Accounts Assistant - 9 Months Fixed-Term

Salary: £28,100 – £31,000

Fixed-term contract: 9 months

Hours: 37.5 hours per week

This role could be considered for hybrid working (part home/office based).

Claire House Children’s Hospice helps seriously and terminally ill children live life to the full by creating wonderful experiences and bringing back a sense of normality to family life. By providing specialist nursing care and emotional support, we help families smile again when life couldn’t get any tougher.

We are looking for an enthusiastic and motivated Assistant Accountant to join our Finance Team on a 9-month fixed-term basis. Reporting to the Financial Accountant, you will provide accounting support across the Finance Team and assist with month-end processes, balance sheet reconciliations, financial analysis, contract management, sales and purchase ledger activities and wider finance projects.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone with practical accounting experience who is looking to develop their skills within a busy and varied finance environment, whilst playing an important role in supporting the work of Claire House.

As an Assistant Accountant at Claire House, you will:

• Support the Accountants with month-end accounting processes, including journals, accruals, prepayments, recharges and departmental reviews.
• Assist with the preparation and maintenance of balance sheet reconciliations and supporting schedules.
• Prepare financial information and analysis, investigating discrepancies and escalating issues where appropriate.
• Support sales and purchase ledger activities, including reconciliations, coding, cost allocations and aged debtor and creditor reviews.
• Maintain the finance contract register and assist with contract expenditure reviews and cost-saving activity.
• Support the Finance Team with general finance administration, controls and audit trails.
• Assist with finance projects and process improvement work.
• Provide support during busy periods and undertake other accounting duties appropriate to the role.
• Provide support with cash counting and reconciliation when required.

The role will work within established procedures and delegated authority, preparing and processing accounting information for review by the relevant Accountant.

We are looking for someone with:

• Experience of working in an accounts department, with practical experience of accounting processes.
• Knowledge and understanding of basic accounting principles, including accruals, prepayments, journals and reconciliations.
• Good working knowledge of Excel and experience of computerised finance systems, preferably SAGE 50.
• Good planning and organisational skills, with the ability to manage deadlines and prioritise workloads.
• Good numerical and analytical skills, with excellent attention to detail and accuracy.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
• The ability to work effectively as part of a team and on your own initiative.
• The ability to investigate issues and recognise when to seek guidance.
• An understanding of the importance of confidentiality.
• A commitment to Claire House and its objectives.
• A belief in the value of volunteers and a multidisciplinary approach.

An AAT qualification or equivalent, or evidence of working towards an appropriate accounting qualification, would be desirable, alongside experience of balance sheet reconciliations, contracts, cost analysis or cost-saving activity.

What we offer:

• 27 days annual leave (with additional bank holidays) Pro-Rata.
• Pension scheme (NHS pension scheme available to active members).
• Life cover.
• Free access to an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) and counselling services.
• Free car parking.
• Free eyesight tests.
• Opportunity for hybrid working upon completion of the probationary period.

We actively encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds. At Claire House, we value individuals from all backgrounds and are committed to diversity and inclusion, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, sex, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy and maternity status, race, religion or belief. We believe that these differences contribute to a productive environment where everyone feels valued.

For further information or to discuss the vacancy, please contact Katie-Jane Williams at katiejane.williams@clairehouse.org.uk.

Closing date for applications: 6th September 2026 (midnight)

Interviews will be held in person during the week commencing 14th September 2026.

If we receive a large number of applications, we may invite shortlisted candidates to an informal phone call or Teams chat during the week commencing 7th September. This will be an opportunity to learn a little more about you, discuss the role and give you the chance to ask any questions before the formal interview process.

This role is subject to a standard DBS check.

Claire House wants to meet the aims and commitments set out in its equality policy and will appreciate your help and co-operation in completing the Equality and Diversity form here.

Completed applications should be emailed to jobs@clairehouse.org.uk.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews.

This organisations recruitment and selection procedures reflect our commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All staff and volunteers are expected to share this commitment.

“Our commitment to sustainability
At Claire House, sustainability is central to how we work and care for our community. We have an established Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) plan that guides our decisions and helps us operate responsibly. We encourage all colleagues to support and contribute to our ESG commitments and welcome applications from people who share our values”

Registered Charity No. 1004058