Accounts Assistant - Retail Accounts

Accounts Assistant

Attractive Salary & Benefits

36.5 Hour week (Hybrid)

Newtownabbey

Who are we?

Henderson Group encompasses Henderson Wholesale, Henderson Retail, Henderson Foodservice and Henderson Group Property. We are a family-ran and owned leading N.I. company who employ over 5,500 staff and were placed in Ulster Business Top 100 Companies 2024.

A look into the role

Henderson Retail is our company-owned retail division, which operates more than 100 SPAR, EUROSPAR & VIVOXTRA stores, employing more than 3,700 colleagues. With significant plans for growth in the future, we are focused on delivering world class, community focussed shopping experiences that meet the needs of communities across Northern Ireland.

About the role

The Purpose of this role is to provide financial support to the organisation. Initially will be focused on aiding with the Accounts Payable Function with future developments into Accounts Receivable, Cash / Accounts Reconciliations, Margins Analysis etc.

Working as Accounts Assistant you will:

1. Ensure timely receipt of invoices from suppliers.
2. Ensure all VAT invoices meet HMRC standards.
3. Understand structure and rules around nominal accounts and cost centres.
4. Register invoices into Accounts Payable using Workflow.
5. Liaise with colleagues to ensure that all invoices are approved in a timely and accurate manner.
6. Reconcile supplier accounts and ensure outstanding items are processed.
7. Check to ensure that when items have been approved, all relevant codes and information have been provided before posting to AP/GL.
8. Maintain comprehensive and accurate supplier files.
9. Establish good working relationships with suppliers and colleagues.
10. Handle supplier correspondence and queries.
11. Maintain confidentiality of data and GDPR requirements.
12. Regularly reconcile the Accounts Payable with the General Ledger.
13. Generate and review reports detailing accounts payables status.
14. Escalate issues, as appropriate, to line manager.
15. Post transactions to journals, ledgers, and other records.
16. Research and resolve any invoice discrepancies or other issues.
17. Audit accounts payable operations to ensure invoices and receipts are properly coded.

Future Development

• Accounts Receivable - Creating invoices, credit control, debt collection.
• A variety of reconciliations that are key controls within Finance.
• Margins Analysis.
• Provision of various ongoing / ad-hoc management information & analysis to stakeholders across the Retail business.
• Assist in preparation of reconciliations and provide information for Audit.
• Provide financial input in projects / developments as appropriate.

Skills for Success

Joining us as Accounts Assistant the minimum criteria you'll need is:

• Part Qualified IATI or suitable Finance experience within a large Finance team.
• Data Entry or Enquiry experience using Finance packages, EPOS or ERP Systems.
• Proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office packages, particularly Excel.

The Attributes you'll need include:

• Good attention to detail.
• Ability to manage a variety of initiatives to meet tight and challenging deadlines.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.

It is Desirable if you have:

• IATI Qualified.
• FMCG Industry experience.
• Excel Qualifications/ Certifications.
• Edgepos experience.
• Experience working in a large-scale finance environment in a complex organisation.
• Possessing commercial acumen.
• Proficient in financial system utilisation.

Are we right for you?

As part of this role, it will be important that you feel aligned with the values that we live and work by.

Ambition - We always strive to be better. We seek new challenges and look for ways to do things better.

Customer First - We provide exceptional service. We put customers at the heart of everything and support our communities.

Teamwork - We succeed together. We help colleagues to succeed, and we share our knowledge and skills.

Integrity - We are fair, honest and ethical. We treat everyone with dignity and respect. We are inclusive and champion diversity.

The Reward

The impact you can make with Henderson Group goes far beyond your day to day. You will be part of a business supporting defibrillator installations and school sports days. In the last year Henderson group staff and retail stores raised over £1 million for charity partners.

You will have the balance necessary to enjoy your job and your life. We will help you to feel proud of what you do and achieve. And we will be here to celebrate your success.

Our business has been recognised externally for delivering excellence in employment. We value employee development and heavily invest in our people.

Benefits include market competitive salary, contributory pension scheme, healthcare, life assurance, employee assistance programme, social club, Perks Offers/Discount scheme throughout UK/Ireland, staff discount (grocery/fuel) at SPAR/EUROSPAR Henderson Group company-owned stores and many more.

This is a full-time position working 36.5 hours per week. Working hours will be 8:45am-4:45pm Monday to Thursday and 8:45am-3:45pm Friday. Hybrid and flexible working arrangements available.

If you'd like to speak with us before making your application, our Talent Acquisition Specialist - Joanne McClelland would be happy to have a confidential chat with you about the role on offer - email joanne.mcclelland@henderson-group.com to get in touch.

Completed applications must be submitted online by midnight on Sunday 9th March.

We are an equal opportunities employer.