Finance Assistant (French Speaking)
Location: Southampton | Office-Based | Full-Time (39 hours per week)
Salary: £30k – £34k + Benefits
About the Opportunity
Ferox Partners are excited to be supporting a growing international business, to recruit a Finance Assistant, on a year fixed term contract basis. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced finance professional with strong purchase ledger and credit control experience, who is looking to develop their career within a fast paced and supportive environment.
Reporting to the Financial Controller, you will play a key role in maintaining accurate financial records, managing customer and supplier accounts, supporting VAT compliance, and ensuring the smooth operation of day to day finance activities.
Key Responsibilities
Credit Control
- Proactively manage customer accounts and outstanding debt.
- Issue statements, reminder letters, emails, and telephone follow-ups.
- Resolve invoice queries and support debt recovery processes.
- Release customer orders within the ERP system.
- Process customer invoices and credit notes.
- Assess creditworthiness and set up new customer accounts.
Purchase Ledger
- Process supplier invoices accurately.
- Match invoices against purchase orders and nominal codes.
- Reconcile supplier statements and resolve discrepancies.
- Assist with payment runs and proforma payments.
- Create and maintain supplier account records.
Banking & Cash Management
- Post cash receipts and direct debit payments across multiple currencies.
- Perform daily bank reconciliations.
- Complete end of day finance routines.
VAT & Compliance
- Prepare and submit VAT returns for multiple jurisdictions.
- Support compliance with local reporting requirements.
- Maintain accurate financial records and documentation.
Month-End & Projects
- Perform ledger reconciliations and account allocations.
- Assist with audits, stock takes, process reviews, and other finance projects.
- Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives across the finance function.
About You
Essential Skills & Experience
- Previous experience within purchase ledger and credit control.
- AAT Level 3 qualification (or equivalent).
- Fluent in both English and French (written and spoken).
- Strong Excel and general IT skills.
- Excellent attention to detail and accuracy.
- Strong organisational and time-management skills.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Positive, flexible, and proactive approach to work.
Desirable
- Experience using ERP systems.
- Experience preparing VAT returns.
- Previous experience within a manufacturing environment.
Salary: £30k – £34k plus benefits; free onsite parking, pension, 22 days holiday plus Bank Holidays.
