Purchase Ledger Clerk

Job title:

Purchase Ledger Clerk

Company

Sharp Consultancy

Job description

​Throughout my career as a specialist recruiter in professional practice, I’ve had the privilege of working with many talented, ambitious accountants, and some have progressed faster than others. While every journey is unique, there are clear patterns in what helps people move from trainee roles into more senior finance jobs within professional practice. Drawing from this experience, I’ve put together a set of strategies any accountant can adopt to accelerate their career up the professional practice ladder. These tactics have proven to be highly effective for those aiming to achieve their professional goals efficiently and successfully. ​​Embrace Increasing Responsibility​As you begin your career in accountancy, the scope of your duties often starts with basic tasks such as data entry, reconciling accounts, and preparing reports. While these tasks are important for building a foundation, taking on more responsibility is key to developing the skills and experience needed for progression in practice.Start by volunteering for more complex tasks that stretch your skillset, such as handling larger client accounts, managing financial forecasting, or (if possible) participating in audits. These challenges will expose you to new aspects of accountancy and allow you to learn beyond the day-to-day duties. Another way to progress quickly is by taking on leadership roles within a team or department. Taking on the responsibility of overseeing junior staff, delegating tasks, and ensuring deadlines are met can significantly enhance your development and provide you with the invaluable ‘management experience’ which is essential for trainee accountants looking to advance to the next step in their professional practice careers. ​Continuous Learning and Self-Development​As you challenge yourself with new responsibilities, actively pursuing knowledge and development goes hand in hand with completing further qualifications. Traditionally, most accountants I work with are newly or nearly AAT qualified which is a fantastic accomplishment in itself but for those with aspirations of climbing the ladder the next step should be further studies. Qualifications such as the ACA, ACCA or CTA (depending on your chosen specialism) will allow you to strengthen your technical expertise. It’s worth mentioning here that a good training contract and mentor are invaluable for the next step in your journey and should be a big factor when deciding to look for a new role after completing your AAT. ​Finding a Mentor Another important aspect of progressing quickly in accountancy is developing relationships with more experienced colleagues, supervisors, and managers. By seeking mentorship from more experienced professionals, you can gain insights into how they managed their career progression. Also, they can guide you in taking on appropriate challenges and responsibilities and help you navigate the complexities of the profession. Many of the most successful finance professionals credit their career growth to strong mentorship relationships established early in their journey. ​Networking​Networking is one of the most underutilised tools for career progression in finance. While it might feel intimidating at first, networking allows you to connect with and learn from likeminded individuals, stay informed about trends in professional practice, and discover new opportunities. One of the primary reasons networking is important is that it helps build valuable relationships that can last your career. By connecting with colleagues, senior professionals, and other stakeholders, you gain access to a wealth of knowledge, insights, and opportunities that can propel your career forward. Ultimately, networking is not just about what you can gain but also about what you can offer to others. By fostering meaningful relationships, you contribute to a collaborative and supportive community that benefits everyone involved. Here at Sharp Consultancy, we host events across the year and have a long-standing relationship with various institutions and training groups including S&DCASS (Sheffield and District Chartered Accountants Student Society), LCASS (Leeds Chartered Accountants Students Society) and First Intuition to host events that bring studiers together from various firms throughout Yorkshire. It really is a brilliant first step in your networking journey. ​Whether you’re just starting out or already on your way up, accelerating your career in professional practice comes down to a mix of mindset, opportunity, and action. By embracing responsibility, committing to continuous learning, building genuine relationships, and tapping into the right support networks, you’ll put yourself in the best possible position to thrive. If you’d like to explore how to take that next step-or just want to chat through your options-I’d love to hear from you. Let’s connect and start shaping your future together. Charlie Marper, Business Manager, [email protected] – 0114 261 1700 ​Looking for your next career move in finance or accountancy? At Sharp Consultancy, our expertise lies in matching your potential with the perfect temporary, interim, or permanent position. With a well-established presence in Leeds and Sheffield, our seasoned team of consultants extends their services across Yorkshire and beyond. Don’t wait for opportunity to knock, reach out to us TODAYand let’s chart your career path together. ​×Job details Posted 07 July 2025 Salary £30,000 – £32,000 LocationLeeds Job type Discipline ReferenceLCO41203ConsultantSenior ConsultantPurchase Ledger ClerkJob description​I am working with a fantastic business based in the centre of Leeds who are looking to bring a new Purchase ledger Clerk into the team as the current incumbent is retiring after long service.Working as part of a team of 7 in finance as Purchase Ledger Clerk you will ensure the timely and accurate processing of supplier invoices, payment runs, and reconciliations. Maintain the integrity of the purchase ledger and supporting the wider finance team in delivering reliable financial information.The main responsibilities are listed below:Process high volumes of supplier invoices, ensuring accurate matching to purchase orders and job numbers.Perform supplier statement reconciliations and promptly resolve any discrepancies.Prepare payment schedules and process BACS/CHAPS payments in line with company policy.Ensure VAT is correctly applied and recorded on all purchase invoices in accordance with HMRC regulations.Investigate and resolve invoice discrepancies using strong problem-solving and analytical skills.Manage the finance inbox and handle general finance-related administrative tasks.Support the setting up of new suppliers, ensuring all required documentation is collected and verified in accordance with company policy.Maintain confidentiality and demonstrate a high level of integrity in handling financial data.Ensure timely and accurate month-end and year-end ledger closures with no date discrepancies.Collate, reconcile, and post credit card and internal expense claims to appropriate nominal codes.Support audit processes by providing requested documentation and explanations related to purchase ledger transactions.Ensure compliance with internal financial processes and controls.Maintain accurate monthly files and records in accordance with audit requirements.Maintain awareness of potential fraud risks within the accounts payable process and report any suspicious activity.Build and maintain effective working relationships with internal departments and external stakeholders.We would be keen to hear from individual the following skills and experience:AAT qualification or working towards it.Strong attention to detail and accuracy.Good understanding of VAT regulations and purchase ledger processes.Effective problem-solving and analytical skills.Excellent organisational and time management skills.High integrity and commitment to confidentiality.Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team.Proficient in Microsoft Excel and accounting software.Experience in a fast-paced finance environment.If you are looking to work for a highly rewarding business in a Purchase Ledger Clerk in Leeds centre with a great salary then get in touch straight away!Sharp Consultancy is a finance and accountancy recruitment specialist assisting accounting and finance divisions of businesses in the Yorkshire and Derbyshire area. With over 30 years’ experience we pride ourselves on sourcing excellent finance professionals across all divisions of an accounts function.Candidates must be eligible to work in the UK full time without restriction. To apply please send your CV to the e-mail address stated, quoting our reference and specifying which website you saw this position advertised on. Due to the high volume of applications, we receive it is not always possible to respond to unsuccessful applicants. Therefore, if we have not responded to your application within seven days, please note that on this occasion your application has not been successful.

Expected salary

£30000 – 32000 per year

Location

United Kingdom

Job date

Wed, 09 Jul 2025 00:17:34 GMT

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