Accounts Receivable Assistant

We are seeking a detail-oriented and proactive Accounts Receivable Assistant to join our finance team based in Sunderland. This role is crucial to the financial health of the business, responsible for invoicing, collections, journal preparation, and aged debt recovery. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in credit control and accounts receivable processes, along with excellent communication and negotiation skills.

Key Responsibilities:

• Raise all invoices to partners for activities such as marketing, supplier overrides, and monthly third-party recharges.
• Prepare and complete accurate journals to ensure the integrity of monthly management accounts.
• Ensure that VAT and non-VAT transactions are accurately accounted for in all invoicing and receivables processes.
• Generate and distribute trade statements and manage the collection of associated payments.
• Collection of outstanding and overdue funds in line with payment terms.
• Building and maintaining professional relationships both internally and with external partners.
• Ensure timely and accurate processing of Smile Rewards payments.
• Collaborate with internal teams to confirm that billing and recharge activities reflect commercial agreements.
• Support the finance team in end-of-month and year-end accounting processes.

Required Skills & Experience:

• Proven experience in accounts receivable, credit control, or a similar finance role.
• Solid understanding of invoicing, reconciliations, journals, and debt collection.
• Strong attention to detail and high levels of accuracy.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Confident in negotiation and conflict resolution.
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel and accounting software.
• Effective organizational and time management skills.
• AAT qualification or working towards a finance qualification is preferred but not essential.

About Us

As the UK’s largest independent travel agency, Hays Travel specialises in providing good value, quality holidays, alongside excellent customer service. We work with all leading suppliers and can package holidays that include hotels, flights, cruises, tours, attraction tickets, and more. We have over 470 Branches throughout the UK and our Head Office based in Sunderland, is home to tour operator teams, finance, marketing, people/HR and IT, plus many more. We have been operating for over 40 years, and continue to grow each year.

Our values

Our SMILE values are embedded in to our company and ensure our teams work strongly together. You and all of our colleagues will ensure that the Hays Travel values are demonstrated at all times.

• Supportive
• Motivational
• Innovative
• Loyal
• Excellent

What it’s like to work for us?

Whichever location or department you work in, our people are always at the heart of everything we do. We offer a range of training programmes to help you progress personally and professionally, as we know the benefits of promoting and rewarding our hardworking colleagues are extremely important.

Of course, it's not all about work. We're very sociable and there are always lots of team nights-out and company parties. Plus, there are opportunities to travel abroad on educational trips, and you can also take advantage of our colleague discount when booking your own holidays.

Hays Travel is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all colleagues. As an accredited employer provider of apprenticeships, we undertake basic checks through the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) to ensure the safety of our apprentices for relevant roles.

Desirable Qualifications: