Your new company
Hays are partnering with a well-established public sector organisation based in North Bristol to recruit an Interim Accounts Payable Assistant for an initial minimum 3-month assignment, with the potential for extension. This organisation manages and maintains significant environmental and land-based assets across England, playing a vital role in sustainability, conservation, and community engagement.The organisation is known for its collaborative culture, supportive working environment, and commitment to delivering meaningful public services. You'll be joining a busy and experienced finance team during a period of increased demand, where your contribution will be valued from day one.

Your new role
As an Interim Accounts Payable Assistant, you will support the day-to-day operation of the accounts payable function, ensuring supplier invoices and queries are processed accurately and efficiently. Working within a high-volume transactional finance team, you will take ownership of a range of accounts payable activities while maintaining excellent service levels for both internal and external stakeholders.
Key responsibilities will include:

• Monitoring and managing the finance inbox, ensuring supplier queries and invoices are actioned promptly.
• Processing a high volume of supplier invoices, including accurate coding, purchase order matching, and VAT treatment.
• Liaising with budget holders to obtain invoice approvals in a timely manner.
• Preparing and processing authorised invoices for payment.
• Reconciling supplier statements and investigating any discrepancies.
• Setting up and maintaining supplier accounts in line with company policies.
• Responding to supplier and stakeholder queries professionally and efficiently.
• Building positive relationships with internal departments and external suppliers.
• Assisting with ad hoc finance administration and supporting the wider finance team as required.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone looking to gain experience within a respected public sector organisation while working as part of a supportive and collaborative finance function.

What you'll need to succeed
To be successful in this role, you will have:

• Previous experience working in an Accounts Payable, Purchase Ledger, or transactional finance position.
• Strong attention to detail and a commitment to processing financial information accurately.
• A good understanding of invoice processing, supplier reconciliations, and VAT principles.
• Excellent organisational skills with the ability to prioritise a busy workload.
• Strong communication skills and the confidence to liaise with stakeholders at all levels.
• A proactive and professional approach to problem-solving and query resolution.
• The ability to work independently while contributing effectively as part of a wider team.
• Experience using finance systems and Microsoft Excel would be advantageous.

What you'll get in return

• Competitive hourly rate of £16 per hour.
• Minimum 3-month interim assignment, with the possibility of extension.
• Hybrid working arrangement, with 5 days in the office initially for training and onboarding, followed by 3 days working from home and 2 days in the office.
• Opportunity to gain experience within a respected public sector organisation.
• Friendly and supportive team environment.
• Excellent North Bristol location with accessible transport links.
• Dedicated Hays consultant throughout your assignment.

What you need to do now

If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now.
If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career.

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