Assistant Financial Accountant

Princess Alexandra Hospital; Harlow; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust (PAHT) is seeking an Assistant Financial Accountant for a 12-month fixed-term period to support day-to-day financial accounting and improve finance processes. The postholder will help ensure audit readiness and contribute to the Annual Report and Accounts.

Working with the Senior Financial Accountant, you will manage salary sacrifice schemes, Trust card administration, VAT accounting, and year-end tasks, while collaborating across core financial services

Responsibilities

• Assist in production of the Trust's financial accounts.
• Administer salary sacrifice schemes (Cycle to Work, Car Lease) with Payroll.
• Manage administration of Trust purchase cards and ensure controls.
• Oversee day-to-day management of the Injury Cost Recovery scheme.
• Account for VAT with advisor support on complex issues.
• Support accurate balances and year-end processes.
• Assist with ad hoc duties as required.

Skills

Financial accounting

VAT accounting

Salary sacrifice schemes

Audit readiness

Year-end accounting

Purchase cards administration

Stakeholder communication

Job description

The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust (PAHT) is proud to care for the communities of West Essex, delivering safe, compassionate, and high-quality services. We are part of the Neighbourhood Wave—a national programme that’s changing how care is delivered by focusing on prevention, early support, and more joined-up services across health, social care, and the voluntary sector.

This means we’re working more closely with local partners to bring care closer to home and support people to live healthier, more independent lives.

We’re a supportive and inclusive organisation that values its people. We offer development opportunities, flexible working, and a strong focus on wellbeing. As a Disability Confident and equal opportunities employer, we welcome applicants from all backgrounds and experiences.

Join us and help shape the future of care in West Essex.

Job overview

This 12-month fixed-term role offers the opportunity to expand financial accounting knowledge while managing day-to-day financial accounting services, enhancing finance processes and ensuring audit readiness.

The Assistant Financial Accountant supports the Senior Financial Accountant with providing accurate and timely financial accounting support across the Trust's core financial services. The postholder will manage day-to-day financial accounting activities, contribute to the production of the Annual Report and Accounts, and support the wider Financial Services team during year-end and Audit.

Main duties of the job

• Support the Senior Financial Accountant in the production of the Trust's financial accounts.
• Ensure accurate administration of salary sacrifice schemes, such as Cycle to Work and Car Lease schemes, in partnership with Payroll.
• Manage administration of Trust purchase cards and ensure financial controls operate effectively.
• Day-to-day management of the Injury Cost Recovery scheme.
• Ensure accurate accounting of VAT with the support of an advisor for complex issues and partial exemption calculations.
• Support completion of the agreement of balances process.
• Assist the Senior Financial Accountant with ad hoc duties.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

The post holder will be responsible for managing their own workload, prioritising tasks effectively, and ensuring deadlines are met. They will be expected to work independently as well as part of a team, demonstrating flexibility and a commitment to high standards. The role may involve working with multiple stakeholders and requires excellent communication and organisational skills.

For a detailed breakdown of requirements and responsibilities, please see the attached job description.