Accounts Assistant - 12mth FTC

Natures Aid; Preston; Hybrid; GBP 26,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working

Completion bonus

Salary pension scheme

Health plan

Wellbeing programme

Cycle to work

Enhanced family leave

Job summary

Natures Aid, part of the STADA Group, is seeking an Accounts Assistant for a 12-month fixed-term contract in Kirkham, Preston. You will join the Finance team, supporting month-end close, reconciliations and reporting to keep the business informed and in control.

Hybrid working is offered, with three days in the office and the rest at home; a strong Excel skillset and a practical accounting background are essential to succeed in this role.

Qualifications

• Solid finance experience with month-end, reporting and reconciliations.
• Advanced Excel skills with lookups, macros and data analysis.
• AAT qualification or degree in Accountancy; practical industrial experience.
• Clear communication to collaborate with teams, suppliers and auditors.
• Experience in manufacturing/FMCG and ERP familiarity preferred.

Responsibilities

• Drive the month-end process including journals, reconciliations and stock valuation.
• Own key reconciliations: debtors, creditors, bank and fixed assets with robust cashflow reporting.
• Prepare management reports on performance, liquidity and forecasts.
• Support year-end stocktake and audits; handle compliance tasks.
• Coordinate payments and liaise with suppliers and internal teams.

Skills

Advanced Excel

Strong communication

Attention to detail

Time management

Financial reporting

Education

AAT qualification or degree in Accountancy

Tools

Business Central

Job description

Natures Aid, part of STADA Group was established in 1981 and is a leading UK manufacturer of Vitamins, Minerals & Supplements to health food stores, pharmacies, e-commerce and grocery, with over 200 products throughout 15 main health categories. Together we are shaping the future of Natures Aid by living our values of Integrity, Entrepreneurship, Agility and One STADA.

STADA UK | Natures Aid - Accounts Assistant - 12mth FTC

Kirkham, Preston | U.K. | Full-time | Permanent | Hybrid working

Step into a key role at the heart of our business. As our Accounts Assistant, you’ll be a vital member of a busy Finance team, working closely with the Head of Finance to keep our numbers sharp and our decisions informed.

You’ll own the production of accurate, timely financial and accounting information, following clear, agreed procedures – and making sure the business has the insight it needs to perform, grow and stay in control.

How You Will Make An Impact

• Drive the month-end process – from journals, intercompany reconciliations and foreign currency entries to stock valuation and commercial business packs.
• Own key reconciliations, including debtors, creditors, bank accounts and fixed assets, ensuring accurate records, depreciation entries and robust cashflow reporting.
• Prepare high-impact reports for management, covering financial performance, flash sales and liquidity, with both actuals and forecasts.
• Handle critical compliance tasks, including PAYE, AEO, Corporation Tax, P11D payments and pension contributions, supporting year-end stocktake and audit activities.
• Act as a key point of contact for suppliers and internal teams, coordinating payments, resolving unmatched deliveries and managing specialist reporting (e.g. Amazon rebates, STADA).
• Champion strong financial controls and continuous improvement, maintaining high standards across the Finance department while providing cover and support for colleagues.

What We Are Looking For

• Solid finance experience, with hands-on exposure to month-end, financial reporting and reconciliations.
• Advanced Excel skills (lookups, macros, complex data analysis) to turn numbers into meaningful insight.
• Hold an AAT qualification (ideally working towards CIMA/ACCA) or a degree in Accountancy, with practical industrial experience.
• Clear and confident communication skills, to collaborate with cross-functional teams, suppliers and external auditors.
• Stay organised under pressure, juggling multiple deadlines while maintaining exceptional attention to detail and compliance with tax, pension and statutory requirements.
• Ideally, add extra value with experience in manufacturing/FMCG and familiarity with Business Central or similar ERP systems.

How We Care For You

At Natures Aid our purpose “Caring for people’s health as a trusted partner” motivates us every day. And what would be a better place than starting with our own employees. Which is why we give much in return:

• Competitive salary and completion bonus.
• Salary Sacrifice Pension Scheme offering 6% employer contribution rates.
• Hybrid working – we spend three days of your choice in the office, with the remaining days working at home.
• 23.5 days of annual leave plus bank holidays with the potential to buy up to 5 additional days.
• Free fruit on site.
• Health benefits provided through our Medicash Health Cash Plan
• Free winter flu jab.
• Wellbeing support through our Employee Assistance Programme and KYAN Wellbeing – offering free coaching and counselling services for you and your family.
• Salary sacrifice Tech-Scheme.
• Cycle to Work Scheme.
• Enhanced Family Leave.
• Plus, many more employee benefits & celebration events.

STADA Group values and promotes its diverse culture, regardless of gender, age, social or ethnic origin, disabilities, religion, ideology, or sexual orientation. We use the strength of our uniqueness to develop creative ideas, expand our experience and increase innovative strength. Our focus is on equal opportunities, respectful cooperation, and the promotion of an inclusive working environment. We are looking forward to your application and welcome applications without a pharmaceutical background.