Finance Assistant - Accounts Payable

Job Title: Finance Assistant-Accounts payable
Contract Type: Fixed Term contract up to 31st March 2027 
Salary: £25,630.92 per annum (£28,154.30 is achieved after 12 months successful performance in the role)
Working Hours: 35 Hours per week
Working Pattern: Monday-Friday

If you share our values and are excited about making a significant impact at Riverside, please ensure you attach a current CV and covering letter. At Riverside we recruit to potential not just on skills and experience, so we encourage you to apply even if you don't meet all the essential criteria on the job description. 
Please note that whilst we will accept applications on the basis of any form of valid legal permission to work in the UK, we will be surrendering the Riverside Sponsorship licence, so for the avoidance of doubt, we are unable to apply for any further sponsorships whether on behalf of existing colleagues or candidates.  

The difference you’ll make as a Finance Assistant-Accounts Payable
You will Carry out financial and administrative duties to support Customer Services, processing invoices and making payments to contractors and suppliers for goods and services, utilising relevant purchase to pay system and other IT systems.
About you

Why Riverside?
At Riverside, we’re a housing association with a difference – enhancing the everyday for all our customers. For 90 years, we’ve been revitalising neighbourhoods and supporting communities by providing the homes they need to live full, fulfilling and rewarding lives.   
We have a portfolio of over 75,000 affordable residential and retirement homes across the UK. Our work ranges from homelessness services to social care, employment support to retirement living, and we need the best people on board to help us.

Working with us, you’ll enjoy:
•    Competitive pay & generous pension 
•    28 days holidays plus bank holidays
•    Flexible working options available
•    Investment in your learning, personal development and technology
•    A wide range of benefits

Diversity and Inclusion at Riverside: 

We are inclusive. At Riverside, we value diversity in all its forms. We foster a workplace where all individuals are respected, empowered, and heard. Our commitment to inclusivity drives our success and enriches the lives of our customers and colleagues. 
Riverside is a Disability Confident Employer and operates a Guaranteed Interview Scheme for any applicant who declares they have a disability. If the applicant meets the minimum requirements for the role (as set out in the role profile and/or person specification) they will be guaranteed an interview. 
Applications may close before the deadline, so please apply early to avoid disappointment. 
Role Profile
•    Carry out the full range of administrative and financial activity required to ensure effective processing of invoices and timely payments to contractors and suppliers. Utilising Kontrolla and One Market place and OPEN processing, resolving issues and queries in line with agreed policies and procedures.
•    Provide clear, supportive and accurate advice to suppliers and colleagues on Accounts Payable policies and procedures and coaching on IT system navigation, to ensure an understanding of the service and process to follow for prompt payment of invoices.
•    Maintain and review system records to ensure accurate data is held and purchase order and invoice issues are investigated and resolved in line with agreed procedures and service level agreements, escalating as appropriate.
•    Reconcile supplier statements with internal system records, identifying and resolving discrepancies where possible or escalating as appropriate.
•     Develop effective relationships with internal stakeholders (contract owners / PO administrators / procurement team) to ensure effective processing of invoices and timely payments are progressed, escalating for line management intervention as required.
•    Responsible for specific suppliers, to manage accounts proactively and efficiently, building solid working relationships to ensure invoices are produced accurately and efficiently, arranging and engaging in Supplier visits.
•     Ensure adherence to financial controls and internal business processes to effectively support Customer Services.
•    Contribute to the continuous improvement of processes and procedures.
•    Respond flexibly to any necessary changes in work priorities and undertake other duties when required to support the effective operation of the service.
•    Ensure that all data protection requirements are met in accordance with the Group’s policy, procedures and statutory requirements.
•    Ensure that health and safety requirements are met in accordance with the Group’s policy, procedures and statutory requirements.

Person Specificition
Knowledge, Skills and Experience
Essential
•    Experience of making customer payments within an accounts payable department. Proficient in the use of MS Excel.
•    Basic knowledge of financial controls.
•    Customer focused with excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, showing the ability to meet the needs of a varied customer base.
•    Results focused with the ability to take ownership of tasks.
•    Excellent attention to detail with the ability to work under pressure, deliver to strict deadlines and manage conflicting priorities.
•    Excellent team player who can work flexibly to meet business requirements.

Desirable

•    Experience of working in a housing environment.