At a Glance
- Tasks: Oversee accounts payable operations and train team members while ensuring financial accuracy.
- Company: Join a leading organisation in Hertfordshire with a supportive finance team.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and access to professional development workshops.
- Other info: Hybrid working available; must be onsite Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
- Why this job: Make an impact in finance while enjoying a vibrant work culture and career growth.
- Qualifications: 2-3 years in accounts payable, with experience in BACS and CHAPS payments.
The predicted salary is between 28775 - 28775 £ per year.
Our client – based in Hertfordshire – is currently looking for a Senior Accounts Payable Assistant to join their central finance function on a 12-month Fixed Term Contract. The role is 37.00 hours per week.
Start date: Due to work deadlines, they need someone started by 29th June 2026.
Salary: £28,775.00 per annum.
Duties will include (but not limited to):
- Deputised for the Accounts Payable Manager, overseeing team operations and ensuring continuity during periods of absence.
- Supervised and trained Accounts Payable Assistants, providing guidance on procedures, system usage, workloads, and payment deadlines.
- Processed invoices, credit notes, journals, supplier payments, and multi-currency payment runs, ensuring accuracy and compliance with financial regulations.
- Reconciled supplier statements and bank transactions, monitored supplier accounts, and resolved stakeholder and supplier queries in a timely manner.
- Produced and analysed financial reports, maintained electronic invoice import templates, and monitored intra-group accounts to ensure accurate ledger postings.
- Supported system upgrades and process improvements, testing new software, identifying issues, and implementing enhancements to improve efficiency and controls.
Experience required:
- 2/3 years previous experience working in a Purchase Ledger or Accounts Payable environment ideally within a large organisation, utilising a computerised accounts system and processing invoices across multiple ledgers and currencies.
- Background working in Higher Education is strongly desirable.
- Experience of BACS and CHAPS payment processing.
- Basic knowledge of double entry bookkeeping and General Ledger journals.
- Experience of using online banking portals.
Rewards and Benefits:
- Leave & Flexibility: 25–35 days annual leave, plus bank holidays and extra university closure days over Christmas. Hybrid working and job share options are available.
- Health & Wellbeing: A 24/7 confidential employee assistance programme supports mental, financial, and emotional health.
- Pension & Finance: Contributory pension schemes are provided.
- Professional Development: Access to hundreds of workshops, with up to five days of study leave per year.
- Campus Facilities & Discounts: Access to Hertfordshire Sports Village with discounted memberships, onsite childcare, and discounted hairdressing/beauty treatments.
- Family-Friendly Policies: Enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoption pay are available.
- Additional Perks: Long service awards, free parking, and free entry to campus events.
Working hours:
- 37.00 hours per week.
- Monday - Friday.
- Hybrid working: Please note you will need to be on site every Tuesday and Wednesday to align with the wider finance team.
Please note that you require recent experience to apply for this role.
Senior Accounts Payable Assistant in St Albans employer: James Andrews Recruitment
Join a dynamic and supportive team in Buckinghamshire as a Rent & Service Charge Manager, where your expertise will directly contribute to financial transparency and compliance within the housing sector. Our company fosters a collaborative work culture that prioritises employee growth through continuous improvement initiatives and professional development opportunities, ensuring you thrive in your role while making a meaningful impact. Enjoy the flexibility of hybrid working arrangements, allowing you to balance your professional and personal life effectively.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Accounts Payable Assistant in St Albans
✨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 James Andrews Recruitment.
✨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 James Andrews Recruitment 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 Accounts Payable Assistant in St Albans
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 James Andrews Recruitment 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 James Andrews Recruitment. 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 James Andrews Recruitment confidence in your short-term commitment to the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at James Andrews Recruitment
✨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 James Andrews Recruitment.
✨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 James Andrews Recruitment 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.
