Accounts Assistant in Buckingham

We are seeking a proactive and detail-oriented Accounts Assistant (Purchase Ledger) to join an established Finance Team within the Education Sector. Working collaboratively within a busy team environment, you will support the accurate processing and reconciliation of financial transactions across the Group. Responsibilities will vary in line with the requirements of each entity within the Group.

The successful candidate will help deliver a customer-orientated finance service in an efficient, flexible, and professional manner, ensuring all transactions are processed accurately and within required deadlines.

• Process invoices and credit notes accurately and in accordance with internal financial policies and authorisation procedures.
• Ensure correct accounting and VAT treatment for invoices, expenses, and credit card transactions within the appropriate accounting period.
• Prepare, run, and reconcile weekly payment runs in line with agreed deadlines and authorisation limits.
• Record and reconcile direct debit invoices and payments on the Purchase Ledger.
• Maintain accurate Purchase Ledger control account reconciliations and investigate historic balances or discrepancies.
• Set up new supplier accounts, including verification of bank details and review of supplier credit applications.
• Monitor outstanding Purchase Orders, unauthorised invoices, and goods received not invoiced.
• Reconcile supplier statements and resolve supplier queries promptly and professionally.
• Liaise with colleagues to ensure correct nominal coding and recharging of expenditure.
• Produce purchasing statistics and other financial information as required.

• Upload and reconcile cashbooks to ensure accuracy and completeness.
• Process cash and cheque banking and prepare online payments for authorisation.
• Maintain petty cash, foreign currency accounts, credit cards, standing orders, and direct debits.
• Reconcile accounts to external reporting systems, including donations and Gift Aid records.
• Provide financial information relating to collections, trips, and charity activities.

• Process sales invoices and credit notes accurately and within deadlines.
• Ensure correct accounting and VAT treatment for all sales transactions.
• Maintain accurate reconciliation of Sales Ledger control accounts.

• Good general level of education with strong numeracy and literacy skills.
• Accounting qualification or relevant finance background desirable.
• Basic IT skills including Microsoft Word, Excel, and internet-based systems.
• Understanding of accounting principles and VAT treatment.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Good organisational and time management skills.
• Ability to prioritise workload and meet deadlines.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
• Need to undertake an enhanced DBS check.

• Previous experience working within a finance or accounts environment.
• Purchase Ledger processing and reconciliations desirable.
• Experience of accounting systems and financial controls advantageous.
• Handling supplier queries and working to deadlines preferred.

• Competitive salary package.
• Professional development and training opportunities.
• Supportive and collaborative working environment.
• Opportunities to contribute to process improvements and organisational growth.
• Employee benefits & Pension Scheme in line with company policy.

If you are interested, please get in touch ASAP or if this is not the exact role you are searching for, please do not hesitate to contact me directly to discuss other opportunities.