Finance Assistant

We are looking for an efficient, well-organised and proactive Finance Assistant to join our small and friendly team. If you are looking for a new challenge and the opportunity to work with various functions within the finance team, this could be the role for you.

To be successful in this role, you will be an ambitious team player with a willingness to learn and the ability to build rapport with both internal and external stakeholders. You will be able to meet deadlines ensuring timely and accurate processing of payables invoices and creation of BACs payment files. A knowledge of the accounts ledger and aged creditor process would be beneficial.

We offer great career development and understand the importance of flexible working. This is a 40/60 hybrid role, working two days in our newly acquired Redhill office. Benefits package includes a generous annual leave entitlement and access to the NHS pension scheme.

Main duties of the job

Within this role you will be responsible for day to day running of the Accounts Payable process. You will:

• Have a good knowledge of Excel and computerised finance systems
• Significant experience working in Accounts Payable
• Accounts Payable experience within an NHS environment would be an advantage
• Ability to work independently and as a team player

There will be an opportunity to be involved in projects, development of processes and month end/annual accounts preparations supporting our Business Continuity process. There is also an opportunity to work with budget holders and be a contact for all our Suppliers including NHS partners.

It is an exciting time to join our growing organisation. If you think you have the right skills and experience to be successful in this role, then we would like to hear from you.

About us

Do you want to be part of an organisation that was rated best provider of NHS care to work for nationwide? (2023 staff survey results) First Community is a staff owned social enterprise rated Good by CQC, which delivers NHS community services across east Surrey and parts of West Sussex. We are looking for individuals who share our values: First-rate care, First-rate people, First-rate value.

First Community is a great place to work, everyone has a voice and is supported to develop their career to its full potential. We offer all our staff: NHS terms and conditions, high quality training and development opportunities, flexible working to enable a good work life balance, an inclusive and friendly work environment, an NHS pension, flexible retirement options and various employee benefits.

Please talk to us before applying or at interview about the flexibility you need. We may not be able to meet your needs exactly, but we do promise to fully consider your request and meet your needs where possible. Please note, flexible working options may vary depending on the role.

At First Community we welcome applications from black, Asian and minority ethnic candidates, LGBTQ+ candidates and candidates with disabilities. We ensure that all applicants are treated fairly and consistently at every stage of the recruitment process, including the consideration of reasonable adjustments.

Sustainability is integral to First Community achieving the NHS Net Zero target.

Job responsibilities

The post holder is responsible for supporting the Financial Accountant in the day-to-day processes associated with the maintenance of accounting records; the payment of creditors; and other key financial tasks and reconciliations. They will also be required to ensure that accounting entries to the company’s accounting system are reflected accurately in a timely manner in accordance with laid-down timescales and financial procedures.

Person Specification

Other:

• Good communication skills with experience in liaising with internal and external stakeholders and be able to present financial issues in an understandable way to non-finance colleagues
• Be able to work independently and proactively while working well with the team and supporting a one team ethos
• Have a keen attention to detail
• An ability to maintain confidentiality and trust
• Used to working in a busy environment
• Adaptability and ability to cope with uncertainty and change
• Good organisation skills including knowledge of electronic filing
• Ability to prioritise workload

Experience

• Experience working in Finance especially in Accounts Payables and in supporting monthly and annual accounts preparation
• Experience in processing purchase transactions with an understanding of the financial controls relating to Accounts Payables
• Experience in dealing with managers both financial and non-financial and explaining financial concepts to non-financial staff
• Ability to prepare standardised process notes and maintain business continuity
• Conversant with GDPR
• Knowledge of financial and accounting procedures, financial & other aspects of legislation (GAAP & IFRS)
• Knowledge of Apprenticeship Levy

Qualifications

• Accounting Technicians (AAT) or equivalent or NVQ level 3 in Finance
• Studying towards CCAB Professional Accountancy, or equivalent experience at degree level

Knowledge

• Basic Accounting framework for income recognition and reporting
• Computer based accounting systems

Skills

• Working knowledge Microsoft Office/Product intermediate level
• Ability to resolve queries with internal and external stakeholders
• Ability to plan and manage own workload and manage conflicting priorities to meet key deadlines

£27,485 to £30,162 a year + 5% HCAS per annum, pro rata