Finance Associate (AP & AR)

We are seeking a detail‑oriented and proactive Finance Associate to support the day‑to‑day financial operations of Sustainable Ventures. This hands‑on, transactional role involves maintaining accurate financial records, processing high volumes of accounts payable (AP) and accounts receivable (AR) activity, and ensuring timely and accurate reconciliations across our multi‑entity group structure, which includes workspace operations, consultancy services, and fund management.

As the first point of contact for finance queries from our startups, you will build trusted relationships with entrepreneurs and businesses. Clear, responsive communication—especially when handling invoice queries, payment matters, or account reconciliations—is essential to delivering excellent service and reinforcing our reputation as a supportive partner in their growth journey. We’re looking for a systems‑savvy self‑starter who is eager to learn and excited by the chance to make processes run smarter while supporting our mission to tackle climate change.

Diversity & Inclusion

We’re an equal‑opportunity employer dedicated to building a diverse workforce and fostering an inclusive environment. We especially encourage applications from people of colour, the LGBTQ+ community, people with disabilities, neurodivergent individuals, parents, carers, and those from lower socio‑economic backgrounds, as well as anyone whose background may not exactly match the job criteria.

Key Responsibilities

• Act as the primary finance contact for startup members, responding promptly and professionally to queries regarding invoices, payments, and account matters.
• Build strong working relationships with members to ensure smooth financial interactions and member satisfaction.
• Coordinate with workspace and programme teams to resolve member billing queries and maintain accurate records.
• Process supplier and member invoices accurately in Xero with correct coding and allocation.
• Prepare weekly payment runs and reconcile incoming payments via GoCardless and other platforms.
• Monitor outstanding payables and receivables, sending professional reminders and following up as needed.
• Maintain accurate supplier and member records.
• Perform weekly bank reconciliations across all entities, identifying and investigating discrepancies.
• Reconcile GoCardless, Pleo, and Capital on Tap accounts in Xero.
• Monitor Pleo card spend, chase missing receipts, and process expense claims in line with policies.
• Maintain organised digital filing systems for contracts, invoices, and financial documentation across entities.
• Schedule finance meetings, prepare agendas, and follow up on outstanding actions.
• Support onboarding/offboarding activities and system access updates.
• Identify repetitive tasks suitable for automation or AI‑assisted workflows (e.g., minute generation).
• Contribute ideas for streamlining processes and improving efficiency across the finance function.
• Assist with month‑end activities including journal postings, account reconciliations, and VAT preparation.
• Support statutory reporting and collaborate with other departments on financial analysis.

Required Experience & Skills

• At least 2 years’ experience in finance, particularly AP and AR, accounting, or bookkeeping support (or currently completing a bookkeeping apprenticeship).
• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy in data entry and reconciliations.
• Strong organisational and time‑management skills, with the ability to work to tight deadlines and manage multiple priorities.
• Proficiency in accounting software, ideally Xero, and familiarity with tools such as Dext, Pleo, or similar platforms.
• Clear and professional written and verbal communication skills for liaising with startup members, internal teams, suppliers, and clients.
• Good understanding of accounting principles and financial processes.
• Confidence using Google Sheets for data management and basic analysis.

Preferred Experience

• Experience handling the full AP/AR cycle with minimal supervision.
• Familiarity with multi‑entity accounting structures or group consolidations.
• Knowledge of digital payment platforms, reconciliation tools, and finance integrations.
• Experience with EU sales transactions or VAT considerations.

Benefits

• Full‑time, 40 hours per week.
• Flexible working (minimum 3 days in the office).
• Remuneration: £30,000 – £33,000 FTE per annum.
• Based: London Workspace.
• 25 days holiday + bank holidays.
• Monthly wellness day for rest & recharge.
• Paid sick leave + Vitality Health Insurance Scheme.
• Enhanced pension scheme.
• Cycle to Work Scheme + Octopus EV Lease Scheme.
• Access to enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoption leave & pay (after 2 years’ service).

Recruitment Process

• 30‑minute phone screening interview.
• Two‑stage in‑person interviews.

About Sustainable Ventures

Sustainable Ventures is Europe’s largest ecosystem of climate‑tech startups. Following the expansion of our Central London headquarters and the recent opening of our Central Manchester workspace, we’re focused on developing 1,000 new businesses by 2025 and expanding our operations across UK regions. Our impact on the planet’s climate and its natural resources is growing, and we are committed to achieving net‑zero by 2050.