Accounts Payable Assistant (Purchase Ledger)

William Stobart & Son is an established UK haulage and logistics business operating across national transport networks. With a reputation built on reliability, operational control and financial discipline, we support a diverse commercial customer base across multiple sectors. As part of our continued growth, we are strengthening our finance function and are now recruiting an Accounts Payable Assistant to join our team at our Appleton Thorn office.

The Role

Reporting to the Finance Manager, you will take ownership of core Accounts Payable and Purchase Ledger processes within a high–volume haulage environment. This role requires accuracy, pace and commercial awareness. You will ensure supplier invoices are processed correctly and on time, payment runs are prepared efficiently, and supplier accounts are maintained accurately. You will also support wider finance objectives including working capital control and month–end reporting. Experience using Sage 50 is highly advantageous.

Key Responsibilities

• High–volume invoice processing within Sage 50
• 2–way and 3–way matching of purchase invoices to purchase orders and delivery documentation
• Accurate coding of invoices to nominal ledger and cost centres
• Supplier statement reconciliations and resolution of discrepancies
• Proactive query resolution with suppliers and internal departments
• Preparation of weekly and monthly payment runs
• Processing BACS payments and maintaining payment schedules
• Monitoring aged creditors to support cashflow and working capital control
• Assisting with month end processes including accruals and reporting support
• VAT accuracy checks to ensure compliance and correct treatment
• Maintaining and reviewing supplier master data records
• Supporting internal and external audit queries relating to Purchase Ledger
• Identifying process improvements to enhance efficiency and reduce error rates

This role will suit someone who understands the financial impact of accurate Invoice Processing and timely Supplier Reconciliations on cashflow and supplier relationships.

Candidate Requirements

Essential:

• Previous experience in Accounts Payable or Purchase Ledger
• Strong background in high–volume Invoice Processing
• Experience completing Supplier Reconciliations
• Experience preparing or supporting Payment Runs
• Working knowledge of BACS payments
• Understanding of Month End processes
• Good attention to detail and accuracy
• Confident communicator, able to resolve supplier queries professionally
• Competent in Microsoft Excel

Desirable:

• Experience using Sage 50
• Experience within haulage, logistics or transport
• Understanding of VAT rules relating to purchase invoices
• AAT qualification (or studying towards)

What We Offer

• Salary GBP25,000 GBP30,000 depending on experience
• Permanent, full–time position
• Office–based role in Appleton Thorn
• Structured finance team with clear reporting lines
• Exposure to commercial finance operations within a national haulage business
• Opportunity to develop knowledge of working capital management and financial controls
• Company pension scheme
• 28 days annual leave including bank holidays

If you have solid Accounts Payable or Purchase Ledger experience and are looking to join a stable and growing haulage business, we would like to hear from you. Apply now with your CV. Early applications are encouraged.