At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our finance team to manage day-to-day financial processes and support month-end reporting.
- Company: Active Pathways delivers recovery-focused mental health services with over 20 years of experience.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, a birthday day off, and a health cash plan.
- Why this job: Be part of a supportive team culture that values development and diversity.
- Qualifications: 2 years' finance experience, proficiency in Xero or similar, and strong Excel skills required.
- Other info: Inclusive recruitment process; we support diverse candidates throughout the application journey.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 26000 £ per year.
Location: Active Pathways & Evermore Care Homes Central Office (Chorley)
Contract: Permanent, Full-Time
Hours: 9:00am - 5:30pm / 37.5 hours per week
Salary: £28,000 - £30,000 per annum (based on experience)
We are looking for a motivated and detail-oriented Finance Assistant to join our central finance team at Active Pathways. You will be part of a small, collaborative team supporting both Active Pathways and Evermore Care, helping to maintain the integrity and efficiency of our financial operations.
About the Role:
This is a varied and hands-on finance role ideal for someone with experience in transactional finance who enjoys working in a fast-paced, multi-entity environment. Reporting to the Finance Director and working closely with the Assistant Accountant, you will contribute to the smooth running of day-to-day finance processes, support month-end reporting, and help drive continuous improvements across systems and procedures.
Key Benefits:
- Extra paid day off every year for your birthday
- 25 days annual leave, plus bank holidays, equating to 33 days per year.
- Additional annual leave awarded at 2 and 5 years’ service
- Refer a Friend scheme - earn up to £500 per referral
- Company Sick Pay - 5 days per year after 2 years’ service
- Health Cash Plan - covers dental, optical, virtual GP, counselling, and includes discounted gym membership
Responsibilities:
- Manage end-to-end purchase-to-pay processes including supplier onboarding, invoice approvals, system postings, payment runs, queries, and reconciliations
- Monitor and process company credit/debit card and petty cash transactions
- Assist with sales invoicing, payment confirmations, cash allocations, and dispute resolution
- Complete accurate and timely bank reconciliations across multiple accounts
- Support the preparation of monthly management accounts
- Prepare payroll journals, accruals, reallocation of costs, and fixed asset entries
- Maintain intercompany reconciliations
- Contribute to improvements in finance systems, processes, and policies
- Ensure all work is completed accurately and in line with deadlines
Requirements:
Essential:
- Minimum 2 years’ experience in a similar finance role
- Qualified by experience or professionally qualified
- Proficient in Xero or confident using similar accounting systems
- Strong Excel and general IT skills
- High attention to detail and accuracy
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Able to prioritise workload and manage deadlines across multiple entities
Desirable:
- Knowledge of or experience working in health or social care settings
- Experience working with multi-entity organisations
Our Core Benefits:
- Supportive and friendly team environment with ongoing training and development
- Workplace pension scheme
- Free Blue Light Card membership
- Funded Professional Membership - where relevant to your role
- Career Development - structured support through our Your Pathway, Your Future development programme
- Free enhanced DBS checks, on-site parking, and lunch (for site-based roles)
Why Join Active Pathways?
With over 20 years of experience operating in Lancashire and Yorkshire, Active Pathways is committed to delivering recovery-focused mental health and rehabilitation services for adults aged 18+. Guided by our values of Passion, Safety, and Quality, we offer excellent development opportunities and a people-first culture.
Active Pathways Ltd is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We respect and empower each individual and support diverse cultures, perspectives, skills, and experiences within our workforce. We welcome applications from diverse candidates and provide support during our recruitment processes to enable all applicants to perform at their best.
Our recruitment process is inclusive and designed to help you shine. If you require any adjustments to support you during the application or interview stages, we’re happy to help.
Finance Assistant employer: Active Pathways
Contact Detail:
Active Pathways Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Assistant
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Xero or similar accounting systems before the interview. Being able to discuss your experience and comfort level with these tools will show that you're ready to hit the ground running.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight any experience you have in multi-entity organisations during your conversations. This role involves managing finances across different entities, so demonstrating your understanding of this environment can set you apart.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare examples of how you've contributed to process improvements in previous roles. The hiring team will appreciate candidates who can bring fresh ideas to enhance efficiency in their finance operations.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your attention to detail by discussing specific instances where your accuracy made a difference in financial reporting or reconciliations. This is crucial for the Finance Assistant role and will demonstrate your suitability.
We think you need these skills to ace Finance Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in finance, particularly any roles involving transactional finance. Emphasise your proficiency in Xero or similar accounting systems, as well as your strong Excel skills.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your motivation for the role and how your skills align with the responsibilities listed in the job description. Mention your attention to detail and ability to manage deadlines, which are crucial for this position.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your application, specifically mention any experience you have in managing purchase-to-pay processes, bank reconciliations, or working in multi-entity environments. This will demonstrate your suitability for the role.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is essential for a Finance Assistant.
How to prepare for a job interview at Active Pathways
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Finance Assistant, you'll be dealing with numbers daily. Brush up on your financial terminology and be prepared to discuss your experience with financial processes, especially in areas like purchase-to-pay and bank reconciliations.
✨Showcase Your Software Skills
Familiarity with Xero or similar accounting systems is essential. Be ready to talk about your proficiency with these tools and how you've used them in previous roles to improve efficiency or accuracy.
✨Demonstrate Attention to Detail
In finance, accuracy is key. Prepare examples from your past work where your attention to detail made a significant difference, whether it was catching an error or ensuring timely reporting.
✨Communicate Effectively
Strong communication skills are vital for this role. Think of instances where you successfully resolved disputes or collaborated with team members, and be ready to share these experiences during the interview.