Accounts Payable Assistant

About EIT:

The Ellison Institute of Technology (EIT) purpose is to have a global impact by fundamentally reimagining the way science and technology translate into end-to-end solutions and delivering these solutions in programmes and platforms that respond to humanity’s most challenging problems.

EIT will ensure scientific discoveries and pioneering science are turned into products for the benefit of society that can have high-impact worldwide and, over time, be commercialised to ensure long-term sustainability.

Led by a faculty of world experts, EIT seeks to solve the world’s most challenging problems across four high-risk, high-reward, high-impact humane endeavours: Health, Medical Science and Generative Biology; Food security and Sustainable agriculture; Clean Energy Generation and Storage; and Artificial Intelligence and Robotics.

EIT is investing significant resources in a new world-class research and development facility in the Oxford Science Park. Set for completion in 2027, the state-of-the-art campus includes 300,000 sq ft of research laboratories, an oncology and preventative care clinic, and educational and meeting spaces. Together, they create the perfect environment for EIT experts to take ground-breaking ideas from research to broad implementation. The new facility will further EIT’s current partnership with the University of Oxford and become the new home for Ellison Scholars.

EIT is committed to cultivating a community where excellence is achieved through collaboration, trust, innovation and tenacity. We foster an environment where everyone’s experience and expertise are valued. We are curious and resilient in our efforts to drive long-term, sustainable innovation to meet humanity’s most enduring challenges.

EIT is seeking an Accounts Payable Assistant to play a vital role in keeping our financial operations running smoothly, ensuring supplier invoices are processed accurately and on time, accounts are meticulously maintained and reconciled, and payments are made promptly in line with company policies. This is a fast-paced, detail-focused role where your precision and reliability help build strong supplier relationships and keep the business moving forward.

Key Responsibilities:

• Invoice Processing: Review, code, and input supplier invoices into the accounting system accurately and in a timely manner.
• Payment Processing: Prepare and process payments via BACS, cheques, or other agreed methods, ensuring they are completed on time.
• Reconciliation: Reconcile supplier statements, investigating and resolving any discrepancies to ensure accounts are up to date.
• Supplier Communication: Act as the primary point of contact for supplier queries, handling enquiries related to invoices, payments, and account status in a professional manner.
• Expense Claims: Review and process employee expense claims, ensuring they comply with company policies and procedures.
• Record Maintenance: Maintain organised and accurate financial records, ensuring all documentation related to payables is properly filed.
• Compliance: Ensure that all invoices and payments are authorised according to the company's approval process, and that transactions comply with relevant financial regulations and internal policies.
• Reporting: Assist with month-end processes by preparing accounts payable reports, including aged creditor reports and accruals.
• Process Improvement: Identify opportunities to improve the efficiency of the accounts payable process, recommending and implementing improvements where appropriate.
• Support Audits: Provide support during internal and external audits by supplying relevant documentation and explanations.

Essential Skills, Qualifications & Experience:

• Education: GCSEs or equivalent; an AAT qualification or progress towards an accounting qualification (e.g. AAT, ACCA, CIMA) would be advantageous.
• Experience: Previous experience in an accounts payable role is preferred (1-2 years), ideally within a UK-based organisation.
• Technical Skills: Proficiency in accounting software (e.g. Sage, Xero, or QuickBooks) and strong working knowledge of Microsoft Excel.
• Attention to Detail: High level of accuracy in data entry and the ability to identify and resolve discrepancies.
• Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to handle supplier queries and liaise with internal departments.
• Time Management: Ability to manage workload effectively and meet deadlines, particularly during busy periods such as month-end.
• Problem Solving: Strong analytical skills with a proactive approach to resolving issues and ensuring smooth account management.

We offer the following benefits:

• Enhanced holiday pay
• Pension
• Life Assurance
• Income Protection
• Private Medical Insurance
• Hospital Cash Plan
• Therapy Services
• Perk Box
• Electric Car Scheme

Why work for EIT:

At the Ellison Institute, we believe a collaborative, inclusive team is key to our success. We are building a supportive environment where creative risks are encouraged, and everyone feels heard. Valuing emotional intelligence, empathy, respect, and resilience, we encourage people to be curious and to have a shared commitment to excellence. Join us and make an impact!

Terms of Appointment:

• You must have the right to work permanently in the UK with a willingness to travel as necessary.
• You will live in, or within easy commuting distance of, Oxford.
• During peak periods, some longer hours may be required and some working across multiple time zones due to the global nature of the programme.