Finance Assistant

Finance Assistant Location: Darlington

About the Opportunity A well-established and growing business is seeking a proactive and detail-oriented Finance Assistant to join its Finance team. This is an excellent opportunity for an individual who enjoys working in a fast-paced environment and takes pride in delivering accurate and timely financial support.
Reporting to the Management Accountant, the successful candidate will play a key role in supporting both Accounts Payable and Accounts Receivable activities while helping to maintain robust financial controls and accurate records across the business. The role offers the opportunity to contribute to process improvements and support the continued growth of the organisation. 
Key Responsibilities
Accounts Payable
Process supplier invoices accurately and in a timely manner.
Match purchase orders, goods received notes and invoices.
Assist with supplier payment runs.
Reconcile supplier statements and investigate discrepancies.
Maintain accurate supplier records and supporting documentation.
Liaise with suppliers to resolve invoice and payment queries.  Accounts Receivable
Raise and process customer invoices and credit notes.
Allocate incoming customer payments accurately.
Monitor outstanding customer balances.
Chase overdue payments professionally whilst maintaining positive customer relationships.
Reconcile customer accounts.
Investigate and resolve customer payment queries.  General Finance Duties
Process employee expenses where required.
Maintain accurate financial records and filing systems.
Support audit activities by preparing and providing relevant documentation.
Assist in identifying opportunities to improve finance processes and controls.
Provide administrative support to the wider Finance team as required.
Support the business in maintaining high standards of financial governance and compliance.  Candidate Requirements We're interested in hearing from candidates who can demonstrate:

Previous experience within an Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable or Finance Assistant role.
Experience processing high volumes of invoices accurately and efficiently.
A good understanding of the purchase-to-pay process.
Knowledge of VAT and its application to supplier and customer invoices.
Excellent attention to detail and a high level of accuracy.
Strong organisational and time-management skills.
Confidence using Microsoft Excel and accounting systems.
Effective communication skills and the ability to build strong working relationships.
A proactive, flexible and adaptable approach to work.
The ability to prioritise workloads and meet deadlines within a busy environment. Desirable
Experience working within a manufacturing or production environment.
Knowledge of ERP systems or integrated accounting software. Key Competencies
Attention to detail
Analytical thinking
Time management and prioritisation
Teamwork and collaboration
Communication skills
Problem-solving ability
Confidentiality and discretion
Professionalism and accountability