Finance Assistant

James Fisher and Sons plc; Preston; Hybrid; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A global engineering services company in Preston is looking for a Finance Assistant to manage invoices and expenses, ensuring compliance with IR35 regulations. The ideal candidate will have AAT level 3 or equivalent experience in an accounting role, proficiency in accounting software, and strong Microsoft Excel skills. This full-time, 12-month fixed-term role offers a competitive salary and benefits in a supportive, inclusive culture. Apply early to avoid disappointment.

Benefits

Private Medical Insurance

Life Assurance

Cycle to work scheme

Company Pension

Qualifications

• AAT level 3 or qualified by experience in a similar role.
• Awareness of IR35 regulations.
• Proven working experience in an accounting role.
• Experienced with accounting software and strong administration skills.
• Thorough knowledge of accounting principles and procedures.
• Experience with general ledger functions and month-end/year-end close.

Responsibilities

• Manage invoices and expenses while ensuring compliance.
• Perform financial reconciliations and handle journals.
• Assist with P&L analysis and day-to-day transactions.
• Oversee supplier accounts and ensure records are accurate.

Skills

AAT level 3 or equivalent experience

Knowledge of IR35

Proven accounting experience

Accounting software proficiency

Microsoft Excel proficiency

Organizational skills

Education

AAT qualification or similar

Tools

Business Central or similar ERP

Job description

About The Role

Finance Assistant – Full time, 12‑month Fixed Term – Bamber Bridge, Hybrid

Role

You will be responsible for managing invoices and expenses, ensuring compliance with company policies, and supporting IR35 regulations for subcontractors. The role includes performing financial reconciliations, maintaining accurate month‑end documentation, and handling fixed asset, prepayment, and accrual journals. You’ll assist with P&L analysis, audits, and day‑to‑day financial transactions while providing ad‑hoc support to the wider finance team.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Overseeing supplier accounts, making sure accounts are kept up to date.
• Ensuring transactional records are accurate.
• Supporting the Operational and Admin team to deliver efficiencies in the P2P process.
• Proficiency in financial reporting systems and projects costing/accounting.
• Improve the month end reporting timelines as per requirements of Group.
• Ensure that all work is undertaken to the highest quality and professionalism in accordance with the company integrated management system.

What We're Looking For

• AAT level 3 or qualified by experience in a similar role.
• An awareness of IR35.
• Proven working experience in an accounting role.
• Experienced with accounting software (Business Central or similar ERP) and strong administration skills.
• Thorough knowledge of accounting principles and procedures.
• Experience with general ledger functions and the month‑end/year end close process.
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel.
• Ability to work on own initiative where required but also as a team.
• Good organisational and communication skills.

Why Join Us?

• Competitive salary and benefits package aligned with experience (Private Medical Insurance, Life Assurance, Cycle to work scheme, Company Pension, etc.)
• Inclusive and supportive culture that values individual contributions.
• Meaningful work with impact across safety, innovation, and global operations.

About Us

James Fisher is a global engineering services company with over 50 years of experience delivering complex offshore energy projects in some of the world’s most challenging environments. We operate across Energy, Defence, and Maritime Transport, leveraging cutting‑edge technology and deep expertise to support the full lifecycle of our customers’ assets.

In the Energy Division, we provide safe, efficient solutions across oil & gas and renewables – from well support and full‑field decommissioning to integrated services for offshore wind and expert subsea inspection, repair, and maintenance. Our work helps operators extend asset life, reduce downtime, and respond rapidly to operational challenges, driving the global shift toward a cleaner, more sustainable future.

Due to the volume of applications, we receive for our vacancies, on occasion applications may close before the deadline, so please apply early to avoid disappointment.

Diversity Statement

James Fisher and Sons are committed to taking positive action on diversity and strongly encourage applications for candidates from all backgrounds. We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer and recognise that our success depends on our talented and diverse workforce.