Finance Assistant

South Eastern Regional CollegeNewtownards, DownFull-timePermanent

JOB PURPOSE

The post holder will provide an efficient, accurate, and customer-focused Accounts Payable service within SERC’s Finance Department.

The post holder will process supplier invoices, undertake supplier statement reconciliations, and assist with payment runs in accordance with SERC financial procedures, and the College’s internal control framework.

The post holder is a member of the Finance team and will work across the whole Finance department when circumstances require.

MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Invoices Processing

  • Process supplier invoice and credit notes promptly and accurately within the financial management system.
  • Match invoices to purchase orders, ensuring appropriate authorisation and coding.
  • Investigate and resolve invoice discrepancies by liaising with internal departments and suppliers.
  • Ensure VAT is correctly identified and recorded in line with HMRC and public sector requirements.
  • Assist the College in meeting its statutory targets on prompt payment of invoices.
  • Payment Runs

  • Assist in the preparation of supplier payment runs in accordance with College payment procedures.
  • Supplier Statement Reconciliations

  • Prepare monthly supplier statement reconciliations and liaise with suppliers in respect of any differences in the reconciliations.
  • Supplier and Internal Support

  • Respond to supplier queries regarding invoices, statements, and payments, providing timely and accurate information.
  • Support SERC staff with queries related to purchase ordering, invoice workflows, coding, and expense procedures.
  • Maintain positive supplier relationships in line with SERC customer service standards.
  • Financial Controls & Compliance

  • Ensure financial processing complies with all SERC policies and procedures.
  • Assist with preparing documentation for both internal and external audits.
  • Maintain accurate and organised financial records in accordance with GDPR and retention policies.
  • Systems & Reporting

  • Use SERC’s financial management to process transactions and extract reports.
  • Assist with maintaining supplier master data, including verification checks, modifications, and new supplier setup.
  • Produce routine reports including aged creditors, outstanding invoices, and unmatched invoices.
  • Teamwork & Continuous Improvement

  • Contribute to improving Accounts Payable processes and enhancing efficiencies within the team.
  • Provide support to the wider Finance team, when required.
  • Provide cover for colleagues during absence.
  • Other

  • To assist with internal and external audit and provide all information requested.
  • To undertake any other duties and responsibilities as may be assigned by the Assistant Accountant or other members of the management team within the Finance Department.
  • Selection Criteria

    Essential Assessment Criteria:

  • Hold a minimum of five GCSEs at grade A - C or equivalent to include English Language and Mathematics.
  • Demonstrate a minimum of two years’ experience working within a financial or administrative environment.
  • Demonstrate strong attention to detail and high level of accuracy in data entry.
  • Demonstrate a working knowledge of Microsoft Office, particularly Excel and Outlook.
  • Demonstrate an ability to prioritise workload, meet deadlines and manage competing priorities.
  • Demonstrate good communication and customer service skills.
  • Desirable Assessment Criteria:

  • Have at least one year’s experience of working in accounts payable.
  • Knowledge or experience of financial operations in a public sector or education environment.
    • Please be advised that Essential Criteria 3 - 6 will be assessed at interview only.

    The above are minimum criteria.

    These may be enhanced at the discretion of the Selection Panel.

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