Accounts Assistant; FTC)

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an Accounts Assistant to join our Finance team on a 12-month fixed term contract.

Working as part of the Transactional team, you will provide efficient and accurate support across accounts payable, client matter disbursements and supplier management processes. You will be responsible for ensuring invoices, expenses, supplier records and disbursement transactions are processed accurately and in line with firm policies, while delivering excellent service to colleagues, legal advisers and external suppliers.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone with previous finance or accounting experience to broaden their knowledge and develop new skills within a professional services environment. You will have excellent attention to detail, strong organisational skills and the ability to manage a varied workload within demanding deadlines.

The team

Our Finance team is dedicated to delivering an efficient, accurate and professional service to both internal and external stakeholders. We support the firm's financial operations through the timely processing of transactions, strong financial controls and a commitment to continuous improvement. Working collaboratively across the business, we play a key role in ensuring compliance, operational excellence and exceptional service delivery.

Main responsibilities

General:

• To understand and ensure compliance with all firm policies, financial controls and regulatory requirements relevant to the role.
• To maintain accurate financial records using SAP and ensure data integrity across all systems.
• To provide a professional and responsive service to internal and external stakeholders.
• To be approachable, flexible and willing to learn new processes and responsibilities.
• To identify opportunities for process improvement and support the implementation of more efficient ways of working.

Key areas:

Accounts Payable:

• Process supplier invoices accurately and in a timely manner.
• Review invoices to ensure appropriate approval, coding and supporting documentation is in place.
• Resolve invoice, purchase order and supplier payment queries.
• Assist with payment run preparation and associated controls.
• Monitor shared mailboxes and respond to supplier and colleague enquiries.
• Support month-end activities relating to accounts payable transactions.
• Reconcile supplier statements and investigate outstanding items.

Client Matter Disbursements:

• Process client matter-related disbursements accurately and in accordance with firm procedures.
• Review and validate disbursement requests and supporting documentation.
• Ensure costs are correctly allocated to client matters and appropriate accounting records maintained.
• Investigate and resolve disbursement-related queries from legal advisers and support functions.
• Support the timely recovery of client-related costs through effective processing and control.
• Maintain accurate supplier records within finance systems.
• Assist with reviewing and updating supplier information when required.
• Liaise with suppliers regarding account queries, payment status and general administration.

Financial Operations:

• Assist with expense claim processing and associated financial controls.
• Maintenance of client exception rates.
• Support the wider General Accounts team during periods of high demand.
• Assist with reconciliations and routine financial control activities.
• Contribute to the maintenance of accurate accounting records and documentation.
• Support finance projects, process improvements and system developments where required.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues across the Finance teams to ensure service levels are maintained.
• Provide cover for other team members during periods of absence or annual leave.
• Assist other Finance teams when required.
• Ensure issues, risks or process concerns are communicated promptly to management.
• Additional hours may occasionally be required during peak periods, including month-end and year-end activities.
• This list is not exhaustive, and duties may be varied from time to time in accordance with business requirements.

Skills and qualifications

• Previous experience within an Accounts Payable, Finance Assistant, Accounts Assistant or similar finance role.
• Experience working within a professional services environment would be advantageous.
• Excellent attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to prioritise competing workloads.
• Good level of IT literacy, including Microsoft Excel, Outlook and finance systems.
• SAP knowledge is…