Finance Assistant (Payroll & Accounts Payable) | Maidstone, office based | Paying £26k

We are supporting a well-established business that is seeking a Finance Assistant to join their finance team. Reporting to the Finance Manager, this role provides support to both payroll and accounts payable, working closely with the Payroll Manager and an experienced accounts payable team.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone looking to build a career in finance, with genuine scope to develop your payroll and accounting knowledge within a supportive, team-focused environment.

Responsibilities

• Assist with the preparation of payroll data, ensuring employee information is accurate and complete.
• Process new starter, leaver and employee amendment information.
• Support the collection and validation of timesheets, overtime and absence records.
• Maintain payroll records and employee files, handling all information confidentially and in line with data protection requirements.
• Respond to routine payroll queries and assist with payroll audits, reconciliations and reporting.
• Process supplier invoices accurately and in a timely manner.
• Match invoices to purchase orders and supporting documentation.
• Assist with supplier statement reconciliations and support the preparation of payment runs.
• Respond to supplier queries, resolve discrepancies and maintain accurate supplier records.
• Monitor shared finance inboxes and ensure enquiries are dealt with promptly.
• Support month-end activities, finance projects and process improvement initiatives.
• Maintain organised and accurate records and filing systems, ensuring compliance with company policies and financial controls.

About You

The ideal candidate will be a detail-focused, numerate individual with a positive attitude and a real desire to learn, ideally with some previous administrative, payroll or finance experience.

You will also possess:

• Good GCSEs (or equivalent), including Maths and English.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Good organisational and time management skills.
• Competence in Microsoft Excel, Word and Outlook.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• The ability to handle confidential information appropriately.
• The ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
• A reliable, customer-focused and collaborative approach.
• A willingness to go the extra mile at key accounting deadlines.

Desirable Experience

• Previous administrative, payroll or finance experience.
• AAT studies, or an interest in pursuing a finance qualification.
• Experience using finance, payroll or ERP systems.
• An understanding of basic accounting principles.

What's on Offer?

• Opportunity to join a respected business with a supportive, team-focused culture.
• Varied role covering both payroll and accounts payable.
• Genuine opportunity to develop your finance and payroll knowledge.

If you are looking to start or progress your finance career, we would be delighted to hear from you.