Purchase Ledger Clerk - Barnes Construction

The Company:
The Barnes Group Limited is a successful family business based in Ipswich, and we are recruiting for a full-time Purchase Ledger Clerk to join our Finance Department in the business support division. We offer a supportive/collaborative working environment.

The Purchase Ledger Clerk is responsible for managing the company’s purchase ledger function, ensuring that all supplier invoices are processed accurately and in a timely manner. This role involves maintaining relationships with suppliers, reconciling accounts, as well as supporting the finance team with various other tasks. The ideal candidate will be detail-oriented, organised, and capable of handling high volumes of transactions while maintaining accuracy.

This job description sets out the main duties and tasks associated with the position; other duties of a similar level and nature undertaken within the business are not excluded simply because they may not be individually mentioned.

Reporting to: Financial Controller

Location: Ipswich Head Office (in person)

Contract Type: Full-time, Permanent

Salary: Within the range of £25,000 – £29,000 depending on skills/experience

Immediate Colleagues: All staff in the Finance Department

Interfaces with other Departments: All staff in the Company

Schedule: 39 hours per week (Monday – Friday)

Duties and Responsibilities

• Invoice Processing
  Receive, verify, and accurately process supplier invoices, ensuring they are coded correctly to the appropriate cost centres.
• Payment Runs
  Prepare and process supplier payments, ensuring all payments are made on time and correctly.
• Supplier Account Reconciliation
  Reconcile supplier statements and resolve any discrepancies, following up on outstanding invoices and credits.
• Query Resolution
  Liaise with suppliers and internal departments to resolve invoice discrepancies, queries, and disputes efficiently.
• Credit Notes
  Process and apply credit notes from suppliers in a timely manner.
• Expense Reporting
  Assist with the processing and verification of employee expense claims, ensuring compliance with company policies.
• Month-End Closing
  Assist with month-end closing processes, including reconciling purchase ledger control accounts and preparing necessary reports.
• Maintaining Records
  Maintain accurate and up-to-date purchase ledger records and ensure that files are easily retrievable for audits or reviews.
• VAT Compliance
  Ensure that VAT on supplier invoices is correctly applied and recorded in compliance with tax regulations.
• Ad Hoc Tasks
  Provide support to the wider finance team on various tasks, such as assisting with audits, filing, and administrative duties as required.

Personal Attributes/Skills required:

• A proactive attitude and the ability to work independently.
• High level of integrity and discretion when dealing with financial information.
• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy.
• Strong organisational and time management skills.
• Proficiency in accounting software and Microsoft Excel.
• Good communication skills and ability to build relationships with suppliers and internal departments.
• Basic understanding of accounting principles and VAT regulations.

Qualifications:
AAT qualification or working towards an accounting qualification is preferred, but not essential.

Experience:
Previous experience working in a purchase ledger or accounts payable role is highly desirable.

Benefits:
Profit based discretionary bonus, contributory pension, private healthcare scheme, professional/personal development opportunities, on-site bike/car parking, staff social events, Employee Assistance Programme, internal Mental Health First Aiders.

The duties of the position will vary from time to time as a result of new initiatives, new or amended employment legislation, changes in technology, policy changes or re-structuring, in these cases appropriate training may be given to enable the post holder to undertake any new/varied work.

The post holder may also be requested to attend training courses and/or briefing sessions that may fall outside of the normal working week.

The successful candidate must have the right to work in the UK.

The closing date: 14th March 2025

If you are interested in the above position, applications should, in the first instance, be made in writing enclosing current CV marked “For the attention of Mr A Donnelly, Financial Controller” to the address below or by e-mail to: recruitment@barnesconstruction.co.uk.

Mr A Donnelly
The Barnes Group Ltd
6 Bermuda Road
Ransomes Europark
Ipswich
Suffolk IP3 9RU

All applicants will be treated in the strictest confidence. The Barnes Group Limited is an Equal Opportunities Employer. We are committed to safeguarding children, young people and vulnerable adults and safer recruitment practices. We undertake all the required pre-employment checks on the successful candidate.

Note:
Only applications made in writing or sent direct to recruitment@barnesconstruction.co.uk will be accepted.