Finance Associate

Brakes UK are currently recruiting for a results driven Finance Associate to join our Finance team in Ashford, Kent.

Our Finance colleagues are a central hub of knowledge, and as a Finance Associate within the Merchandising division, you’ll ensure that you are on hand to support the business through key income and cost areas.

Reporting to the Merchandising Finance Team Manager you will support, develop and drive the analysis and understanding of key monthly processes including period end journals. Furthermore, you will be expected to provide support through the annual customer and supplier audits.

This role is offering flexible hybrid working with 1-2 days based in our Kent office for team collaboration and meetings, so you must be with in a commutable distance.

Key Accountabilities & Responsibilities

• Managing the promotions process including creating of the promotions files, creating the invoice runs and answering queries for standard monthly promotions, Buy One Get One Free and MyBrakes Rewards.
• Take part in key period end processes including monthly invoice allocation and buying income journal postings.
• Analysing costs - ensuring that costs are within budget, posting journals, highlighting risks and liaising with the Senior Finance Business Partner and Finance Director to resolve variances.
• Ownership of the backup for the buying income balance sheet for BIBAM
• Supporting with the year-end final reconciliations and supplier audits process
• Understanding of the systems used including Smart Supplier and to be one of the main contacts for queries
• Supporting with the Compass and Aramark annual reconciliation processes
• Producing monthly supplier reports
• Gaining an understanding of other roles within the Merchandising Finance team in order to provide holiday cover as needed
• Ad-hoc tasks as and when required

About you:
This role suits someone highly organised with strong analytical skills and excellent attention to detail, who is confident managing financial processes and supporting key period‑end activities. You will be comfortable working with data, posting journals, reconciling balances and ensuring accuracy across promotions, buying income and supplier reporting.

You will have clear communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively with colleagues across Finance and Merchandising, responding to queries professionally and building strong working relationships. You will be proactive in identifying variances, highlighting risks and following issues through to resolution, maintaining high standards of accuracy and integrity.

You will take ownership of your work, be willing to learn wider team processes to provide cover when needed, and bring a flexible, positive approach to ad‑hoc tasks and continuous improvement.

Benefits:

• Early Access to Your Earnings: Use our dedicated Wage Stream app to access your earned salary whenever you need it, helping you manage your finances with ease and confidence.
• Flexible Time Off: Take advantage of the option to purchase additional annual leave.
• Comprehensive Wellbeing & Health Support: Benefit from our Employee Assistance Programme, offering confidential mental health support, 24/7 GP appointments, physiotherapy, flu vaccinations, eye tests and a wide range of health services for you and your family.
• Competitive Pension Scheme: Secure your future with our robust pension plan designed to help you plan long term.
• Life Assurance: Peace of mind with life assurance coverage designed to protect you and your loved ones.
• Exclusive Discounts: Enjoy access to Sysco Perks, where you’ll find discounts on everything from gym memberships to your weekly grocery shop.
• Special Sysco Product Discounts: Get the chance to purchase our food products at significantly reduced prices.
• Free Mortgage Advice: Navigate the property market with confidence thanks to complimentary expert mortgage guidance.
• Enhanced Family-Friendly Leave: Our policies support you through important life moments, offering greater flexibility and care for you and your family.

At Brakes everyone is welcome. We don’t want you to ‘fit our culture’ we want you to help define it and we actively celebrate the unique talents of each and every colleague. We don’t just look at your CV, we’re more focused on who you are and your potential. As part of our values, we are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive culture where everyone has a voice, is appreciated and has the same opportunities. We work hard to ensure that everyone feels part of our business, as we care for one another and connect the world through food and trusted partnerships. Our ultimate goal is to ensure that everyone belongs and thrives at Brakes and we recognise that Brakes can only thrive when everyone feels they belong. We'll do everything we can to support you during your application. If you need us to make any adjustments to our recruitment process, speak to our resourcing team who will be happy to support you. 

Brakes

Built on a passion for food and feeding the nation, we are the UK’s largest foodservice supplier. Every day Brakes deliver the highest quality fresh and frozen food and ingredients from our nationwide network of distribution centres to some of the nation’s most famous pubs and restaurants, as well as schools, caterers, care homes and hospitals. Our customers depend on us, and our 8,000-strong workforce is dedicated and proud to be part of this vital provision. And we’re growing!