Purchase Ledger Clerk

Job Title: Purchase Ledger Clerk

Location: Warrington, Cheshire

Position Type: Full-time, Fixed Term Contract

Salary: £28,000 to £30,000 per annum

Reporting To: Accounts Payable Manager / Finance Manager

Job Summary

An experienced and detail-oriented Purchase Ledger Clerk is required to join a busy finance team based in Warrington. This role is responsible for end-to-end accounts payable processing, supplier statement reconciliations, payment runs and resolving supplier queries promptly to ensure smooth operational finance functions.

Key Responsibilities

• Invoice Processing: High-volume input, matching, batching, and coding of supplier invoices and credit notes against purchase orders and goods received notes.

• Payment Runs: Preparing and executing weekly and monthly BACS payment runs in line with supplier payment terms.

• Supplier Statement Reconciliations: Regularly reconciling supplier statements against the purchase ledger to identify missing invoices, unapplied credits, or debit balances.

• Query Resolution: Serving as the primary point of contact for external suppliers and internal stakeholders to resolve invoice discrepancies and payment queries.

• Master Data Management: Setting up new supplier accounts and updating existing vendor details, ensuring full compliance and bank verification protocols.

• Month-End Support: Assisting with month-end ledger close, including accruing for un-invoiced goods/services and reporting on aged creditors.

• Expenses & Petty Cash: Processing staff expense claims and credit card receipts in accordance with company policy and UK VAT guidelines.

Person Specification

Required Skills & Experience:

• Minimum 1-2 years of direct experience in a dedicated Purchase Ledger / Accounts Payable role.

• Strong working knowledge of double-entry bookkeeping and UK VAT treatment on supplier invoices.

• Proficiency in ERP software (e.g., Sage 50/200, Xero, SAP, Business Central, or Oracle).

• Intermediate Microsoft Excel skills (vlookups, pivot tables, basic sum/if formulas).

• High accuracy and strong numerical reasoning skills when processing high volumes of data.

Key Competencies:

• Communication: Clear, professional verbal and written communication with internal department managers and external vendors.

• Organisation: Ability to prioritise work, meet tight payment deadlines, and maintain organised digital filing systems.

• Problem Solving: Proactive in investigating unmatched POs and invoice holds.

Desirable Criteria:

• Studying towards or achieved AAT Level 2/3 (or equivalent qualification).

• Previous experience in a fast-paced shared service centre or SME environment across the North West.