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, and 28 days annual leave.
- Other info: Opportunity for career progression and working in a supportive team environment.
- Why this job: Gain hands-on experience in a dynamic finance role with real responsibility.
- Qualifications: 12+ months experience in finance roles and proficiency in accounting software.
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.
Finance Accounts Assistant in London employer: Unicare Complex Care Specialist Ltd
Unicare Complex Care Specialist Ltd is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and supportive work environment in Croydon where you can take ownership of your role from day one. With a commitment to employee growth, including AAT study support and clear progression paths, you'll be part of a friendly team dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the lives of vulnerable individuals. Enjoy competitive salary packages, generous annual leave, and the satisfaction of contributing to a values-led business that prioritises quality care.
Contact Detail:
Unicare Complex Care Specialist Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Accounts Assistant in London
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company inside out! Research Unicare's values, mission, and recent news. This will help you tailor your conversations 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. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to insider tips or even a referral, which can give you a leg up in the hiring process.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for practical tests! Since this role involves using Xero and Sage, brush up on your skills with these platforms. Practising common tasks like reconciliations can help you shine during any assessments.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email reiterating your interest in the role can leave a positive impression. It shows you're proactive and keen to join the Unicare team!
We think you need these skills to ace Finance Accounts Assistant in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experience mentioned in the job description. Highlight your hands-on finance experience, especially with Xero and Sage, to show us you're the right fit for this role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Note:In your cover note, keep it short but impactful! Tell us about your AAT progression and why you’re excited about joining Unicare. We want to see your personality shine through!
Showcase Your Skills:Don’t forget to mention your strong Excel skills and any relevant payroll experience. We’re looking for someone who can handle the full finance cycle, so make sure we know you can do that!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly 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 from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Unicare Complex Care Specialist Ltd
✨Know Your Numbers
Brush up on your finance knowledge, especially around sales and purchase ledgers, bank reconciliations, and payroll processes. Be ready to discuss your experience with Xero and Sage, as these are key tools for the role.
✨Showcase Your Attention to Detail
Prepare examples that highlight your attention to detail and numerical accuracy. You might be asked about how you handle discrepancies or errors, so have a couple of scenarios ready to demonstrate your problem-solving skills.
✨Communicate Clearly
Since you'll be handling supplier and customer queries, practice articulating your thoughts clearly. Think about how you would explain complex financial concepts in simple terms, as this will show your communication skills during the interview.
✨Express Your Ambition
This role is all about growth, so convey your ambition and desire to take on more responsibility. Discuss your AAT studies and how you see them aligning with your career path at Unicare, showing that you're committed to developing your skills.
