Job Opportunity: Accounting & Finance Assistant
Location: Bicester (Hybrid working available)
Reports to: Head of Accounting & Finance
About Bentley Designs
Bentley Designs is a second-generation family business and one of the UK and Ireland’s leading furniture suppliers. Established in 1988, we’re renowned for delivering market-leading designs and exceptional craftsmanship with outstanding value. Our long-standing partnerships with national and independent retailers are underpinned by our commitment to innovation and excellent customer service.
The Role
As our Accounting & Finance Assistant, you’ll play a crucial part in the finance team. This role focuses on accurate transaction processing, timely payment runs, customer and supplier account management and assisting with cash‑flow monitoring. You’ll help keep our records up to date, support both Accounts Payable and Accounts Receivable tasks, and ensure our vendors and customers are treated with professionalism and care. You’ll report directly to the Head of Accounting & Finance.
Key Responsibilities
Invoice & Credit Processing
* Process sales invoices and credit notes to support the accounts receivable process, ensuring invoices are raised accurately and tracked for payment.
* Process supplier invoices and credit notes, ensuring they’re coded and authorised correctly. Maintain an organised purchase ledger and respond to supplier queries.
* Manage monthly BACS runs and ad hoc payments, ensuring all supplier payments are made on time.
Supplier & Customer Management
* Reconcile supplier statements regularly, resolving discrepancies and ensuring no duplicate payments.
* Set up new supplier accounts with appropriate checks and maintain accurate supplier records.
* Support credit application checks for new customers and monitor existing customer credit limits, escalating issues to the Head of Accounting & Finance as necessary.
* Assist with ad‑hoc investigations, analysis and reconciliations.
Financial Administration & Compliance
* Process bank transactions, payment runs and general ledger postings accurately and in the correct accounting period.
* Assist with month‑end processes, including preparing journals, checking ledgers and supporting cash‑flow reporting.
* Reconcile and process direct container invoices and freight‑related invoices, ensuring charges are correct before payment and system posting.
* Scan and index route paperwork for quick retrieval, ensuring PODs and documentation are filed correctly.
Cross‑Department Support
* Liaise with other departments (operations, transport, and sales) to resolve queries related to deliveries, collections, invoices and credit notes.
* Support cash collection efforts, including raising credit notes, issuing reminders, and following up on overdue accounts.
* Provide ad hoc administrative assistance within the finance team and contribute to continuous improvement of processes.
What We’re Looking For
* Good numeracy and attention to detail, with a solid grasp of basic accounting principles.
* Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and finance software; experience with ERP systems (e.g. Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central) is an advantage.
* Previous experience (2 or more years) in a finance, accounting or administrative support role, ideally involving invoice processing and data entry.
* Strong organisational skills and the ability to prioritise tasks, meeting deadlines under pressure.
* Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the confidence to liaise with customers, suppliers and colleagues at all levels.
* Ability to work both independently and collaboratively as part of a tight knit finance team.
* Willingness to learn and to support multiple functions within the department.
* AAT qualification or equivalent is desirable but not essential.
Why Join Us?
You’ll be joining a supportive team in a business with over forty years of heritage and a reputation for quality. The role offers real variety and an opportunity to build your finance skills in a respected, family‑run company. We provide a friendly working environment, the chance to work alongside experienced colleagues and the opportunity to develop further as the business evolves.
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