Finance Assistant in Norwich

Location: On site / Norwich, UK

Job type: Permanent / Full-time

Sector and subsector: Architecture | Architecture

Annual Salary range: from £28,000.00 to £30,000.00

The Finance Assistant is responsible for assisting in all aspects of the purchase ledger function in a busy finance team which is growing in line with the growth of the wider business. The role supports the Senior Purchase Ledger Controller and the wider finance team in maintaining efficient and accurate financial operations.

Purcell is an award‑winning employee‑owned architectural and heritage consultancy practice with a commitment to quality, innovation, and diversity. We have staff of approximately 350 talented architects, designers, heritage consultants and surveyors across 14 offices, in the UK, Hong Kong and Australia. Proudly ranked No. 1 for Heritage in the World Architecture 100 for a fifth consecutive year.

Collaboration is central to our employee‑ownership culture, providing opportunities to work on some of the finest buildings; from meticulous heritage and conservation schemes to bold contemporary design. We offer a rewarding and supportive environment for personal and professional development and our employee‑owned ethos empowers everyone to use their voice. We believe in creating an equitable and inclusive culture, founded on our values, which celebrates knowledge sharing and our successes, to build an inspiring work environment.

It is our distinctive employee‑owned working culture that has contributed to our status as a World Architecture Top 100 Practice, renowned for our excellence in architecture and heritage consultancy.

Benefits

• Agile, flexible and hybrid working, (a minimum of 3 days in office, up to 2 days WFH)
• Annual leave increasing with long service
• Life assurance
• Study sponsorship with paid study leave
• Employee assistance programme
• Season ticket loans
• Cycle to work scheme
• Virtual GP service
• Company day out
• Enhanced learning & development opportunities

Key Responsibilities

• Process supplier invoices accurately and in a timely manner, coding to purchase orders and coding to the correct nominal accounts.
• Reconcile monthly credit card statements & process transactions.
• End to end processing of staff expenses claims.
• Supplier vetting and set up on finance systems.
• Review, approve, pay individual and company professional subscriptions.
• Prepare and process payment runs in accordance with company procedures.
• Handling international payments and processes in line with the above points.
• Reconcile supplier statements and resolve discrepancies.
• Respond to external and internal queries professionally and efficiently.
• Monitor outstanding invoices and ensure approvals are obtained if required.
• File and maintain financial documentation in line with company procedures.
• Support, if necessary, the wider finance team with ad hoc financial tasks.
• Ensure compliance with internal controls and financial policies.

Essential Skills and Experience

• Previous experience in a purchase ledger or accounts payable role.
• Good understanding of basic accounting principles.
• Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy.
• Good organisational and time management skills.
• Ability to work to deadlines in a fast‑paced environment.
• Competent in Microsoft Excel and accounting software.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Desirable Skills and Experience

• Experience using Sage50 accounting software.
• AAT qualification or studying towards an accounting qualification.
• Experience working within a finance department.
• Knowledge of VAT processes and invoice controls.

Personal Attributes

• Reliable and trustworthy.
• Proactive and adaptable.
• Professional and approachable manner.
• Strong problem‑solving ability.
• Positive attitude and willingness to learn.

As world leaders of Heritage and Conservation, Purcell is committed to embracing diversity and equal opportunity within our international teams, reflective of the society in which we work and live. We welcome people from all backgrounds and celebrate differences through our culture of employee ownership.