Accounts Assistant at EBC Group in Birmingham

The Accounts Assistant is responsible for supporting the finance function by managing the accounts payable, credit control and bank reconciliation processes for multiple companies in the group. The role ensures accurate financial records, timely processing of invoices and payments, and effective management of customer accounts to maintain healthy cash flow.

Key Responsibilities

• Accounts payable
  • Process supplier overhead invoices, credit notes, and expenses accurately and in a timely manner.
  • Resolve invoice discrepancies and supplier queries.
  • Prepare supplier payment runs in line with agreed payment terms.
  • Reconcile supplier statements and investigate any differences.
  • Maintain accurate supplier records within the accounting system.
• Credit Control
  • Post and allocate incoming payments to customer accounts.
  • Process monthly collection of customers with an active direct debit mandate.
  • Reconcile customer accounts and investigate discrepancies.
  • Maintain up-to-date customer records and documentation.
  • Liaise with Customer Services team to resolve issues arising on customer accounts.
  • Monitor outstanding customer balances and follow up on overdue accounts.
  • Communicate with customers regarding outstanding invoices and payment arrangements, by email and by telephone, as necessary.
  • Maintain detailed records of collection activity.
  • Produce aged debtor reports and highlight potential risks to management.
  • Work with internal teams to resolve invoice disputes and payment delays.
  • Undertake the financial onboarding of new customers, to include credit checks, account set-up, completion of direct debit mandate, etc.
  • Assist in setting and reviewing customer credit limits.
• Bank reconciliations
  • Posting of bank statements ensuring that a company’s internal cash records match the balances reported by the bank.
• Month end procedures
  • Review and correct customer/supplier account balances prior to month end shut down of the ledgers.
  • Responsibility for closure of sales and purchase ledgers.
  • Ensure all bank accounts are fully reconciled.
• Additional Responsibilities
  • Support the finance team with reporting and ad-hoc analysis.
  • Maintain accurate and organised financial records.
  • Ensure compliance with company policies and financial procedures.
  • Assist with audit queries when required.
  • Responsibility for stock management and ordering of internal stationery, refreshments and cleaning materials.
  • Responsibility for the ownership of the accounts (suppliers) and credit control (customers) email accounts.
  • The role primarily covers the operation of the parent company but will include similar key responsibilities working on the smaller businesses within the Group including a football club.

Skills & Experience

• Previous experience in a finance or accounting role, ideally covering accounts payable, credit control and bank reconciliations.
• Good understanding of basic accounting principles.
• Experience using accounting software, ideally Sage 200, or another Sage package, although training can be provided to support the right candidate with understanding our software packages (primarily Sage 200).
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Good organisational and time management skills.
• Confident communication skills for dealing with suppliers and customers.
• Ability to work under pressure and to deadlines.

Qualifications

• AAT qualification (or working towards) desirable but not essential. Support is available towards the AAT qualification for the successful candidate, if required.
• GCSEs (or equivalent) including Maths and English.

Personal Attributes

• Reliable and trustworthy with confidential information.
• Proactive approach to problem solving.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Professional and customer-focused approach.
• Strong and confident personality able to interact with differing organisations and people, both internal and external to the company.