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 public service.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous pension, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Great career development opportunities and a diverse, inclusive workplace.
- Why this job: Make a difference in public finance while developing your career in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience with Excel, Word, and a proactive problem-solving attitude.
- Purchase to Pay Assistant
- Maritime and Coastguard Agency
- Apply before 11:55 pm on Monday 31st August 2026
- 📍 Location: Southampton (This role is suitable for hybrid working)
- 💷 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
- To be successful in this role you will need to have the following experience:
- 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
How to Apply
👉 Read the full description and apply at CS Jobsusing the link provided.
This vacancy closes at 23:55 on Monday 31st August 2026
Purchase to Pay Assistant in Southampton employer: Maritime & Coastguard Agency
As a Technical Trainer with HM Coastguard, you will join a dedicated team committed to saving lives at sea and ensuring maritime safety. Our inclusive work culture promotes professional development through excellent training opportunities and a generous benefits package, including a substantial pension contribution and flexible working arrangements. Located in various coastal cities across the UK, this role offers a unique chance to make a meaningful impact while enjoying a supportive environment that values work-life balance.
Contact Details:
Maritime & Coastguard Agency Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Purchase to Pay Assistant in Southampton
✨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 Maritime & Coastguard Agency. 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 Purchase to Pay Assistant in Southampton
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 Maritime & Coastguard Agency.
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 Maritime & Coastguard Agency'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 Maritime & Coastguard Agency
✨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 Maritime & Coastguard Agency.
✨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 Maritime & Coastguard Agency 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 Maritime & Coastguard Agency 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.
