Job Title: Junior Finance Administrator
Reporting into: Finance Manager / Controller
Department: Finance
Location: Rotterdam, Netherlands
JOB DESCRIPTION AND RESPONSIBILITIES _____________________________________________________________________________________________
The Junior Finance Employee plays a supporting role in the financial administration of our freight forwarding operations based in Rotterdam. This position is responsible for assisting in accounts payable and receivable processing, shipment-level invoicing, VAT compliance, and general ledger maintenance. The Junior Finance Employee will work closely with the Finance and Operations teams to ensure financial transactions are processed accurately and on time, supporting the smooth flow of goods and funds across our global network.
This position will also actively participate in the improvement of internal processes and the documentation of financial procedures, contributing to the scalability and efficiency of the Finance department.
Key Responsibilities:
Accounts Payable & Receivable
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Process and verify vendor invoices from carriers, shipping lines, customs agents, and hauliers against purchase orders and proof of delivery.
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Generate and issue customer invoices for freight charges, customs duties, handling fees, and surcharges in a timely and accurate manner.
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Monitor outstanding receivables, follow up on overdue debtor accounts, and escalate unresolved balances to the Finance Manager.
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Reconcile accounts receivable and payable to the general ledger on a monthly basis and investigate discrepancies.
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Ensure all customer and vendor invoices are accurately entered before the monthly cut-off deadline.
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Review the monthly invoice register to identify anomalies and assist in resolving billing queries.
General Ledger & Month-End Support
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Assist with the preparation and posting of journal entries, including accruals, prepayments, and cost allocations related to freight and logistics operations.
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Support the month-end and year-end close process, including account reconciliations and preparation of supporting schedules.
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Maintain accurate records of financial transactions in the accounting system (e.g., Exact Globe, SAP, or comparable ERP).
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Assist in the reconciliation of intercompany balances with global entities and overseas agents.
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Reconcile bank accounts and other balance sheet accounts on a regular basis.
VAT & Tax Compliance
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Assist with the preparation of monthly and quarterly VAT returns (BTW-aangifte) in accordance with Dutch tax regulations.
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Ensure correct VAT treatment is applied to freight and logistics transactions, including intra-EU shipments and customs-related charges.
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Maintain proper supporting documentation for VAT filings and assist during tax audits or queries from the Belastingdienst.
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Support additional local and EU tax compliance requirements as directed by the Finance Manager.
Reporting & Administration
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Prepare basic financial reports and data summaries to support management reporting and KPI tracking.
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Assist with the preparation of ad hoc analyses on cost, revenue, or margin as requested by management.
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Maintain well-organised and audit-ready financial records and files.
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Provide administrative support to the Finance team during peak periods, audit preparation, and team absences.
Process Improvement & Special Projects
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Identify opportunities to improve efficiency in financial administration processes and propose practical solutions.
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Participate in the implementation and documentation of internal control procedures and finance process improvements.
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Support the Finance team with special projects, reconciliations, and other assigned tasks as needed.
Qualifications:
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HBO degree (or equivalent) in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field; MBO-4 candidates with relevant work experience are also encouraged to apply.
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0–2 years of relevant work experience in a finance or accounting role; internship experience in logistics or freight forwarding is a plus.
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Basic understanding of Dutch GAAP and VAT (BTW) requirements.
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Proficiency in Microsoft Excel (pivot tables, VLOOKUP) and experience with accounting or ERP software (e.g., Exact Globe, SAP, or comparable).
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Accurate and detail-oriented, with the ability to work efficiently under time pressure during cut-off periods.
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Good communication skills in Dutch and English (written and spoken); both are required in our international environment.
Preferred Qualifications:
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Affinity with or experience in the logistics, freight forwarding, or supply chain sector.
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Knowledge of customs procedures, import/export documentation, or Incoterms is an advantage.
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Pursuing or planning to pursue a PE Accountancy or SPD qualification is a plus.
