At a Glance
- Tasks: Support finance operations by processing invoices and managing supplier communications.
- Company: Join a dynamic team in the UK & Ireland with a focus on efficiency.
- Benefits: Enjoy a cash plan, life insurance, and up to 25% in-store discounts.
- Other info: Great opportunity for career growth in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Be the backbone of finance operations and ensure smooth payment processes.
- Qualifications: Experience with SAP and handling complex invoices is a plus.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
We’re looking for an Accounts Assistant to join our team in the UK & Ireland, supporting the smooth and efficient running of our finance operations. You’ll play a key role in maintaining accurate financial records, processing payments, and ensuring suppliers are paid on time. This role suits someone with great attention to detail, a can-do attitude, and a passion for keeping things running seamlessly behind the scenes.
Contract: 37.5 hours per week.
Benefits: Simplyhealth cash plan, Retail Trust, life insurance, and up to 25% in-store discounts.
Key Responsibilities:
- Invoice Processing: Process a high volume of supplier invoices with accuracy and attention to detail. Ensure correct coding, VAT treatment, approval routing, and supporting documents. Match invoices to purchase orders and follow approval workflows. Flag discrepancies or missing information promptly.
- AP Inbox Management: Monitor the AP inbox throughout the day. Keep inbox organised and ensure invoices and queries are handled within agreed timeframes. Prioritise urgent items such as reminders, payment-run requests, or supplier chases.
- Supplier Communication: Respond to supplier queries in a clear and professional manner. Resolve issues around pricing, invoicing errors, missing POs/approvals, or payment timing. Maintain positive relationships with suppliers and internal stakeholders.
- Payment Run Support: Prepare fortnightly payment runs by identifying approved invoices ready for payment. Check supplier bank details, due dates, and invoice accuracy before inclusion. Support the review process by ensuring all required documents and approvals are complete. Assist with updating payment files and communicating payment statuses when needed.
- AP Reporting: Help maintain aged creditor reports and follow up on long-outstanding items. Identify duplicate invoices, incorrect balances, or coding issues and resolve them. Support clean-up of supplier accounts to make sure ledgers are accurate and up to date.
Qualifications: Experience using SAP desirable. 2 years relevant experience. Experience dealing with large volume of complex invoices. Experience dealing with multi-currency.
Key Skills: Good understanding of double-entry, invoicing, and reconciliations. Solid Excel skills (filters, lookups, pivots desirable). Strong attention to detail and accuracy under time pressure. Clear, professional communication with both internal teams and external suppliers/customers.
We welcome and consider all applicants regardless of their background and can ensure all candidates will receive a fair and equal treatment.
Account Assistant (Payables) employer: Lagardère Travel Retail
Join our dynamic team as an Accounts Assistant in the UK & Ireland, where we prioritise a supportive work culture that values attention to detail and a proactive approach. Enjoy a range of benefits including a Simplyhealth cash plan, life insurance, and generous in-store discounts, all while contributing to the seamless operation of our finance department. With opportunities for professional growth and a commitment to employee well-being, we are dedicated to fostering a rewarding environment for all our staff.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Account Assistant (Payables)
✨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 Lagardère Travel Retail. 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 Account Assistant (Payables)
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 Lagardère Travel Retail.
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 Lagardère Travel Retail'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 Lagardère Travel Retail
✨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 Lagardère Travel Retail.
✨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 Lagardère Travel Retail 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 Lagardère Travel Retail 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.
