Finance Assistant | Porto, Portugal

Improve International was established in 1998 by a group of veterinary surgeons from across the UK. We run Continuous Professional Development training from veterinary professionals to help develop the skills and knowledge required in practice. 

Our programmes utilise a combination of review lectures, case-based discussion and, where applicable, hands-on practical sessions. Within Improve we also have the function of ‘The International School of Veterinary Postgraduate Studies (ISVPS)’. This function is dedicated to providing veterinary surgeons, nurses and technicians with high quality, achievable qualifications that are recognised internationally. We are an international organisation with offices in the UK and Portugal. 

We are looking for a proactive and detail-oriented Finance Assistant to join our Finance team. This is an exciting opportunity for someone looking to build a broad career in Finance Operations, gaining experience across Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable and general finance processes within an international business.

Working as part of a collaborative Finance team, you will support the day-to-day financial operations while developing your skills across multiple areas of transactional finance.

• Process supplier invoices, customer invoices and credit notes accurately and in a timely manner.
• Post daily finance transactions.
• Allocate customer receipts and supplier payments.
• Prepare bank and control account reconciliations.
• Reconcile supplier statements and customer accounts, investigating and resolving discrepancies.
• Monitor outstanding customer balances and support credit control activities.
• Process employee expense claims and reimbursement requests.
• Assist with supplier payment runs and customer refund processes.
• Reconcile invoicing between the accounting system and relevant invoicing/payment platforms.
• Maintain accurate finance records, ensuring proper documentation and organization.
• Support month-end close activities, ensuring financial data is complete and accurate.
• Assist with balance sheet reconciliations and other routine finance controls.
• Support tax reconciliations and other statutory reporting activities as required.
• Assist with finance system testing (UAT) and process improvements.
• Respond to supplier, customer and internal finance queries in a professional and timely manner.
• Support ad hoc Finance projects as required. 

• Academic background in Accounting, Finance or a related discipline. 
• Experience in a Finance Assistant, Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable or similar finance role.
• Good understanding of accounting principles.
• Strong Excel skills.
• Experience using finance or ERP systems.
• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize workload and meet deadlines.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Fluent written and spoken English is mandatory.
• Experience in a multi-entity or international environment would be advantageous.
• Experience with Sage Intacct or similar ERP systems would be advantageous.
• Additional European languages would be an advantage. 

• Fluent written and verbal English (mandatory)
• Team player.
• Can-do, positive and proactive attitude.
• Self-starter with the ability to work independently.
• Highly organized with excellent attention to detail.
• Reliable and accountable.
• Strong problem-solving skills.
• Flexible and willing to support different areas of the Finance function.
• Eager to learn and develop within Finance. 

Annual Leave Entitlement: 23 days plus public holidays, one additional day of annual leave after three years of service and a further additional day after ten years of service.

Office Closure: Additional leave on the afternoon of the 24th and the 31st December

Weekly Hours: 40

Location: Central city location (Porto) near public transportation. Hybrid working available

Annual bonus: Discretionary Annual Bonus based on company and individual performance

EAP: Employee Assistance Program (Globally available)

Benefits Portal: Coverflex benefits allowance and discounts; Company-paid health insurance for permanent employees; Reduced-rate health insurance option for temporary employees.

Birthday off, if it falls on a working day

Full training provided

Free tea and coffee and option to bring dogs to work.

Great team spirit in the office and comfortable office environment 

Multi-cultural team and colleagues based globally