Accounts Assistant

The Methodist Church in Britain; Milton Keynes; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 24,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

NHS pension scheme

28 days annual leave (pro rata)

Bank holidays + birthday leave

NHS discount via Bluelight card

Wellbeing resources

Job summary

The Watling Street Practice and Primary Care Network is seeking a part-time accounts assistant to support the Financial Controller and Business Manager. The role focuses on bookkeeping, processing supplier and payroll payments, and preparing NHS and PCN claims for enhanced services.

The post is 22.5 hours across three days with flexible working and compressed hours encouraged. Experience in bookkeeping and accounting software is essential; NHS finance experience is desirable.

Qualifications

• Bookkeeping experience
• Excellent Excel skills
• Experience with accounting software (Xero, Sage, QuickBooks)

Responsibilities

• Maintain accurate financial records for practice and PCN
• Process invoices, receipts and expense claims
• Prepare supplier payment runs and electronic bank payments
• Collate monthly payroll information
• Prepare and submit NHS/PCN claims
• Monitor NHS income streams and reconciliations
• Assist with monthly accounts and year-end processes

Job description

The Watling Street Practice and Primary Care Network needs a part-time accounts assistant to support the Financial Controller and Business Manager. The work centres on bookkeeping, processing supplier and payroll payments, and preparing NHS and PCN claims for enhanced services. The post is 22.5 hours across three days, with flexible working and compressed hours encouraged. Bookkeeping experience and accounting software skills are essential; NHS finance experience is desirable.

What the job involves

• Maintain accurate, up-to-date financial records for the practice and PCN, including coding, bank reconciliations and the cash book
• Process invoices, receipts and expense claims and enter transactions into the accounting system
• Prepare supplier payment runs for approval and set up electronic bank payments
• Collate and process monthly payroll information for submission to payroll providers
• Prepare and submit enhanced services (DES/LES) and PCN claims, tracking deadlines and reconciling income
• Monitor and reconcile incoming payments, including NHS income streams
• Manage petty cash and reconcile as required
• Support PCN financial administration, including ARRS workforce costs and expenditure tracking
• Assist the Financial Controller with monthly accounts, external audit preparation and year-end processes
• Keep organised digital and paper records under data protection rules and handle sensitive information confidentially
• Follow financial controls, and identify and elevate discrepancies promptly
• Support ad-hoc finance tasks as requested

What’s required

Experience

• Bookkeeping or finance administration experience
• Experience with accounting software such as Xero, Sage or QuickBooks
• Competent in Excel and basic financial spreadsheets

Skills & knowledge

• Strong numerical accuracy and attention to detail
• Good communication and working closely within a small finance team
• Working to deadlines and managing workload independently

Other

• Reliable, organised and methodical
• High integrity when handling confidential information
• Proactive with a willingness to learn
• Team player, supportive and professional
• Comfortable working in a busy administrative environment

Nice to have

• Experience in NHS finance, General Practice or PCN administration
• Experience with NHS claims (DES, LES, PCN)
• Experience with Xero accounting software
• Understanding of payroll processes
• AAT Level 2/3 or equivalent bookkeeping qualification

What’s offered

• NHS pension scheme
• 28 days annual leave rising to 33 with length of service, pro rata
• Bank holidays plus a day off for your birthday
• NHS discounts with a large number of retailers via Bluelight card
• Free wellbeing resources for all staff
• Conversations on flexible working and compressed hours encouraged