Accounts Payable Assistant in Belfast

Navantia UK is a new force in British industry, supporting the UK’s defence, energy and maritime ambitions. We’re doing this by creating state-of-the-art sovereign defence capabilities, investing in the UK to modernise industrial facilities, and bolstering the nation's energy security. Established in 2022, Navantia UK is a subsidiary of Navantia SA, a Spanish state-owned company with over 300 years of naval shipbuilding history. In January 2025, Navantia UK completed the acquisition of Harland & Wolff and its four historic facilities in Belfast, Appledore, Methil, and Arnish. By combining Harland & Wolff’s proud heritage and facilities with Navantia’s global expertise, Navantia UK is well-positioned to strengthen Britain’s defence, maritime and energy industrial capabilities, supporting jobs and economic growth across the UK.

Job Purpose

The Accounts Payable Assistant supports the Finance Team in the efficient processing of supplier invoices and employee expenses, ensuring accuracy and compliance with company procedures. The role contributes to the smooth operation of the Accounts Payable function by assisting with supplier reconciliations, payment runs, and month-end activities, while maintaining effective relationships with internal stakeholders and external suppliers.

Key Responsibilities & Accountabilities

• Efficient and accurate processing of supplier invoices, including matching to purchase orders and coding to the correct accounts and cost centres.
• Investigating and resolving invoice or payment discrepancies promptly.
• Liaising with internal departments to obtain timely invoice approvals.
• Work closely with the Procurement team to ensure accurate and efficient invoice processing.
• Preparing weekly supplier payment runs and assisting with payment processing.
• Completing monthly supplier statement reconciliations and resolving discrepancies in a timely manner.
• Maintaining good relationships with suppliers and handling queries professionally and efficiently.
• Monitoring aged accounts payable reports and ensuring outstanding balances are followed up and resolved in line with departmental procedures.
• Processing employee expense claims in line with company policy.
• Processing monthly journals such as payroll allocations, along with other ad hoc journals as required.
• Assisting with month-end close and reporting activities, ensuring adherence to deadlines.
• Providing support to other areas within the Finance department when required, including the Accounts Receivable function.
• Undertaking any other duties as required by management.

Qualifications

• Strong working knowledge of MS Office, particularly Excel.
• Excellent communication and organisational skills, with the ability to meet deadlines in a fast-paced and evolving environment.
• Highly motivated, with the ability to work independently, use initiative and manage own workload.
• Strong attention to detail and analytical skills, with the ability to prioritise tasks effectively.
• Experience in a previous finance or accounting role is desirable, however full systems training will be provided.
• Familiarity with ERP systems, particularly SAP, is advantageous.

Additional Information

We are an Opening Doors employer, committed to equal opportunity and an inclusive workplace. Our approach, shaped by our values of service, trust, excellence, agility, dedication, and you, we focus on removing barriers and recognising potential. We are committed to fairness at every stage, including providing reasonable adjustments and actively working to eliminate discrimination. We believe talent is everywhere, and by widening access to opportunity and welcoming diverse experiences, we aim to create a workplace where every person feels valued and has an equal chance.

If you experience difficulties or are unable to apply for a role on-line please contact us at people.skills@harland-wolff.com and one of the team will be in contact to help you.