Accounts Payable Assistant (12mth FTC)

About Withersworldwide

A law firm focused on people and collaboration. For the past 125 years, Withers has supported some of the world's most remarkable people and organisations at defining moments in their lives. We are the only international law firm focused on successful individuals and private capital, working closely with founders, investors and family offices. We also advise governments, charities, global brands and start-ups of all shapes and sizes. Many of our clients are shaping the future and creating solutions to tackle many of the world's problems.  It makes for a fascinating and challenging practice. Our role is to get to know each individual client, find out where they want to be, and help them to get there – whether they are building a business, looking after their family, involved in a complex dispute or protecting their finances for the future. To meet their unique needs we are exceptionally collaborative, working together across teams and time zones. We are agile, focusing on strategy rather than rigid ideas and traditional hierarchy. It is a truly flexible working culture that puts people first. Join us to be part of a team that is always looking to the future. Where initiative, big ideas and bold moves are always encouraged. Where you can truly be yourself.

What are we looking for?

We are looking for a proactive and enthusiastic Accounts Payable Assistant with a process improvement mindset, to join our busy accounts team. This role will be key in assisting with the implementation of OCR invoicing, working closely with the Assistant Financial Controller and contributing to an improved efficiency of the function. In addition, this role will assist with maintaining and improving the overall financial health of the Firm. You will work closely with our Senior Accounts Payable Assistant to focus on making improvements to current processes, whilst maintaining a robust Accounts Payable function.

Areas of focus and responsibilities

• Review/verify invoices
• Input invoices in multi-currency
• Prepare/process backup reports after data entry
• Prepare/upload payment runs - BACs, CHAPS and Faster Payment
• Review/update monthly creditor account reconciliations, ensuring payments are made according to recs
• Allocate payments in a timely manner to facilitate bank reconciliations
• Assist with implementation of OCR invoicing, liaising with counterparts globally and documenting new processes
• Forecasting AP cash payments for inclusion in the cash flow forecasting
• Applying the correct VAT treatment to transactions processed through the Purchase Ledger
• Liaising with counterparts in the Firm’s global offices
• Maintain and create accurate vendor records (payment terms, bank account details, etc.)
• Process credit card transactions
• Import supplier invoices via template into Elite 3E
• Processing multi-currency payments for foreign expert fees
• Assist with bi-annual payment terms reporting
• Assist with maintaining the AP Outlook Mailbox – internal and external

This list of duties and responsibilities is not exhaustive. It is intended to describe the general content of, and requirements for the performance of this job, and as such, the role may also include the undertaking of additional tasks as required.

Skills and experience

• Educated to a minimum 5 GCSE grade ‘C’ or equivalent
• Previous experience in a professional services accounts environment desirable
• Solid experience (3-5 years plus) of accounts payable and maintaining general ledgers
• Experience of working with Elite 3E preferable
• Experience assisting with OCR implementation highly desirable
• Process improvement mindset
• Good communicator with high levels of interpersonal skills
• Organised and accurate - attention to detail
• Capable of keeping up with day-to-day tasks while improving overarching processes
• Can deal with a high volume of work and work well under pressure
• Uses initiative and can be self sufficient
• A positive, committed and ‘can-do’ attitude
• A good team player with the ability to be flexible and willing to help others when necessary

The Essentials 

• 12 month fixed term contract
• Monday to Friday, 9:30 am to 5:30 pm; however flexibility is necessary during busy periods
• 12 week probation period
• 4 week notice period
• Flexible benefit package including pension, private medical insurance, denplan, season ticket loan, subsidised gym memberships, lifestyle discount scheme, the ability to buy and sell holidays, flu jabs, doctors consultation service, cycle to work scheme, on site café and more

Information for Recruitment Agencies

Withersworldwide endeavours to recruit and fill vacancies directly. However, when we do need to engage with agencies, Withersworldwide operates a preferred supplier list and will not be accepting unsolicited applications from non-PSL agencies for this role.

Equal Opportunities Employment Statement

It is the policy of Withersworldwide to provide equal opportunities for all employees in relation to recruitment, training and promotion.  Decisions in these areas will be made only by reference to the requirements of the job and shall not be influenced by any consideration of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race (including colour, nationality and ethnic and national origin), religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation.     

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