About the job

Finance Assistant

Salary £27,000.00 (dependent on experience)

Location: Hybrid / Colchester Office

We have a new opportunity in our Finance Team for an ambitious Finance Assistant who is looking to build and progress on their experience in our Finance Team.

Purpose of the Role

The Finance Assistant plays an important role within the Finance department of Rapid. The role is responsible for supporting and handling the day-to-day financial activities across all Finance modes – AP, AR and Cash.

Key Accountability

The Finance Assistant provides day-to-day support to ensure the smooth and efficient processing of financial activities. This includes processing invoices, managing payments, performing reconciliations, and maintaining accurate financial records. Additionally, the Finance Assistant will contribute to upcoming finance projects and take on ad hoc tasks, helping to support their professional development within finance.

Accounts Payable Processing:

• Matching and coding of overhead invoices in-line with Supplier Matrix.

• Regular review of the Supplier Matrix to ensure coding is accurate and inline with reporting requirements.

• Posting of supplier overhead invoices into company accounting system EPICOR.

• Coordinate outstanding overhead invoices via data portal and drive internal invoice approvals.

• Action queried/rejected overhead invoices, liaising with the invoice approver and supplier to resolve queries.

• Assist and support the team in any ad hoc projects.

Expense Management Processing:

• Process staff expenses from Natural HR; coding and posting invoices ensuring accuracy.

• Communicate expenses to be paid to the Cash Management team.

• Update Natural HR when expenses are processed and paid.

• Process company credit cards ensuring transactions are coded to the correct expense account inline with Finance deadlines.

• Ensure all company expenses receipts are received and filed in accordance with Finance process guidelines.

Accounts Receivable Processing:

• Daily review and posting of Customer Credit Notes

• Prepare and post miscellaneous customer invoices at the request of internal stakeholders.

• Communicate customer refunds to be actioned to the Cash team on review.

• Assist in the oversight of the Accounts Inbox to resolve customer account queries.

• Issue copy invoices to customers to help the chasing of Debtor cash.

• Assist and support the team in any ad hoc projects.

Cash and Bank Processing:

• Be a form of cover to the Cash Management team

• Assist the Cash team when required to process Bank reconciliations and eCommerce reconciliations

• Process payments into HSBC at the request of the Finance stakeholders.

• Ensure refunds have been processed relating to Lost Quantity and Credit Note reports.

Month-end and Year-end

• Support the month-end and year-end closing by assisting the Finance modes in providing accurate financial data.

• Assist in the Audit Fieldwork to help resolve audit queries timely and accurately.

• Ensure compliance with finance deadlines at month-end and year-end.

General

• Responsible for their own performance, and to support their team in, achieving all targets and job standards set out by the Financial Accountant.

• Adaptable and flexible in their approach to work.

• Work efficiently and effectively as part of a team.

• To be curious and always looking for a better way to perform a task, in order to improve efficiency.

• Communicative and respectful of all workers within Rapid and their working environment.

• Understand how each task within the team impacts on the overall Client / Customer Experience of Rapid and ensure that they are striving to make this the best possible experience for all concerned.

• Perform any reasonable task that is required of them by their Manager.

Role Specific Attributes

• Strong attention to detail and a high level of accuracy.
• Excellent organisational and time management skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team.
• Knowledge of Finance procedures and an understanding of financial regulations is an advantage.
• Strong verbal and numerical reasoning skills.
• Ability to handle large volumes of transactions.
• Ability to work under pressure, multi-tasks and prioritise tasks with strict deadlines.
• Understand the needs of the business along with the flexibility to change according to requirements. 

Why Rapid?

At Rapid we're collaborators, innovators, and partners, with a purpose of helping you become better. As a leading distributor catering to bespoke needs in the Industrial and Education sectors across the UK, we take pride in our commitment to be the preferred choice for our customers, suppliers and our employees.

Join a great place to enjoy growth

Collaborative Can Do Culture:

We foster a collaborative and inclusive work environment where every voice is heard, and every idea is valued. You'll be part of a team that thrives on collective expertise and mutual support to achieve.

Opportunities for Growth:

We believe in investing in our employees' growth and development. Whether you're just starting your career or looking to advance to the next level, we provide ample opportunities for learning, competence development, and career advancement.

Customer-Centric Approach:

Our success is built on our commitment to exceed our customers' expectations. As a member of the Rapid family, you'll play a crucial role in delivering bespoke solutions that elicit customer satisfaction and loyalty.

Work-Life Balance:

We understand the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance. That's why we offer flexible work arrangements and comprehensive benefits packages to support our employees' overall well-being.

Our Values, our DNA:

At Rapid our values are lived, not laminated. You feel, hear and see them in action relentlessly. They shape our culture and make us a Great Place to Work.

Benefits

• 21 days holiday (increasing by one day per full calendar year to a maximum of 25) + statutory public holidays
• 5.5% Employer Pension Contribution
• Medicash Healthcare Cash Plan
• Rapid Rewards - Smart Spending Discount Scheme
• Secure complimentary parking
• Hybrid Working
• Complimentary refreshment stations
• Annual bonus scheme
• Cycle to work scheme
• Tusker - Electric Vehicle / Hybrid Vehicle Lease Scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Life Assurance
• Buy / Sell Holiday
• Training Courses
• Staff Discount

About the job

Financial Accountant

Salary £45,000.00 (dependent on experience)

Location: Hybrid / Colchester Office

We have an excellent opportunity in our Finance Team for an ambitious Financial Accountant who is looking to build on their experience to date working as part of a talented, evolving Finance Team, reporting directly to the Finance Director.

Purpose of the Role

The Financial Accountant is responsible for maintaining the accuracy and integrity of the primary financial ledgers, including Accounts Payable (AP), Accounts Receivable (AR), and Cash Management. This role ensures the timely and accurate processing of financial transactions, effective cash flow management, and continuous improvement of financial policies and controls.

The Financial Accountant will support the Finance Director and work closely with the Management Accountant to oversee operational finance functions. Additionally, the role involves collaborating with both internal and external stakeholders to promote the company’s financial health and ensure the accuracy and governance of financial reporting.

Key Accountability

• Responsible for financial accounting and ensuring that financial operations run smoothly, efficiently, and ethically.
• Taking into account functional targets, financial parameters, quality standards and resource requirements, considering both the current and longer-term requirements of the business.
• Deliver against the Company Goals as framed by the Purpose, Vision and Values.
• Own relevant KPIs from the Partner Trust Index, Management Scorecard and elsewhere as agreed with the Finance Director.

Responsibilities

Financial Accounts

• Be the first point of contact for all accounting tasks associated with company revenue and costs.

• Prepare and review financial reports related to AP, AR, and cash management, providing insights and recommendations to the FD.

• Oversee the accuracy of the General Ledger ensuring accuracy and quality of data is consistently maintained.

• Conduct regular analysis of working capital, cash flow, and other KPIs to support strategic decision-making.

• Work closely with the Management Accountant to implement robust financial processes.

Month-end

• Proactively lead the finance modes in closing of the financial ledgers.

• Ensure accurate and timely month-end and year-end closing activities.

• Review the general ledger ensuring accuracy of financial transactions

• Identify mis posting and communicate the correct coding of transactions to finance team.

• Prepare end of month balance sheet and P&L reconciliations, ensuring high quality and identifying points for discussion to drive resolution.

• Assist in the preparation of the Management Accounts, providing commentary and variance analysis.

• Agree monthly Intercompany balances and investigate any variances.

Payroll and Taxes

• Work with HR to ensure payroll processes are robust and accounting is accurate.

• Ensure payroll reporting requirements are met inline with Statutory requirements.

• Ensure online monthly financial submissions are adhere to and managed effectively.

Audit and Statutory accounting

• Prepare an audit file in line with the requirements of the external auditors providing sufficient documentation to support and justify the financial statements.

• Respond to audit queries and liaise with internal partners to ensure audit requirements are met on a timely basis.

• Perform Internal audits on financial and operational processes as required, working closely with the internal audit team to report on findings and continuously drive improvements within the Finance team.

People Management

• Manage and oversee the activities of the Finance Assistant.

• Training and develop the Finance Assistant to assist and drive efficiencies within the team.

• Manage workload and ensure BAU and project timelines are adhered to.

• Maintain quality and adhere to policies and procedures

Other

• Participate in ad hoc Finance projects to drive and efficiencies and automation of financial activities.

• Manage workload and maintain timelines and priorities

• Maintain quality and adhere to policies and procedures

Compliance and Internal Controls

• Ensure compliance with internal controls, company policies, and external regulations related to AP, AR, Cash management and Payroll.

• Support internal and external audits, providing necessary documentation and explanations.

• Identify and mitigate financial risks, implementing appropriate controls and procedures.

General

• Ensures clear and effective communication with senior management, stakeholders, and other departments regarding financial matters.

• Responsible for their own performance, and to support their team in, achieving all targets and job standards set out by the Finance Director.

• Adaptable and flexible in their approach to work.

• Attend regular meetings at Rapid’s head office and weekly/monthly communications sessions.

• Work efficiently and effectively as part of a team.

• To be curious and always looking for a better way to perform a task, in order to improve efficiency.

• Communicative and respectful of all workers within Rapid and their working environment.

• Understand how each task within the team impacts on the overall Client / Customer Experience of Rapid and ensure that they are striving to make this the best possible experience for all concerned.

• Actively participate in internal / external training linked to professional and personal development opportunities.

• Perform any reasonable task that is required of them by their Manager.

• Promote and display Rapid core values to all stakeholders

Role Specific Attributes

• Several years of experience in finance accounting, or related roles, demonstrating a deep understanding of financial principles and practices.
• Knowledge of financial laws and regulations and experience in ensuring compliance with them.
• The ability to act as a strong Team leader and oversee a team effectively and provide guidance to team members
• Being able to identify financial issues and develop creative solutions to address them.
• Able to analyse financial data, interpret trends, and make data-driven decisions.
• Effective communication skills, both written and verbal, to convey financial information clearly to various stakeholders.
• Accuracy
• Confident and proactive in learning and adapting to new operational systems.
• Strong verbal and numerical reasoning skills
• Ability to handle large volumes of transactions
• Ability to work under pressure, multi-tasks and prioritise tasks with strict deadlines
• Understand the needs of the business along with the flexibility to change according to requirements
  

Why Rapid?

At Rapid we're collaborators, innovators, and partners, with a purpose of helping you become better.

As a leading distributor catering to bespoke needs in the Industrial and Education sectors across the UK, we take pride in our commitment to be the preferred choice for our customers, suppliers and our employees. Join a great place to enjoy growth

Collaborative Can Do Culture:

We foster a collaborative and inclusive work environment where every voice is heard, and every idea is valued. You'll be part of a team that thrives on collective expertise and mutual support to achieve.

Opportunities for Growth:

We believe in investing in our employees' growth and development. Whether you're just starting your career or looking to advance to the next level, we provide ample opportunities for learning, competence development, and career advancement.

Customer-Centric Approach:

Our success is built on our commitment to exceed our customers' expectations. As a member of the Rapid family, you'll play a crucial role in delivering bespoke solutions that elicit customer satisfaction and loyalty.

Work-Life Balance:

We understand the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance. That's why we offer flexible work arrangements and comprehensive benefits packages to support our employees' overall well-being.

Our Values, our DNA:

At Rapid our values are lived, not laminated. You feel, hear and see them in action relentlessly. They shape our culture and make us a Great Place to Work.

Benefits

25 days holiday (increasing by one day per full calendar year to a maximum of 29) + statutory public holidays

5.5% Employer Pension Contribution

Medicash Healthcare Cash Plan

Rapid Rewards - Smart Spending Discount Scheme

Secure complimentary parking

Hybrid Working

Complimentary refreshment stations

Annual bonus scheme

Cycle to work scheme

Tusker - Electric Vehicle / Hybrid Vehicle Lease Scheme

Employee Assistance Programme

Life Assurance

Buy / Sell Holiday

Training Courses

Staff Discount