Accounts Payable Assistant

The role:

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. Ensuring all invoices are posted in an efficient, effective and accurate manner to the correct matter and/or cost code and paid within the firm's normal terms of business.

This role covers predominately 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.
• Inputting of transactions on behalf of the finance department, providing corporate governance and financial control.

Providing a quality service and ensuring that the team processes and objectives align with business needs:

• Obtaining relevant feedback in order to advise on improvements to the processes of the team and actively promoting the finance function.
• Adhering to agreed best practices, policies and processes whilst adapting to local requirements, as necessary.
• Consistently sharing knowledge and skills with colleagues.

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.
• Establishing and maintaining effective relationships with external suppliers.
• Accepting responsibility and taking ownership of operational issues, finding practical solutions and escalating problems where appropriate.