Transactional Finance Apprentice

The Transactional Finance Apprentice supports the day-to-day running of Accounts Receivable and Accounts Payable across the UK&I business. You will gain experience in processing transactions, supporting payments and collections, and maintaining accurate financial records. This is a development role suited to a motivated and detail-focused individual who is eager to learn, build relationships, and grow within a finance team while contributing to accurate and efficient financial processes.

Reports to: Senior Accounts Payable Controller

Job Location: Shiseido Group London Head Office

Contract type: Permanent

Main Responsibilities:

• Monitor and manage shared finance inboxes (AR, AP, and Expenses), ensuring queries are responded to in a timely and professional manner or escalated where appropriate.
• Support daily banking activities, including cash allocation and ensuring receipts are accurately recorded against customer accounts.
• Maintain and update weekly reporting trackers (e.g. debit notes), ensuring information is accurate and up to date.
• Carry out administrative tasks relating to debit notes, including logging, tracking, and supporting communication with relevant stakeholders.
• Support the team with query resolution, taking a common-sense approach to escalating issues to achieve timely and effective outcomes.
• Assist with core transactional finance activities, including debit note processing, recharges, cash allocation, and basic reconciliations.
• Provide support during audit processes, responding to requests and gathering required documentation as directed by the team.
• Work collaboratively as part of the team, building knowledge and providing day-to-day support to colleagues where needed.
• Produce and share weekly reports to the wider business (e.g. outstanding purchase orders and approvals), helping to minimise delays in invoice processing and payment.
• Process supplier invoices, ensuring they are accurately recorded, matched to approved purchase orders, and comply with company policies.
• Support the set-up and maintenance of supplier records in the finance system, ensuring data is accurate and complete.
• Ensure all transactions are processed in line with internal controls, policies, and procedures.
• Maintain accurate and organised financial records and documentation to support audit and reporting requirements.
• Assist in identifying process improvements and support the team in implementing changes.
• Build an understanding of end-to-end transactional finance processes across Accounts Receivable, Accounts Payable, and Expenses.

Profile, Skills and Experience Required:

• Strong attention to detail with good levels of accuracy and organisation.
• A proactive attitude with a willingness to learn and develop new skills.
• Basic understanding of numeracy and financial concepts (e.g. through education or previous experience).
• Good communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Ability to prioritise tasks and manage time effectively in a busy environment.
• A team player with a positive and collaborative approach.
• Comfortable using Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.
• Ability to follow processes and procedures while maintaining accuracy.
• Willingness to ask questions and escalate issues where appropriate.
• Alignment with the group’s “Trust8” working principles: Think Big, Take Risks, Hands on, Collaborate, Be Open, Act with Integrity, Be Accountable, Applaud Success.