to Harmonic Finance | Certified B Corp.

Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.

Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on Harmonic Finance | Certified B Corp's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!

How to prepare for a job interview at Harmonic Finance | Certified B Corp

✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills

Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with Harmonic Finance | Certified B Corp.

✨Prepare for Case Studies

Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.

✨Show Your Passion for Finance

Since this is a full-time position, employers at Harmonic Finance | Certified B Corp will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.

✨Network with Industry Professionals

Before your interview, reach out to current or former Harmonic Finance | Certified B Corp employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.