Finance Assistant (Accounts Payable) in Liverpool

Application Deadline: 2 September 2026

Department: Finance

Employment Type: Permanent

Location: Liverpool

Compensation: £25,299 - £29,911 / year

To support the work of the Procurement and Transaction Team through the operation of systems and processes relating to the ordering of supplies and services, the processing of invoices & claims and the payment of creditors. The post-holder will operate proactively and with the minimum of supervision to ensure that routine and complex administrative tasks are performed to the highest standards. The post-holder will frequently act as a first point of contact for a wide variety of internal and external stakeholders, consistently acting as a positive ambassador for the College Group. The post-holder will be an enthusiastic and resourceful team-player with the ability to operate discreetly and develop a customer-focused approach.

Responsible to: Procurement & Transactions Manager

Key Responsibilities

• Ensuring that all invoices are coded and recorded accurately on the invoice register within Open Accounts in a timely manner.
• To liaise with budget holders and receivers to ensure that appropriate approvals are received to enable invoices to be posted to the purchase ledger.
• To process claims relating to staff/student expenses as per agreed performance standards.
• To process sundry payment requests as needed and account for expenditure.
• To review unallocated cash report (Accounts Payable) and to ensure associated invoices are registered, authorised and transaction matched.
• To investigate and resolve invoice queries to prevent items becoming aged.
• To review Goods Received Not Invoiced Report and take appropriate actions to either reconcile to invoices or to arrange for reversals to be undertaken.
• To provide awareness training to colleagues and other Group employees as required.
• Ensure high levels of customer service are maintained promoting a positive image of the department.
• Handle cash/cash equivalents and assist with reconciliation/ paying in/banking procedures.
• Comply with college security, standards, and audit requirements.
• Maintain links with staff in the faculties and other business support areas to enhance the service provided to students and staff.
• To ensure that all financial records are retained and filed/scanned in a timely manner to provide an accurate and robust audit trail.
• Production of and maintenance of work instructions for all key tasks undertaken.
• Provision of accurate and timely management information as required.
• To operate as part of a team and to provide cover for other team members, as necessary.
• To undertake any other relevant duties appropriate to the grade of this post that might be required.

Generic duties

• To contribute fully to the mission and values statement of the College Group ensuring its effective implementation in all aspects of College life.
• To take proactive responsibility for Health & Safety to ensure that a safe working environment and safe working practices are always maintained.
• To comply with the General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR).
• To comply with Financial Regulations and external legislation such as the Modern Slavery Act.
• To support cross college activities as required particularly the key enrolment and invigilation periods.

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

Essential Criteria:

• Excellent communication and organisational skills.
• High level of interpersonal skills and acts with integrity and sells with a high level of ethics.
• Ability to use own initiative and self-motivated.
• Good computer literacy and general IT Skills.
• An ability to work effectively with people across a wide range of levels and responsibilities.
• Excellent attention to detail.
• Good team working skills.
• Experience of working with customers or volunteering or working in a team.

Desirable Criteria:

• Achievement of 5 G.C.S.E's Grade A-C or equivalent.

Benefits

As a valued member of our College community, you’ll enjoy a comprehensive range of benefits, dedicated wellbeing support, and meaningful opportunities for professional growth and development. Here are some of the benefits available to you:

• Generous holiday allowance: Up to 30 days annual holiday allowance, plus 1 wellbeing day. You’ll also benefit from 5 to 7 days statutory closure and 2 further days closure at Easter.
• Pension Scheme: You'll be part of the Aviva pension scheme, with contributions of up to 10%.
• Employee Benefits Platform: Access to a one-stop hub for a wide range of perks designed to support your wellbeing, work-life balance, and everyday savings.
• Health and Wellbeing: Access to the Health Assured Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) – a confidential support service available 24/7, 365 days a year.
• Medicash Scheme: Access to Medicash health plans – supporting you and your family with enhanced access to treatment, wellbeing services, and expert care whenever you need it.
• Life Assurance: Life assurance to give you and your family added peace of mind — with a benefit of up to three times your annual salary payable in the event of death in service.
• Travel: Interest-free loans to help you buy annual travel passes from Merseytravel and Merseyrail.
• Flexible Working: Flexible working options depending on business need to support our employee's work-life balance.
• Professional Development: A mix of formal and informal professional development opportunities—designed to sharpen your skills, expand your knowledge, and accelerate your career.
• College Benefits: Access to excellent sports and fitness facilities free of charge, discounted hair and beauty treatments, and a staff discount at our Academy Restaurant.