Accounts Payable Assistant in Bristol

We are looking for an Accounts Payable Assistant to join our Finance department in Bristol. The role is responsible for ensuring that all invoices, disbursement invoices, staff expenses, foreign currency and invoice recharges are received and approved within the correct authorisation and budget limits. This role covers predominantly the Bristol office of Simmons & Simmons although some interaction may be required with the overseas offices to provide guidance on processes and procedures. The role has broad interaction at all levels in a supporting and advising capacity.

What will you do

• Using technical expertise to ensure the accurate recording of creditors and compliance with relevant Customs & Excise legislation, the provisions of the Solicitors Accounts Rules and Money Laundering Regulations.
• Ensuring that supplier payments, staff expenses, foreign currency are processed with adherence to GAAP, VAT legislation and the firm’s internal financial controls.
• Liaising with the management accounts team regarding the coding structure of the general ledger in order to confirm the accuracy of the information used in financial analysis and reporting.
• Ensuring that supplier payments, staff expenses, intercompany invoices, foreign currency and invoice recharges are processed in a timely and accurate manner in accordance with finance policies and procedures.
• Providing a quality service and ensuring that the team processes and objectives align with business needs.
• Adhering to agreed best practices, policies and processes whilst adapting to local requirements, as necessary.
• Supporting and maintaining effective relationships and networks to facilitate and improve the firm’s creditor cycle in relation to the UK practice and to support the Cashiers and Accounts Payable Manager in doing so on a firm-wide basis.
• Building constructive working relationships with the budget holders within the firm and key personnel within external organisations to ensure that focus is maintained on timely supplier payments.

What we are looking for

• At least 5 GCSE grade C or above or equivalent qualifications.
• Proven experience working in a commercial environment with experience of accounts payable.
• To be able to demonstrate the application of best practice together with a commercial approach.
• To be able to demonstrate experience of building successful relationships.
• Excel skills to Intermediate level and strong working use of Microsoft Office.
• Ability to advise on system functionality and transactions (AX/3e system knowledge an advantage).
• Strong awareness of Customs & Excise VAT legislation.
• An awareness of GAAP, and the provisions of the Solicitors Accounts Rules and Money Laundering requirements.
• Hands on individual who is pro-active and service orientated.
• Able to prioritise workload to meet daily, weekly, monthly and annual deadlines.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• A team player who works collaboratively with others to provide quality support to the department and the firm.

Career Level

The career level assigned to this role is level 2. The career level framework provides a formal structure for the business services functions at the firm. The framework, which ranges from level 1 to level 7, clearly defines the responsibilities, skills and competencies required at each level.

Equal opportunities

Upholding equal opportunities, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, belief, age, disability, sexual orientation, sex, gender reassignment, gender identity, marital status, or pregnancy, including maternity and paternity. This commitment extends to addressing any instances of perceived or associative discrimination and harassment. We also ensure fair treatment during recruitment and selection processes for those who are serving or have served in the armed forces, along with their families.

Accommodating requests for flexible working arrangements whenever possible. We encourage you to discuss your needs with us if this is something you require. Making our roles accessible to individuals with diverse abilities. If you need any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know so we can meet your needs.

We offer a range of employee networks to support our colleagues. More information about these networks can be found in the D&I Information booklet that candidates are sent when invited to interview.