Closing date: Friday 31 January 2025
Salary: £26,000.00-£27,560.00 DOE, Plus Desirable Benefits
Full Time, Permanent Position
Are you wild about creating memorable experiences?
Do you want to work in a place where you can hear calls from troops of howler monkeys, or the roars from a pride of lions?
We are seeking a proactive Purchase Ledger Clerk to manage the efficient operation of the purchase ledger for The Howletts Wild Animal Trust and Howletts & Port Lympne Estates Limited. In this key role, you will ensure supplier invoices and payments are processed accurately and on time while supporting budget holders in the effective use of the purchase ordering system.
You’ll maintain accurate supplier accounts, resolve account issues promptly to minimise business impact, and handle supplier and budget holder queries professionally. Your responsibilities will include clearing the purchase ledger inbox daily, processing invoices and payments, and ensuring deadlines align with the month-end timetable.
Additionally, you’ll prepare supplier payment run reports, manage payments through banking systems, and issue remittance advices. Supporting the Finance Department’s efficiency, you’ll contribute to process improvements and assist the Head of Finance and Assistant Finance Manager as needed.
Who are we looking for:
We are looking for a skilled Purchase Ledger/Accounts Payable Clerk with strong commercial awareness and a proven track record in managing accounts payable functions. You’ll be IT literate, particularly in MS Office 365, and experienced with cost centre-based accounting packages. Strong written and verbal communication skills are essential.
You’ll have at least three years of experience in a similar role within a VAT-registered limited company, with charitable company experience being a bonus. A keen eye for detail, excellent organisational skills, and the ability to prioritise tasks to meet deadlines are crucial. As a team player, you’ll thrive on collaboration while also taking responsibility for resolving issues. A proactive problem-solver, you stay calm under pressure and handle time-sensitive situations effectively.
Desirable qualities include familiarity with Advanced Exchequer software, experience with group companies and VAT complexities, and an appreciation for wild animal conservation and environmental issues.
Contract details:
This is a full-time, permanent position, working 40 hours a week Monday - Friday.
This role is based at Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve near Folkestone and Ashford, and reports directly into the Assistant Finance Manager. All applicants must have the right to work in the UK. A reliable mode of transport is recommended due to our remote location. Part-time/job share considered.
The location:
Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve is a world-renowned wild animal park set within 600 acres of Kentish savannah. The Reserve is home to some of the world’s most rare and endangered animals and offers luxury short breaks accommodations, free roaming animal safaris, once-in-a-lifetime animal encounters and exquisite dining experiences. Most importantly, every one of our employees is part of real conservation in action and their efforts have contributed to animals such as black rhino and western lowland gorillas being returned to their natural habitats in collaboration with our partners at The Aspinall Foundation.
Why you should join us:
As well as walking to work surrounded by the calls of Howler monkeys and the roars from our pride of Lions, you will also join a supportive team who are passionate about their place of work.
You can also expect a host of other benefits including:
• 28 days annual leave inclusive of bank holidays, rising with length of service. (Pro-rated to start date)
• Comprehensive training and development opportunities, including workshops and e-learning
• Enhanced Sickness, Maternity and Paternity Policies.
• Unlimited free entry for you and a person of your choice into both of our parks as well as friends and family tickets.
• Exceptional discounts on food, retail and accommodation at our parks.
• Numerous retail discounts and access to a 24-hour counselling line through our Healthy Extras Scheme.
• Company Pension
• And many more length of service-related rewards and Benefits.
To apply: If you want to work in an exciting and unique environment where no two days are the same, please email your C.V. and covering letter to Finance@howlettsandportlympne.com
