Accounts Assistant

About us
PRM Furniture (Paula Rosa Manhattan) is a kitchen manufacturer based in Lancing, West Sussex. We design, manufacture and install kitchens for customers across the housing sector. We also have a beautiful retail showroom located on site, adjacent to our factory and offices. We're looking for an organised, detail-focused Accounts Assistant to join our Finance team and help keep our supplier and subcontractor payments accurate, timely and compliant.
The role
Reporting to the Financial Controller, you'll look after the purchase ledger from start to finish, making sure our suppliers and subcontractors are paid correctly and on time. You'll work within CIS, VAT reverse charge and IR35 rules and support weekly cash forecasting and month-end reporting. You'll work closely with Procurement, Contract Managers and the wider Finance team.
Key responsibilities
* Processing subcontractor payments in line with CIS, VAT reverse charge and IR35 regulations, and maintaining accurate HMRC records
* Processing supplier invoices via 3-way match, keeping accounts within credit limits and preventing duplicate payments or overpayments
* Making sure subcontractor work is posted to the payables ledger and approved in line with our approval matrix
* Preparing weekly cash forecasts and payment proposals, and explaining them to senior management
* Setting up and reconciling direct debits, and reconciling supplier statements to the general ledger
* Reviewing and authorising expenses in line with company policy, and raising weekly payments
* Processing cash and credit card transactions to support month-end bank reconciliation
* Closing the PO and AP ledgers to the finance timetable with a clear audit trail
* Producing and explaining month-end reports, including AP ageing and GRNI
* Monitoring aged liabilities over six months for VAT adjustments
* Writing clear process notes to support continuity and train colleagues
What we're looking for
* An Accounts Assistant with proven experience in an accounts payable or purchase ledger role, including high-volume invoice processing via 3-way match
* An Accounts Assistant with experience of subcontractor payments and familiarity with CIS
* An Accounts Assistant with experience preparing cash forecasts and reporting them to management
* A high level of accuracy and strong attention to detail
* Good organisation, with the ability to manage daily, weekly and period-end deadlines
* Confidence using accounting/ERP systems and Excel (reconciliations, formulas, pivot tables)
* The ACcounts Assistant needs to communicate clearly, including explaining financial information to non-finance colleagues
* The confidence to raise queries and challenge non-compliant approvals
* An eye for improving invoice and payment processes
* GCSEs (or equivalent) in Maths and English
* Part-qualified AAT, or working towards AAT, ACCA or CIMA
It would be great if you also have
* Experience in a manufacturing or construction-related environment
* Hands-on experience of VAT reverse charge and IR35 status determinations for subcontractors
* Experience of period-end close and audit support
* Knowledge of GRNI processes and aged liability VAT adjustments
* Experience of direct debit administration and credit card reconciliation
What we offer
* Study support may be available after a qualifying period, for those working towards AAT, ACCA or CIMA
* 25 days' holiday rising with service plus 8 bank holidays · Holiday purchase up to 6 weeks · Health cash plan · EAP · Life assurance at 2× basic salary · SMART pension · EV salary sacrifice (after 6 months) · Bike2Work · Employee discount on kitchens and appliances