Accounts Payable Assistant (18 month FTC) in London

The Finance Department at Hermès supports the Maison’s focus on sustainable growth and long-term value creation by delivering accurate, transparent, and timely financial information that empowers decision-making across the organization. We ensure the financial health of Hermès while upholding the brand’s commitment to craftsmanship, innovation, and heritage. Our mission is to be a trusted partner in shaping the future of luxury, balancing tradition with forward-thinking financial strategies.

We are looking for a dynamic, proactive individual with excellent communication skills and strong attention to detail, who thrives in a fast-paced, collaborative environment to join our Finance team. As a highly motivated professional, you will join the department as a key support to the smooth running of the accounts payable area, responsible for supporting the day-to-day operations and ensuring timely and accurate processing of invoices, payments, and reconciliations, while contributing to continuous improvement initiatives.

The role:

• Monitor the accounts payable inbox and respond to queries in a timely manner.
• Process high volumes of purchase invoices and credit notes accurately and efficiently, aligned to company procedures, ensuring all invoices are coded accurately.
• Liaise with internal departments and external suppliers to resolve invoice and payment issues and to ensure accurate purchase order matching and approvals.
• Reconcile supplier statements and resolve any discrepancies or queries timely.
• Manage the onboarding of new suppliers, including verification of supplier and bank details and setup in the finance system.
• Process employee expense claims, ensuring compliance with company policies, accurate coding, and timely reimbursement.
• Assist with the maintenance of supplier databases ensuring data is regularly reviewed and up to date. This includes supplier records, code of conduct and payment details.
• Assist with month-end closing activities where required, including GL reconciliations, accruals and reporting.
• Assist in the development of the accounts payable area – identify and implement process improvements and automation initiatives, implement changes in processes required to simplify, improve controls and create efficiencies.
• Support the wider Finance team with ad hoc tasks and projects as required.

About you:

• Previous experience in an accounts payable or similar finance role.
• Experience in a shared service or multi-entity environment.
• Strong attention to detail and high level of accuracy.
• Ability to understand accounting principles and financial processes.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel; experience with SAP and Coupa is beneficial.
• Excellent communication skills both written and verbal.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong organisational and time management skills.
• Working towards an accountancy qualification.