Finance Analyst (Part Qualified) in Essex

The role supports the effective operation of the organisation’s finance function by assisting with day‑to‑day financial processes, internal controls, and the accurate reconciliation and verification of financial data. Working under the supervision of the Financial Controller, the post holder will contribute to the timely production of accurate, reliable, and well‑documented financial reports to inform management decision‑making and meet statutory requirements. The role also involves building and maintaining strong working relationships with key internal and external stakeholders to ensure smooth financial operations across the organisation. This is a 12-month fixed term contract. Location: Pathology First and Facilities First Services region (Hub laboratory, Basildon and Southend).

Duties include:

• Prepare and analyse monthly management accounts, including revenue, margin, cost, variance and trend analysis, as well as operating overheads.
• Complete balance sheet reconciliations, month‑end journals, and support the month‑end close process.
• Produce sales invoices and manage credit control.
• Maintain the fixed asset register, prepayments schedule and lease schedules.
• Provide detailed departmental analysis and review financial results with Operations Managers.
• Liaise with suppliers and the outsourced accounts payable agency.
• Assist with the compilation and analysis of budgets, preparing quarterly and annual schedules and reconciliations, and providing comparisons and feedback to budget holders.
• Maintain procurement system data, including updating price changes and stock variances.
• Investigate pricing and quantity queries and support users with new items or supplier setup.
• Review, query and approve purchase orders.
• Support inventory management activities, including weekly stock counts and month‑end/year‑end close tasks.
• Assist with statutory audit requirements.
• Provide cover and support for the Management Accountant and Accounts Assistant when required.

Essential Skills and Experience:

• Part‑qualified or QBE Accountant (ACCA, CIMA, or equivalent).
• Highly organised, with the ability to work effectively under pressure in a fast‑paced environment.
• Strong numeracy skills and advanced proficiency in Excel, with good working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications.
• Results‑driven, with the confidence to engage positively with non‑finance colleagues and senior management.
• Strong report‑writing and communication skills, with the ability to explain complex or technical financial information to non‑financial stakeholders.
• Ambitious, commercially aware, and proactive in approach.
• Good knowledge of accounting standards.
• Solid understanding of bookkeeping principles and processes.
• Experience working within the healthcare sector.
• Demonstrable understanding of budgeting principles, including the ability to create budgets and develop business cases.
• Ability to prepare and interpret cash flow projections and cash flow statements.
• Basic knowledge of stock management systems and stock record processes.
• Evidence of setting, agreeing, and achieving realistic objectives, demonstrating a focused and goal‑oriented approach.
• Good understanding of general business operations and commercial drivers.
• Basic knowledge of auditing standards.
• Basic understanding of CT, VAT, and PAYE requirements.
• Experience using SAGE 200.

About Us: SYNLAB UK & Ireland work closely with clinicians, hospitals, occupational health providers and clinical researchers to deliver comprehensive pathology services. We thrive in diverse environments, which is mirrored in our workforce, clients, customers, suppliers, communities, and partners. We believe that an inclusive workplace culture is essential for attracting and retaining talented individuals, and for building a sustainable, high-performing workforce. Our staff are crucial to our mission of making a positive impact on healthcare. We foster a culture of continuous personal development, providing scientists and staff with the support and resources needed to acquire new skills and advance their careers through learning and development opportunities, coaching, and clear career pathways. We encourage an open and collaborative culture where leaders act as role models, facilitate two‑way communication, engage transparently with staff and stakeholders, and actively seek feedback and suggestions.