Accounts Payable Assistant

Company Description

 Navantia UK is a new force in British industry, supporting the UK’s defence, energy and maritime ambitions. We’re doing this by creating state-of-the-art sovereign defence capabilities, investing in the UK to modernise industrial facilities, and bolstering the nation's energy security. Established in 2022, Navantia UK is a subsidiary of Navantia SA, a Spanish state-owned company with over 300 years of naval shipbuilding history. In January 2025, Navantia UK completed the acquisition of Harland & Wolff and its four historic facilities in Belfast, Appledore, Methil, and Arnish. By combining Harland & Wolff’s proud heritage and facilities with Navantia’s global expertise, Navantia UK is well-positioned to strengthen Britain’s defence, maritime and energy industrial capabilities, supporting jobs and economic growth across the UK.

Job Description

Accounts Payable Assistant:

Job Purpose

The Accounts Payable Assistant supports the Finance Team in the efficient processing of supplier invoices and employee expenses, ensuring accuracy and compliance with company procedures. The role contributes to the smooth operation of the Accounts Payable function by assisting with supplier reconciliations, payment runs, and month-end activities, while maintaining effective relationships with internal stakeholders and external suppliers.

Key Responsibilities & Accountabilities

• Process supplier invoices accurately and efficiently, ensuring appropriate matching to purchase orders and correct coding to general ledger accounts and cost centres.
• Investigate and resolve invoice discrepancies, queries, and payment issues in a timely and professional manner.
• Liaise with internal departments to obtain invoice approvals and supporting documentation where required.
• Work closely with the Procurement team to ensure purchase orders and supplier invoices are aligned and processed efficiently.
• Prepare weekly supplier payment runs and support the execution of supplier payments.
• Perform monthly supplier statement reconciliations, identifying and resolving discrepancies promptly.
• Maintain positive and professional relationships with suppliers, responding to queries in a timely and effective manner.
• Monitor aged accounts payable reports and follow up on outstanding balances in accordance with departmental procedures.
• Process employee expense claims in line with company policy and approval processes.
• Prepare and post monthly journals, including payroll allocations and other ad hoc journals as required.
• Assist with month-end close activities and reporting requirements, ensuring adherence to departmental deadlines.
• Provide support across the wider Finance team when required, including assisting the Accounts Receivable function.
• Undertake additional duties and responsibilities as reasonably requested by management.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to interact effectively with colleagues and external suppliers.
• High level of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a team environment.
• Demonstrates initiative and a proactive approach to workload management.

Working Environment

Standard office-based working environment. Occasional travel or overnight stays may be required. Working hours may occasionally extend beyond the standard schedule to support operational requirements or key financial deadlines.

Physical Effort

Minimal physical demands. Duties primarily involve desk-based work including computer use, with opportunities for regular breaks.

Additional Information

The above list of duties and responsibilities is not exhaustive. The post holder may be required to undertake additional tasks that are reasonably expected within the scope and grading of the role. Job descriptions should be reviewed periodically to ensure they accurately reflect the responsibilities of the position.

Level Overview

Develops an understanding of role requirements and begins applying academic or foundational knowledge to assigned responsibilities.

Completes tasks within established procedures, practices, and guidelines. Organises own work to deliver against assigned activities within short-term timelines.

Complexity, Expertise & Problem Solving

Works on tasks of limited scope and complexity, applying established procedures to resolve routine issues.

Builds foundational knowledge of accounting processes and develops skills through formal training and practical experience. Exercises limited judgement when resolving routine matters.

Decision Making & Autonomy

Operates with limited decision-making authority and works under guidance from supervisors or more experienced team members.

Communication, Negotiation, Influencing & Key Contacts

Communicates clearly and effectively with colleagues and supervisors. Engages in routine exchanges of information and seeks clarification where required.

Interactions with external contacts, such as suppliers, may occur under guidance. Develops an understanding of internal and external customer needs and responds to standard requests accordingly.

Demonstrates awareness of how individual tasks contribute to team objectives and broader business processes.

Supervision & Leadership

Works under close supervision and receives guidance on task execution.

Builds cooperative working relationships with colleagues and contributes positively as a team member, supporting team activities and completing assigned tasks effectively.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• A-levels or equivalent (including maths or business)
• Microsoft Excel (basic formulas, spreadsheets)
• Previous experience in a finance or accounting role is desirable but not essential, as full systems training will be provided.
• Experience working with ERP systems, particularly SAP, would be advantageous

Additional Information

We are an Opening Doors employer, committed to equal opportunity and an inclusive workplace. Our approach, shaped by our values of service, trust, excellence, agility, dedication, and you, we focus on removing barriers and recognising potential. We are committed to fairness at every stage, including providing reasonable adjustments and actively working to eliminate discrimination.

We believe talent is everywhere, and by widening access to opportunity and welcoming diverse experiences, we aim to create a workplace where every person feels valued and has an equal chance.

If you experience difficulties or are unable to apply for a role on-line please contact us at people.skills@harland-wolff.com and one of the team will be in contact to help you.