At a Glance
- Tasks: Support financial processes and ensure compliance across Purchase to Pay responsibilities.
- Company: Join the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, a vital part of the UK government.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous pension contributions, and 25 days annual leave.
- Other info: Flexible working options and excellent career development opportunities await you.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while developing your skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience with Excel and Word, plus a proactive problem-solving attitude.
The predicted salary is between 26607 - 26607 £ per year.
- Purchase to Pay Assistant
- Maritime and Coastguard Agency
- Salary: £26,607 - A Civil Service Pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%
Contract Type: Fixed term until June 2027 with the possibility of extension – Flexible working, Full-time, Job share, Part-time
Available Positions: 1
This role sits within the Financial Transactions team and supports the Purchase to Pay (P2P) Lead.
The role involves providing support to a range of stakeholders to ensure compliance across financial processes, in line with Government requirements.
The role will focus on Purchase to Pay responsibilities, including supplier master data fraud checking; purchase order (PO) and invoice processing, queries and verifications; Travel and Subsistence (T&S) claims and Government Procurement card (GPC) queries and compliance checks; and data cleansing.
The purpose of the Purchase to Pay Finance Assistant is to assist the P2P Lead in ensuring that all transactions are processed in accordance with the MCA's policies, procedures, and controls.
Support the work of the regions and other business areas whilst liaising with Unity Business Services (UBS) as necessary.
Help resolve pro-actively any MCA queries with the Shared Services provider UBS.
- Top Responsibilities
- Input, review and approve Supplier master data within the accounting system in a timely manner, ensuring all fraud checks have been completed.
- Resolve requisition, purchase order and invoice-related queries in support of all Business Areas, to ensure 3-way matching process is accurate and timely, and that prompt payment targets are met.
- Process requisition requests on behalf of the Directorate of Corporate Services and on occasion the wider Agency.
- Process internal credit/debit, manual and one-off payments to ensure payments are processed and supplier account balances are accurate.
- Support Business Areas with expense queries within the expense platform, develop a working knowledge of MCA policy on UK and Overseas subsistence rates to ensure correct rates are applied.
For more information on the role and responsibilities please see the full job advert on CS Jobs using the link provided.
Benefits
- Employer pension contribution of 28.97% of your salary. Read more about Civil Service Pensions here
- 25 days annual leave, increasing by 1 day each year of service (up to a maximum of 30 days annual leave).
- 8 Bank Holidays plus an additional Privilege Day to mark the King's birthday.
- Access to the staff discount portal.
- Excellent career development opportunities and the potential to undertake professional qualifications relevant to your role paid for by the department, such as CIPD, Prince2, apprenticeships, etc.
- Joining a diverse and inclusive workforce with a range of staff communities to support all our colleagues.
- 24-hour Employee Assistance Programme providing free confidential help and advice for staff.
- Flexible working options where we encourage a great work-life balance.
About You
- Ability to work under pressure, deliver to deadlines and work on concurrent tasks
- Experience in Excel and Word
- Proactive approach to problem solving & issue resolution
- This vacancy closes at 23:55 on Monday 31st August 2026
- #J-18808-Ljbffr
Purchase to Pay Assistant in Southampton employer: Maritime and Coastguard Agency
The Maritime and Coastguard Agency is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Southampton where innovation meets public service. With a strong focus on employee development, flexible working arrangements, and a commitment to compliance and excellence, you will find meaningful opportunities to grow your career while making a significant impact on national safety and security.
Contact Details:
Maritime and Coastguard Agency Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Purchase to Pay Assistant in Southampton
✨Tip Number 1: Tap Into Professional Networks
The finance world loves a good connection, so jump into industry-specific groups on platforms like LinkedIn where you can find discussions on financial controlling. Engaging in these communities can expose you to hidden job leads that aren't openly advertised!
✨Tip Number 2: Attend Finance Events and Conferences
Make it a mission to attend finance-related events and conferences, even virtual ones! This is a golden opportunity to network face-to-face with people from companies like Maritime and Coastguard Agency. You never know who might be your next boss or a crucial contact!
✨Tip Number 3: Showcase Your Expertise
Consider writing articles or sharing insights related to financial controlling or industry trends. Publish these on platforms like LinkedIn to establish yourself as a knowledgeable player in the field. This not only increases your visibility but also catches the attention of recruiters from Maritime and Coastguard Agency.
✨Tip Number 4: Apply Directly on Company Websites
Since you're going for a full-time gig, don't forget to keep an eye on the careers page of companies you're interested in, like Maritime and Coastguard Agency. Many companies prefer candidates who apply through their website as it shows genuine interest and makes your application stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Purchase to Pay Assistant in Southampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers Game:In financial controlling, detail is everything! Make sure your CV showcases your proficiency with numbers—highlight any relevant experience in budgeting, forecasting, or working with financial software. Quantifying your past achievements will make you stand out, so don’t be shy about flaunting those impressive percentages or cost savings you've implemented.
Tailored Cover Letter is Key:Your cover letter is a chance to shine, especially for a full-time role. Use it to express your genuine interest in Maritime and Coastguard Agency and the specific impact you hope to make in financial controlling. Mention any relevant qualifications or experiences that align with the company’s goals, and don’t forget to show that you're ready for a long-term commitment!
Certifications Matter:List relevant certifications such as ACCA or CIMA on your CV. These qualifications not only showcase your dedication to the field but also your technical competence in financial principles. If you have any ongoing training or courses, make sure to mention those as well to demonstrate your commitment to continual learning in financial controlling.
Don’t Overlook Soft Skills:While numbers are crucial, so are those soft skills! Financial controllers need strong communication and analytical reasoning abilities. We recommend embedding examples of these skills in your CV and cover letter, like how you’ve successfully delivered financial reports to stakeholders or collaborated with teams to improve processes. Let’s show Maritime and Coastguard Agency how you can be a team player!
How to prepare for a job interview at Maritime and Coastguard Agency
✨Brush Up on Technical Skills
Make sure you're comfortable with key financial concepts, especially around forecasting, budgeting, and variance analysis. Sometimes, interviewers may throw in technical questions or case studies, so practicing these types of scenarios will help you shine!
✨Showcase Your Financial Acumen
If you've had experience with specific financial software like SAP or Oracle, make it known! Be ready to discuss how you used these tools to improve processes or reporting, as this hands-on knowledge can really set you apart in a full-time role with Maritime and Coastguard Agency.
✨Know Your Numbers
In full-time interviews, especially in financial controlling, be prepared for numerical reasoning tests or questions. Brush up on your mental maths and understand how to interpret and analyse financial statements on the spot, as this may come up during the assessment.
✨Connect with Company Goals
Familiarise yourself with Maritime and Coastguard Agency's financial objectives and any recent developments. During the interview, try to weave your understanding of their business model and challenges into your answers—this shows your genuine interest and alignment with their goals!
