Purchase Ledger Clerk and Accounts Assistant (Maternity cover)

UK Biobank; Cheadle; Hybrid; GBP 30,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading biomedical research organization in Cheadle is seeking a Purchase Ledger Clerk and Accounts Assistant on a fixed-term contract. Responsibilities include processing invoices and preparing payment runs. Candidates should have extensive purchase ledger experience and proficiency in Excel. The role offers 29,518 GBP per year with additional benefits such as 26 days annual leave and a hybrid working model.

Benefits

26 Days' Annual Leave

Holiday Buy Scheme

Birthday Leave

USS Pension Scheme

Healthcare Cash Plan

Enhanced Family Leave

Cycle to Work Scheme

Season Ticket Loan

Professional Subscriptions

Learning budget

Free On-Site Gym

Subsidised Canteen Lunches

Free Car Parking

Employee Discounts Portal

Employee Assistance Programme

Annual Flu Vaccination

Life Assurance Cover

Qualifications

• Extensive Purchase Ledger experience is essential.
• IT literate, including proficient use of Microsoft Office.
• Must have a proactive approach to tasks and problem-solving.

Responsibilities

• Process purchase invoices from receipt through to payment authorisation.
• Prepare weekly payment runs ensuring all payments are reviewed.
• Calculate and post prepayments and accruals for accounts preparation.

Skills

Purchase Ledger experience

Proficient use of Excel

Attention to detail

AAT qualified

Collaborative skills

Education

AAT qualification or relevant qualification

Tools

Sage

Microsoft Office

Job description

Overview

Purchase Ledger Clerk and Accounts Assistant (Maternity cover)

Application Deadline: 19 October 2025

Department: Finance

Employment Type: Fixed Term Contract

Location: Cheadle

Reporting To: Lisa Knox-Brown

Compensation: GBP 29,518 / year

Description

As a world-leading biomedical research resource, UK Biobank relies on exceptional financial management to ensure we deliver impact at scale. Every invoice processed and every transaction recorded plays a vital part in helping researchers unlock discoveries that improve global health.

This is your opportunity to contribute to that mission by joining our friendly and collaborative Finance team. Your attention to detail and proactive mindset will help ensure smooth financial operations across our organisation.

Can you do it?

Reporting to the Finance Manager, you'll take ownership of the purchase ledger processing invoices, staff expenses, and supplier payments. You'll play a key role in supporting accurate project costing, financial reconciliations, and month-end accounting.

This is a hands-on role in a fast-paced team where your organisation and communication skills will help us deliver efficient, compliant finance services across the organisation.

You will be responsible for:

• Processing purchases invoices from receipt through to payment authorisation.
• Preparing weekly payment runs using Sage reports, ensuring all payments are reviewed and approved. Generating BACS files in Sage and uploading to Barclays iPortal for senior management approval.
• Calculating and posting prepayments and accruals, maintaining summary schedules for accounts preparation, and ensuring alignment with the nominal ledger.
• Processing monthly staff expense payments, ensuring accuracy and timely submission in line with payroll deadlines.

Working hours are 35 hours per week (9.00am to 5.00pm), Monday to Friday, hybrid working is available. Located in Greater Manchester (initially based in Stockport with a move to Manchester Science Park mid to late 2026).

Is this 'you'?

To be successful, you will have:

• Extensive Purchase Ledger experience (essential).
• Proficient use of Excel. IT literate including use of Microsoft Office.
• Attention to detail and accuracy and complete all tasks to a high standard.
• AAT qualified, or other relevant qualification.
• Adaptive and collaborative skills, with a proven ability to work flexibly as part of a team and take a proactive, hands-on approach to tasks and problem-solving.

Our passion for diversity and equality means creating a work environment for all employees that is welcoming, respectful, engaging, and enriched with opportunities for personal and professional development.

Your Wellbeing Matters to Us

We're proud to offer a benefits package that supports your health, financial security, and work-life balance - right from day one. Here's what you can look forward to as part of our team:

• 26 Days' Annual Leave - Plus Bank Holidays, increasing with length of service.
• Holiday Buy Scheme - Purchase up to one additional week of leave per year.
• Birthday Leave - Enjoy a paid day off to celebrate your birthday.
• USS Pension Scheme - Hybrid defined benefit/defined contribution pension plan.
• Healthcare Cash Plan - Claim back costs for everyday health expenses.
• Enhanced Family Leave - Available from day one for maternity, paternity, and adoption.
• Cycle to Work Scheme - Save on a new bike and accessories.
• Season Ticket Loan - Interest-free loan to help with commuting costs.
• Professional Subscriptions - Reimbursement where applicable.
• Learning budget - Annual funds for courses, books, or anything else that fuels your personal and professional growth.
• Free On-Site Gym - Stay active with access to our gym facilities.
• Subsidised Canteen Lunches - Enjoy healthy meals at reduced prices.
• Free Car Parking - On-site parking available for staff.
• Employee Discounts Portal - Access to savings across retail, travel, and more.
• Employee Assistance Programme - Confidential support for personal and work-related issues.
• Annual Flu Vaccination - Stay protected with free flu jabs.
• Life Assurance Cover - Financial protection for your loved ones.

#LI-hybrid

The job advert closing date may change, so we recommend that if you are planning to apply that you do so without delay.