Purchase Ledger Clerk- 6 Month FTC

About us: We are one of the top three automotive retailers in the UK, proudly representing 32 manufacturer brands, selling a huge range of new and used vehicles from over 150 dealerships across the UK and Ireland.  

We believe our people are our greatest asset, and we’re committed to recognising the valuable contribution each person makes. That’s why we continue to invest in a leading rewards and benefits package designed to support your career, wellbeing, and life outside of work.

Purchase Ledger Clerk

6-month fixed term contract

Essex

A Purchase Ledger Clerk in the automotive sector is responsible for ensuring the smooth and accurate processing of all supplier invoices and outgoing payments within a busy dealership or automotive finance team. The role supports daily operations by maintaining up‑to‑date purchase ledger records, reconciling supplier accounts, and ensuring that parts, workshop supplies, and vehicle‑related purchases are paid for on time. This position requires strong attention to detail, the ability to manage high invoice volumes, and confidence working with automotive systems and suppliers.

Key Responsibilites: 

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  Process, code, and verify supplier invoices, including parts, workshop consumables, and vehicle‑related purchases.

  
  


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  Match invoices to purchase orders and delivery notes, resolving any discrepancies promptly.

  
  


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  Reconcile supplier statements and maintain accurate, up‑to‑date ledger records.

  
  


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  Prepare and support regular payment runs, ensuring suppliers are paid within agreed terms.

  
  


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  Handle supplier and internal queries professionally, maintaining strong working relationships.

  
  


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  Assist with month‑end processes, including reconciliations and reporting.

  
  


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  Support general accounts payable activity in a fast‑paced automotive environment.

  
  

Skills/Experience: 

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  Previous experience in purchase ledger or accounts payable, ideally within automotive or retail.

  
  


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  Strong attention to detail and ability to manage high‑volume workloads.

  
  


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  Good communication skills for dealing with suppliers and internal teams.

  
  


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  Proficiency with accounting software and Excel; experience with automotive systems such as Keyloop/CDK is desirable.

  
  

Core Benefits:

• Competitive salaries with structured pay scales and progression as you grow within the business


• Generous annual leave that increases with your length of service


• Enhanced family leave, including 6 months’ full pay for maternity and adoption leave, and 2 weeks’ full pay for paternity leave


• Access to Techscheme for discounted technology purchases with flexible payments

Health & Wellbeing:

• Eyecare vouchers to help cover vision care needs


• Smart Health – 24/7 access to GP services to support your mental and physical wellbeing


• Dental insurance for everyday dental care and unexpected treatments


• Optional critical illness cover for peace of mind during life's most challenging moments

Financial Wellbeing:

• MyView PayNow – access a portion of your pay as you earn, with features to stream, save, and track your money through a user-friendly app


• Free will writing services to help plan for the future


• Flexible life assurance options and partner life assurance for added protection

Leisure & Lifestyle:

• Discounted gym memberships to support an active lifestyle


• Travel insurance to help you explore with confidence


• Access to home and technology vouchers


• bYond card and a wide range of exclusive retail and lifestyle discounts

We strongly believe in nurturing and providing our people with specific manufacturer brand and management training to enhance career development opportunities. We have a great bunch of people, and we like to celebrate and encourage success at all levels.

Lookers and Charles Hurst are an equal opportunities employer. We are committed to a working environment that is free from discrimination, is inclusive, and empowers our people to bring their whole self to work and reach their full potential. 

If your application is successful, we will conduct relevant employment checks prior to you commencing employment with us. These will include verifying your recent employment, address, credit history and a standard criminal record check. For roles that require you to drive, a driving licence check will also be carried out. Please note, all offers of employment are made subject to a 6 month probation period commencing from your start date.

We take our data protection responsibilities very seriously and are committed to upholding and respecting your privacy rights. Information about how we will process your data including the types of data we collect, the purposes for which we use it, who we may share it with and how long we keep it are set out in our privacy notice. It also includes information about your individual privacy rights. Please make sure you read our Privacy Notice so that you understand how we may collect and use your data.