Accounts Payable Assistant

The posting

The role:

We are looking for an Accounts Payable Assistant to join our Finance department in Bristol.

The role is responsible for ensuring that all invoices, disbursement invoices, staff expenses, foreign currency and invoice recharges are received and approved within the correct authorisation and budget limits. Ensuring all invoices are posted in an efficient, effective and accurate manner to the correct matter and/or cost code and paid within the firm's normal terms of business.

This role covers predominately the Bristol office of Simmons & Simmons although some interaction may be required with the overseas offices to provide guidance on processes and procedures. The role has broad interaction at all levels in a supporting and advising capacity.

What will you do:

Using technical expertise to ensure the accurate recording of creditors and compliance with relevant Customs & Excise legislation, the provisions of the Solicitors Accounts Rules and

Money Laundering Regulations:

• Ensuring that supplier payments, staff expenses, foreign currency are processed with adherence to GAAP, VAT legislation and the firm’s internal financial controls.
• Liaising with the management accounts team regarding the coding structure of the general ledger in order to confirm the accuracy of the information used in financial analysis and reporting.
• Ensuring that supplier payments, staff expenses, intercompany invoices, foreign currency and invoice recharges are processed in a timely and accurate manner in accordance with finance policies and procedures.
• Inputting of transactions on behalf of the finance department, providing corporate governance and financial control.

Providing a quality service and ensuring that the team processes and objectives align with business needs:

• Obtaining relevant feedback in order to advise on improvements to the processes of the team and actively promoting the finance function.
• Adhering to agreed best practices, policies and processes whilst adapting to local requirements, as necessary.
• Consistently sharing knowledge and skills with colleagues.

Supporting and maintaining effective relationships and networks to facilitate and improve the firm’s creditor cycle in relation to the UK practice and to support the Cashiers and Accounts Payable Manager in doing so on a firm-wide basis:

• Building constructive working relationships with the budget holders within the firm and key personnel within external organisations to ensure that focus is maintained on timely supplier payments.
• Establishing and maintaining effective relationships with external suppliers.
• Accepting responsibility and taking ownership of operational issues, finding practical solutions and escalating problems where appropriate.
• Interacting with a wide range of contacts at different levels, requiring an awareness of own impact on others and an adjustment of behaviour accordingly.
• Providing commercial and legislative advice as appropriate.

What we are looking for:

• At least 5 GSCE grade C or above or equivalent qualifications.
• Proven experience working in a commercial environment with experience of accounts payable.
• To be able to demonstrate the application of best practice together with a commercial approach.
• To be able to demonstrate experience of building successful relationships.
• Excel skills to Intermediate level.
• Strong working use of Microsoft office.
• Ability to advise on system functionality and transactions (AX/3e system knowledge an advantage).
• Strong awareness of Customs & excise VAT legislation.
• An awareness of GAAP, and the provisions of the Solicitors Accounts Rules and Money Laundering requirements.
• Hands on individual who is pro-active.
• Service orientated.
• Able to prioritise workload to meet daily, weekly, monthly and annual deadlines.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Ability to make appropriate decisions after having analysed the situation and considered the consequences.
• Must be open to change.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively by adapting style of written and oral communication appropriately.
• Confident and professional approach.
• A team player who works collaboratively with others to provide quality support to the department and the firm.
• Ability to interact with colleagues of all levels.
• Able to work effectively as part of a diverse and inclusive team.
• Flexibility and a willingness to work additional hours on occasion as required.

Career Level:

The career level assigned to this role is level 2. The career level framework provides a formal structure for the business services functions at the firm. The framework, which ranges from level 1 to level 7, clearly defines the responsibilities, skills and competencies required at each level.

Here at Simmons & Simmons:

At Simmons, we are proud of our collaborative, open and non-hierarchical culture, where everyone is treated with respect and dignity and the wellbeing of our people is paramount. Our dynamic minds work as one integrated team, partnering with leading organisations on inspirational and thought-provoking projects that matter. From day one, irrespective of job title, qualification or background, everyone’s voice is heard, and you are encouraged to have an enquiring mind and share ideas that drive the firm forward. Through innovative learning and development opportunities, you will have a platform to excel, exceed your career ambitions, and achieve things you never thought possible.

Some key information:

• We offer a competitive package including bonuses dependant on role/level, private medical insurance and pension contribution.
• Our global skills academy provides our people, regardless of their role and location, with excellent learning opportunities (including live workshops, podcasts, short videos and practical learning experiences).
• We have adopted a hybrid working approach with a requirement for a minimum of three days in the office with flexibility dependant on role/team/client demands.
• We are proud to rank as a Times Top 50 Employer for Gender Equality, a Stonewall Top Global Employer, and a Top 75 Employer for Social Mobility.
• We have a range of social and sports committees, summer and winter parties and monthly get togethers.
• We have a range of diversity networks to connect people and celebrate our differences which is integral to our inclusive culture.
• All UK offices have their own artwork collections – including Damien Hirst and Tracey Emin pieces in the London office. We have a long-standing history in supporting the art community especially up-and-coming artists.
• We have recently introduced a Strategic Advisory Council which is a mix of associates and business services who will propose strategic initiatives that align with our firm's mission and support the delivery of our business plan, shaping the future of our next-generation law firm.
• Our in-house generative AI tool, Percy, won the ‘Innovation in Automation and AI Tools’ category at the 2024 FT Innovative Lawyers Europe Awards. This achievement highlights our commitment to technological innovation and client service.
• We have been commended in The Times Best Law Firms 2026 across three categories: construction, employment, and intellectual property. Our profile is highly positive, highlighting our sector specialisms and notable case and transactional work.

Equal opportunities:

We are committed to fostering equality, diversity and inclusion within our firm and to ensuring equal employment opportunities. We believe that this commitment creates a vibrant and rewarding work environment. We are therefore committed to:

• Upholding equal opportunities, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, belief, age, disability, sexual orientation, sex, gender reassignment, gender identity, marital status, or pregnancy, including maternity and paternity. This commitment extends to addressing any instances of perceived or associative discrimination and harassment. We also ensure fair treatment during recruitment and selection processes for those who are serving or have served in the armed forces, along with their families.
• Accommodating requests for flexible working arrangements whenever possible. We encourage you to discuss your needs with us if this is something you require.
• Making our roles accessible to individuals with diverse abilities. If you need any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know so we can meet your needs.
• We offer a range of employee networks to support our colleagues. More information about these networks can be found in the D&I Information booklet that candidates are sent when invited to interview.

We encourage you to apply even if you don't meet every single requirement. We are looking for individuals who are passionate and eager to learn and grow with us. Your unique experiences and perspectives could be a great addition to our team.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.

If you’re interested in finding out more about this position, please contact the Recruitment Team. To apply for the role, click on the link at the top of the page or visit our careers page for more details.