Smiths Group are currently recruiting an Assistant Accountant to be based on site in Slough on a permanent basis. This role provides a full accounts payable service for the Smiths Group corporate head office. Smiths Group is a global business of five Divisions, working closely together to outperform our chosen markets and achieve world-class competitiveness, supported by a strong financial framework, with a 160-year history of innovation. Our ambition is to become one of the world's leading technology companies. The corporate head office consists of over 100 professionals and management in London across corporate functions including the Executive, HR, Finance, Operations, Strategy and Investor Relations. This role is based at the John Crane offices in Slough with the Corporate Management Services accountant, and the John Crane UK Finance team. Duties and

Responsibilities:
Accounts payable - invoice processing Responsibility for external and intra-group invoices and registering invoices on SAP, including proposing coding for invoices based on the nature of the invoices and coding of previous invoices, to be validated by approver. Ensuring that correct VAT codes are entered onto SAP, and escalating invoices which are of a sensitive nature (e.g. M&A invoices). Determining approvers, based on the approval matrix, based on the nature of the invoice, and using data on previous similar invoice approvals to determine the most suitable approver. Ownership of approval process, including seeking invoice approval, following-up on delayed approvals, obtaining and processing invoice approvals in SAP to allow invoices to move on to payment. All elements of invoice processing are to be dealt with in a timely manner to maintain good control. This will help to ensure that seeking approval and payment of invoices takes place on-time, that cost reporting is always complete and that backlogs of invoices at any stage of processing do not occur. Payments Payment of approved invoices, employee expenses, foreign outsourced payroll and ad-hoc payments. Payment methods include BACS, based on SAP data, and also direct input of payments into SAP to approved payees for same day and international payments, which are often in EUR or USD. Backup entry for Treasury payments Master data maintenance Starter and leaver changes on central finance system Creation of new vendors and suppliers (external and intra-group - although HQ has very few external customers). Bank reconciliations Downloading bank transaction data and uploading into SAP. Ensure that transactions are matched on SAP on a regular basis to facilitate the bank reconciliation processes. Investigating unknown cash payments or receipts to ensure that invoices are matched or accounting entries are processed by the accountant. Ensuring that approval is obtained for payments made by Direct Debit, and expenses are recognised and ensuring that bank reconciliations are up-to-date. Monitoring bank account levels and significant funding requirements for payments and liaising with Corporate Treasury if funds are required or available for treasury to use. Purchase order process Once a new procurement system has gone live later this year, this role will include the matching of invoices to purchase orders in order to authorise invoices. Intercompany recharges Collating a list and evidence of costs which need to be recharged, and sending out intercompany recharges to divisions with supporting invoices. Other Ensure that stakeholders are informed of the appropriate approval process for new suppliers, so invoices can be paid. Responding to queries from head office contacts about accounts payable process, invoice status and costs. Monthly agreement of the intercompany balances (payable and receivable), including resolving differences and obtaining copy invoices for any missing transactions. At month-end, providing details of invoices received after the agreed cut-off to the corporate accountant for accrual. Required Skills and Experience: Accuracy and ability to review own data input for accuracy On time payment Organisational skills to manage invoices and approvals Ability to consistently follow-up on invoice approvals Maintenance of control environment Record retention and focus on appropriate record retention for audit and VAT reporting Systems SAP Concur - for expense processing and SAP ERP system for Accounts Payable Barclays.net for payments Excel - for analysis as required About us: At Smiths we apply leading-edge technology to design, manufacture and deliver market-leading innovative solutions that meet our customers' evolving needs, and touch the lives of millions of people every day. We are a FTSE100, global business of around 22,000 colleagues, based in 50 countries. We support customers in around 200 countries and territories around the world. Our solutions have a real impact on lives across the planet, enabling industry, improving healthcare, enhancing security, advancing connectivity and supporting new homes. Our products and services are often critical to our customers' operations, while our proprietary technology and high service levels help create competitive advantage. We welcome colleagues with a curious mind, who are happy with responsibility, enjoy a challenge and are attracted by the idea of working at a business with a 160 year history of innovation, and five global divisions, all experts in their field