Estates Financial Administrator in Sunderland

Description We are looking to recruit an Estates Financial Administrator to join our Estates Team. This is an exciting opportunity to join a fast-paced retail business, offering the successful candidate the chance to develop their skills, broaden their experience, and achieve personal growth within a supportive team environment. As Estates Financial Administrator, you will play a key role in supporting procurement activities, helping to ensure best value is achieved from suppliers. You will coordinate tender returns, monitor store development costs, and provide administrative support across the wider Estates function, including the management and maintenance of the Estates portal. You will also be responsible for reviewing and validating services provided by consultants and Facilities Management contractors, ensuring that all property-related costsincluding rent, business rates, service charges, and maintenance invoicesare accurately checked and processed. Working closely with the Finance team, you will help maintain accurate financial records and support the effective management of the company's property portfolio. This role is a 12 month temporary contract. What does the role involve? Validate all Property & Estates invoices against contracts, purchase orders, agreed rates and with evidence of completion. Investigate and resolve invoice discrepancies with suppliers and internal stakeholders. Reconcile supplier statements and accounts to ensure accuracy and completeness. Maintain clear audit trails and documentation for all work streams and projects. Build project cost trackers and monitor / track all project costs. Support with tendering of store development projects. Support with contract renewals for all professional and consultancy services ensuring best value and alignment to Group policy. Ensure items requiring escalation for approval are fully reviewed and presented with supporting evidence. Liaise with colleagues within Finance teams (UK & Italy) to ensure all required information and evidence is provided as required. Act as a key point of contact for invoice and payment queries escalating where necessary to the National Property Manager or Store Development & Maintenance Manager. Provide support to the wider Estates Administration team as required in relation to BAU and project activity. Assist with monitoring and management of the Estates portal, escalating maintenance requests and seeking further quotes as required. Act as point of contact for Estates queries, acting on requests to direct or escalate as necessary. Support with the preparation of Management Information. Consistently look for cost saving and process improvement. Who are we looking for? Attention to detail and strong financial control / governance are a key element of this role. High level of numerical accuracy and attention to detail Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage high volumes of data Good communication skills and ability to liaise with multiple stakeholders Proficiency in Microsoft Excel Strong understanding of invoice processing, reconciliation, and payment procedures Experience in a finance, or administrative role Experience in property, estates, or facilities management environments is desirable but not essential Experience supporting procurement or supplier management activities is desirable but not essential Whats in it for you? 33 days holidays including bank holidays Employee benefits platform access to 100s of high street discounts and more holiday discounts, gym discounts, cinema discounts, e-vouchers, cashback and more! Colleague Discount Enhanced Maternity, Paternity and Adoption Leave Access to our dedicated Employee Assistance Programme to give you free access to advice and information on a range of topics Virtual GP Access to a GP service 24/7 Salary finance scheme Pension Scheme Death in Service Life assurance TPBN1_UKTJ