Finance Assistant

We are looking for an experienced and practical Finance Assistant to join a growing and fast-moving healthcare group. This is a varied, hands-on role supporting the Financial Controller across the day-to-day finance function, month-end reporting and financial control for multiple group companies. It would suit someone who is AAT qualified or a part-qualified accountant who is no longer actively studying and wants to develop through broader practical experience. The role requires someone who is comfortable taking ownership, working to deadlines and dealing with whatever needs to be done. This is not a narrowly defined processing role. The successful candidate will need to use their initiative, investigate issues and help improve how the finance function operates. The role is based in our DSP in Runcorn. Key responsibilities Responsibilities will include:

Maintaining accurate purchase and sales ledgers across multiple group companies. Processing supplier invoices, credit notes and payments. Reviewing supplier statements and resolving discrepancies. Raising sales invoices and supporting credit control. Preparing regular balance sheet reconciliations. Assisting with monthly management accounts and group reporting. Preparing accruals, prepayments and other month-end journals. Supporting intercompany accounting and reconciliations. Supporting payroll processing and the reconciliation of payroll control accounts. Assisting with VAT returns and other statutory submissions. Investigating differences and correcting accounting records. Maintaining clear supporting schedules and audit trails. Responding to finance queries from colleagues, suppliers and customers. Supporting cash-flow reporting and payment runs. Assisting with year-end accounts and external audit requirements. Helping improve finance procedures, controls and reporting. Providing practical support to the wider team as required, including coordinating the purchase of office and operational consumables and assisting with other general administrative tasks. Undertaking other reasonable ad hoc duties to support the needs of the group. The precise mix of work will vary, and the successful candidate must be willing to get involved in both routine processing and more detailed accounting work.

Skills and experience Essential

AAT qualified or part-qualified accountant with relevant practical experience. No current requirement for formal study support. Good understanding of bookkeeping and double-entry accounting. Experience of supplier and balance sheet reconciliations. Experience of supporting month-end accounts. Experience working across multiple companies or legal entities. Strong Excel skills. Good attention to detail. Ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines. Confidence investigating problems rather than simply passing them on. Ability to work independently and use initiative. Willingness to take ownership and see tasks through to completion. Clear and professional communication skills. A practical, flexible approach and willingness to get hands-on.