Assistant Financial Accountant - 12 month Fixed Term Contract

Paradigm Housing Group; England; On-site; GBP 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A housing organization in the United Kingdom is seeking an Assistant Financial Accountant for a 12-month fixed term contract. The role involves analyzing financial records and supporting financial operations while ensuring compliance with financial regulations. The ideal candidate will have experience in basic accounting and excellent communication skills. This position offers a salary of £44,109 per annum and a range of benefits, promoting a supportive and inclusive work environment.

Benefits

25 days holiday plus Christmas closure

Generous pension scheme

Health cash plan

Flexible working

Funded training and apprenticeships

Qualifications

• Experience in basic accounting, preparing journals and reconciliations.
• Methodical, organised, efficient with attention to detail.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Analyse financial and non-financial records.
• Support the financial accountant.
• Prepare the quarterly VAT returns.

Skills

Basic accounting experience

Attention to detail

Excellent communication skills

Strong Excel skills

Ability to work unsupervised

Education

Studying towards a CCAB accountancy qualification, AAT or equivalent

Job description

Assistant Financial Accountant – 12 month Fixed Term Contract

Join to apply for the Assistant Financial Accountant – 12 month Fixed Term Contract role at Paradigm Housing Group

Join us as an Assistant Financial Accountant and put your accounting knowledge to work as a key team member supporting our Finance colleagues and wider business. In this role, you’ll use your experience to deliver accurate, high-quality financial operations.

Are you looking to join a growing, values-led organisation with a clear social purpose? At SettleParadigm, we’re proud to be the largest housing group in the region, managing over 27,000 homes across Buckinghamshire, Bedfordshire, and Hertfordshire.

Everything we do is about delivering excellent services, high quality homes, neighbourhoods we can be proud of and maximising number of new affordable homes we build. Through our merger we’ve brought together shared values, skills and ambition, so we can build more affordable homes and make an even bigger difference in the communities we serve.

If you’re ready to grow your career in a supportive, inclusive environment while helping to shape stronger communities, we’d love to welcome you on our journey. Together, we’re building a better future.

Key Responsibilities:

• Analyse financial and non-financial records
• Support the financial accountant
• Provide year end support around financial statements
• Assist with the internal and external audits
• Member of QLF Administration team, with responsibility for managing the inbox, which would include setting up new general ledger codes and processing budget virements provided by business partners
• NROSH submission, including Quarterly Disposal and support with FVA
• ONS Survey submission
• Prepare the quarterly VAT returns, using the Partial Exemption Special Method (cover)
• Ensure compliance with key processes for documenting balance sheet reconciliations
• Ensure compliance with key processes for documenting journal entries
• Ensure compliance with key processes for documenting assets and liabilities register
• Prepare journals, system and account reconciliations for review.
• Operate with transparency and ensure excellent record keeping for audit trail
• Assist other teams within finance on an ad hoc basis
• Prepare financial information for internal and external reporting
• Ensure all period end deadlines are adhered to
• Support the management reporting process
• Communication with internal and external stakeholders
• Ensure compliance with financial regulations and delegated financial responsibilities
• Maintain confidentiality of all information gained during the course of employment that relates to stakeholders
• Undertake other duties which may reasonably be assigned to you by (or with agreement of) your line manager

What We’re Looking For

Must haves:

• Experience in basic accounting, preparing journals and reconciliations with a solid understanding of basic accounting principles
• Methodical, organised, efficient and effective with attention to detail
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Strong Excel and numeracy skills
• Work unsupervised Priority to workload and work to deadlines
• Find ways to improve efficiencies and effectiveness

Nice to haves:

• Flexibility and helpfulness
• Studying towards a CCAB accountancy qualification, AAT or equivalent
• Willing and eager to learn new skills

At SettleParadigm, we believe in creating an environment where our people feel valued, supported, and inspired to grow. Our comprehensive benefits and rewards package reflects this commitment.

• Annual salary: £44,109 per annum
• 25 days holiday, increasing with service, plus Christmas closure and buy options
• Generous pension scheme– up to 9.5% employer contribution via salary sacrifice
• Family-friendly leave: Enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoption leave
• Health cash plan– claim up to £1,800 for everyday health costs (plus free kids’ cover)
• Life cover and income protection
• Flexible working– hybrid options, modern offices, free parking & EV charging

And that’s just the beginning! We’re also thrilled to provide:

• 30+ qualified Mental Health First Aiders available to support
• Car leasing via salary sacrifice (for permanent colleagues subject to conditions)
• Funded training, qualifications & apprenticeships
• 3 paid volunteering days in the local communities
• Peer-recognition rewards platform
• Paid professional subscription (one per year)

Working Hours

• 37 hours per week, Monday - Thursday 9:00 - 17:30 and Friday 9:00 - 17:00

Our Commitment

We are committed to creating an inclusive workforce, by reflecting and representing the diversity of the communities we serve. We would like to encourage applications from disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds; people who identify as disabled, neurodiverse, members of the LGBTQ+ community and people from underrepresented groups.

Accessibility and Adjustments

We are committed to providing reasonable adjustments throughout our recruitment process and we’ll always endeavour to be as accommodating as possible. Please let us in advance of any suitable arrangements required.

Due to the nature of some of our roles involving work with vulnerable members of society, this post may be subject to a basic or enhanced Criminal Disclosure, which will be carried out when a conditional offer is made.

Please ensure you fully answer the questions on the application form.

Closing Date: 5th December 2025

We reserves the right to close this vacancy earlier than the closing date should we find a suitable candidate.