Finance Assistant

The Finance Assistant is responsible for assisting in all aspects of the purchase ledger function in a busy finance team which is growing in line with growth of the wider business. The role supports the Senior Purchase Ledger Controller and the wider finance team in maintaining efficient and accurate financial operations.Purcell is an award-winning employee-owned architectural and heritage consultancy practice with a commitment to quality, innovation, and diversity. We have staff of approximately 350 talented architects, designers, heritage consultants and surveyors across 14 offices, in the UK, Hong Kong and Australia. Proudly ranked No. 1 for Heritage in the World Architecture 100 for a fifth consecutive year. Collaboration is central to our employee-ownership culture, providing opportunities to work on some of the finest buildings; from meticulous heritage and conservation schemes to bold contemporary design. We offer a rewarding and supportive environment for personal and professional development and our employee-owned ethos empowers everyone to use their voice. We believe in creating an equitable and inclusive culture, founded on our values, which celebrates knowledge sharing and our successes, to build an inspiring work environment.It is our distinctive employee-owned working culture that has contributed to our status as a World Architecture Top 100 Practice, renowned for our excellence in architecture and heritage consultancy. Our benefits package includesAgile, flexible and hybrid working, (a minimum of 3 days in office, up to 2 days WFH)Annual leave increasing with long serviceLife assuranceStudy sponsorship with paid study leaveSabbaticalsEmployee assistance programmeSeason ticket loansCycle to work schemeVirtual GP serviceSubscription feesCompany day outA volunteering schemeEnhanced learning & development opportunities.Key ResponsibilitiesProcess supplier invoices accurately and in a timely manner, coding to purchase orders and coding to the correct nominal accounts.Reconcile monthly credit card statements & process transactions.End to end processing of staff expenses claims.Supplier vetting and set up on finance systemsReview, approve, pay individual and company professional subscriptionsPrepare and process payment runs in accordance with company proceduresHandling international payments and processes in line with the above pointsReconcile supplier statements and resolve discrepanciesRespond to external and internal queries professionally and efficientlyMaintain accurate supplier account recordsMonitor outstanding invoices and ensure approvals are obtained if requiredFile and maintain financial documentation in line with company proceduresSupport, if necessary, the wider finance team with ad hoc financial tasks.Ensure compliance with internal controls and financial policiesEssential Skills and ExperiencePrevious experience in a purchase ledger or accounts payable roleGood understanding of basic accounting principlesExceptional attention to detail and accuracyGood organisational and time management skillsAbility to work to deadlines in a fast-paced environmentCompetent in Microsoft Excel and accounting softwareStrong communication skills, both written and verbalAbility to work independently and as part of a teamDesirable Skills and ExperienceExperience using Sage50 accounting softwareAAT qualification or studying towards an accounting qualificationExperience working within a finance departmentKnowledge of VAT processes and invoice controlsPersonal AttributesReliable and trustworthyProactive and adaptableProfessional and approachable mannerStrong problem-solving abilityPositive attitude and willingness to learnThis job description is a guide to the duties the post holder will be expected to undertake. It is not intended to be exhaustive or exclusive and will be subject to change as working requirements dictate and to meet the organisational requirements of Purcell.Don’t meet every single requirement? That’s okay.Research shows that women and people from underrepresented backgrounds can be less likely to apply unless they meet every criteria listed. At Purcell, we are committed to building an inclusive, transparent, and welcoming team. If you’re enthusiastic about the role and excited to grow and learn with us, we warmly encourage you to apply.When applying, please feel free to use your preferred name — we don’t require full or birth names at this stage. We are proud to foster a culture of kindness, respect, and authenticity, where everyone can thrive and bring their whole selves to work.Please note that due to the high volume of applications we receive, we are unfortunately unable to provide individual feedback. If you have not heard from us within 6 weeks of your original application, then you have been unsuccessful. Please continue to look at our vacancies and apply where relevant. We wish you all the best in your job search.As world leaders of Heritage and Conservation, Purcell is committed to embracing diversity and equal opportunity within our international teams, reflective of the society in which we work and live.We welcome people from all backgrounds and celebrate differences through our culture of employee ownership.