At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage finance operations, from sales and purchase ledgers to payroll and reconciliations.
- Company: Join Unicare, a growing specialist care provider making a real difference.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, AAT study support, 28 days leave, and career progression opportunities.
- Other info: Work in a friendly team at our modern Croydon office, five days a week.
- Why this job: Gain hands-on experience in a dynamic finance role with real responsibility.
- Qualifications: 12+ years in finance roles, experience with Xero or Sage, and strong Excel skills.
The predicted salary is between 26000 - 28000 € per year.
A hands-on finance role with a growing specialist care provider. Are you an experienced Accounts Assistant, Finance Assistant, or Bookkeeper looking for your next step somewhere you'll own real responsibility from day one, work across the full finance cycle, and have your AAT studies actively supported? This is a broad, hands-on finance role sitting at the heart of a fast-growing, CQC-registered care business. You will work directly with our Finance Manager and senior leadership, handling everything from sales and purchase ledgers to payroll, pensions, reconciliations, and supplier management using Xero and Sage.
If you're tired of being one cog in a large finance department doing the same narrow task every day, this role gives you exposure to the full finance function of a multi-site, multi-million-pound operating business.
About Unicare
Unicare Complex Care Specialist Ltd is a CQC-registered specialist care provider delivering high-quality supported living and complex care services to adults with autism, learning disabilities, mental health needs, and complex behaviours. Headquartered in Croydon, we operate across Sussex, Surrey, Berkshire, and South London and we are scaling. Our finance function is the engine room of that growth. We are looking for an ambitious, detail-focused Finance & Accounts Assistant to take ownership of day-to-day finance operations and grow with the business.
What you'll be doing
- Sales Ledger & Income
- Raising sales invoices to local authority commissioners and private clients (high volume, high accuracy)
- Managing the sales ledger end-to-end
- Allocating receipts, monitoring debtor accounts, and chasing overdue payments
- Producing aged debtor reports and flagging risk to the Finance Manager
- Purchase Ledger & Supplier Management
- Processing purchase invoices and matching against POs and delivery notes
- Reconciling supplier statements monthly and resolving discrepancies directly with suppliers
- Preparing supplier payment runs for approval
- Handling supplier queries professionally and promptly
- Bank & Reconciliations
- Daily bank reconciliations across multiple business accounts
- Petty cash management and reconciliation
- Credit card reconciliations and expense processing
- Investigating and clearing unreconciled items
- Payroll & Pensions
- Supporting the running of weekly payroll for support workers and monthly payroll for office staff
- Processing starters, leavers, and payroll changes accurately and on time
- Calculating SSP, SMP, holiday pay, and overtime
- Submitting auto-enrolment pension contributions to our provider
- Handling HMRC RTI submissions and resolving payroll queries from staff
- Month-End & Reporting
- Supporting month-end close: accruals, prepayments, journal entries
- Assisting with management accounts preparation
- Producing weekly and monthly finance reports for the Finance Manager and Directors
- Supporting year-end audit and external accountant queries
- Compliance & Systems
- Maintaining accurate records in Xero and Sage
- Supporting VAT return preparation
- Ensuring finance processes comply with internal controls and audit requirements
- Identifying process improvements and helping implement them
What we're looking for
- Essential
- Minimum 12 years' experience in an accounts assistant, finance assistant, bookkeeper, or similar finance role
- Practical, working experience of Xero, Sage, QuickBooks, or similar accounting software
- Confident with bank reconciliations, sales ledger, purchase ledger, and supplier statement reconciliations
- Strong Excel skills (VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP, SUMIF, pivot tables)
- Excellent attention to detail and numerical accuracy
- Strong written and verbal communication - confident handling supplier and customer queries
- Organised, self-managing, and able to hit deadlines without constant chasing
- Comfortable working on-site in Croydon, Monday to Friday
- Right to work in the UK on a permanent basis without requiring sponsorship
- Desirable
- AAT Level 2 completed, currently studying Level 3 or 4 (or equivalent QBE experience)
- Payroll experience running or supporting payroll cycles
- Auto-enrolment pension processing experience
- Experience in care, healthcare, supported living, or other multi-site service business
- Exposure to VAT returns and HMRC RTI submissions
- Experience handling local authority invoicing or public sector billing
What you'll get in return
- £26,000 - £28,000 salary, reviewed annually and on AAT progression milestones
- Genuine exposure to the full finance function (not just one narrow task)
- A clear progression path toward Senior Finance Assistant, Assistant Management Accountant, and Finance Manager
- 28 days annual leave including bank holidays
- Workplace pension scheme
- Direct working relationship with the Finance Manager and senior leadership
- A friendly, professional team based at our modern Croydon head office
- The genuine satisfaction of working for a values-led business making a real difference to vulnerable people's lives
Who this role is NOT for
- This is not a remote or hybrid role - you will be based in our Croydon office five days a week
- This is not an entry-level or fully trainee role - you should already know your way around a sales ledger and a bank reconciliation
- This is not a narrow, single-task role - if you only want to process invoices and nothing else, this won't suit you
- We will not be sponsoring visas for this role
Who this role IS for
- An Accounts Assistant or Finance Assistant with 12+ years of solid experience, ready for broader responsibility
- A bookkeeper looking to step into a more progressive, AAT-supported career path
- Part-qualified AAT studier wanting funded study support and full finance exposure
- Someone who lives within a sensible commute of Croydon CR0
- Someone who takes ownership, communicates well, and wants to grow with a business that will invest in them
How to apply
Click Apply Now and submit your CV along with a short covering note (a paragraph is fine) telling us: Your current AAT progression (or QBE equivalent), The accounting software you've used and at what depth, Why Unicare specifically. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to complete a short pre-screening questionnaire, followed by an interview at our Croydon head office, which may include a short practical exercise on Xero or Sage and a reconciliation task. We review applications on a rolling basis and reserve the right to close the advert early if we receive a strong volume of applicants - so please apply promptly. Unicare Complex Care Specialist Ltd is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and are committed to building a diverse, inclusive workforce.
Locations
Finance Accounts Assistant in Croydon, Surrey employer: Unicare Complex Care Specialist Ltd
Unicare Complex Care Specialist Ltd is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where finance professionals can thrive. With a commitment to employee growth, we provide AAT study support and a clear progression path within our expanding CQC-registered care business. Located in Croydon, our modern office fosters a friendly and professional culture, allowing you to make a meaningful impact while enjoying competitive benefits and a supportive team atmosphere.
Contact Detail:
Unicare Complex Care Specialist Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Accounts Assistant in Croydon, Surrey
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company inside out! Research Unicare's values, mission, and recent news. This will help you tailor your conversation during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current employees on LinkedIn or attend industry events. Building relationships can give you insider info and might even lead to a referral, which is always a bonus!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for practical tests! Since this role involves using Xero and Sage, brush up on your skills. Practising common tasks like bank reconciliations or sales ledger management can really set you apart during the interview process.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a quick thank-you email. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Finance Accounts Assistant in Croydon, Surrey
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Finance Accounts Assistant role. Highlight your experience with Xero, Sage, and any relevant AAT studies. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Note:Your cover note is your chance to shine! Keep it short but sweet, mentioning your current AAT progression and why you’re excited about joining Unicare. We love seeing genuine enthusiasm for our mission.
Show Off Your Skills:Don’t hold back on showcasing your skills in bank reconciliations, sales and purchase ledgers, and payroll. We’re looking for someone who can hit the ground running, so let us know what you bring to the table!
Apply Through Our Website:Remember to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Unicare Complex Care Specialist Ltd
✨Know Your Numbers
Brush up on your financial knowledge, especially around sales and purchase ledgers, bank reconciliations, and payroll processes. Be ready to discuss your experience with Xero and Sage, as well as any specific challenges you've faced in these areas.
✨Showcase Your Attention to Detail
Prepare examples that highlight your attention to detail and numerical accuracy. You might want to share a story about how you resolved discrepancies or improved a finance process, as this will demonstrate your proactive approach.
✨Communicate Clearly
Since you'll be handling supplier and customer queries, practice articulating your thoughts clearly. Think of scenarios where you had to communicate complex financial information simply and effectively, as this will show your strong communication skills.
✨Demonstrate Your Growth Mindset
Express your eagerness to learn and grow within the role. Mention your AAT studies and how you see this position as a stepping stone towards further responsibilities. This will resonate well with the company's values and their focus on investing in employee development.
