Finance Assistant

Here at Living Optics we are developing pioneering hyperspectral cameras for the mass market. Our devices access information invisible to human eyes and conventional cameras, enabling discoveries ranging from plastics sorting to greenhouse gas detection and tumour detection. Our unique approach to hyperspectral imaging combines patented optical methods, built-from-scratch neural networks, and a small dose of pure maths. We're well on our way to radically democratise and miniaturise hyperspectral systems, which have long been confined to research labs.

Since being spun out from the Physics department of the University of Oxford in 2020, we have been developing the complex engineering and software applications ahead of our product launch in 2023. In September 2022 we announced our Series A £20m investment. We have a friendly, diverse and global team.

Our brand new headquarters and lab space are at Milton Park, Oxford and we are continuing to grow our team of currently c30 people. At Living optics, we are fiercely proud of our talented workforce, whose creativity, tenacity and skills have enabled us to evolve into a successful, well-funded and rapidly growing company in just a few years. We strive to be an outstanding place to work – by maintaining a positive and inclusive culture, offering competitive salaries and benefits, encouraging ongoing training and development, plus, of course, plenty of other perks.

Role:

Oxford/hybrid - minimum 2 days a week at our Milton Park Head Office

Reporting to the Finance Director and working as part of a small central team, this is the perfect role for someone looking to progress their a career in finance. The Finance Assistant will support the business with a broad financial role as we increase our involvement with suppliers, partners and customers (UK, Taiwan and elsewhere) ahead of our product launch and beyond.

Responsibilities:

• Setting up supplier accounts
• Processing invoices and payments through our payment portal
• Make sure invoices are approved in time to meet established payment cycle
• Dealing with external and internal queries in relation to payables and receivables
• Organise, respond to and settle supplier account queries
• Assist in the preparation of Monthly Management Accounts
• Preparation of monthly payables reporting
• Assist with ad hoc accounting projects
• Assist with operational and logistics issues

Candidate requirements:

• Part-Qualified or studying towards ACCA/CIMA/ACA (Living Optics will fund study towards a recognised accounting qualification)
• 1-2 yrs experience working in a broad finance role
• Ideally previous experience with Xero and Tipalti
• Ability to maintain strong external working relationships
• Able to work accurately in a busy, fast paced and lively environment

Salary and benefits:

• c£30,000 (depending on experience)
• 25 days holiday
• 5% pension
• Comprehensive employee insurances including private medical, life assurance, critical illness and income protection
• Cycle to work, electric car scheme
• Free office snacks/drinks