Finance Assistant

James Fisher and Sons plc; Preston; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A global engineering services company is looking for a Finance Assistant on a full-time, 12-month fixed-term contract based in Bamber Bridge. You will manage invoices, ensure compliance with policies, and support financial reconciliations and reporting. The ideal candidate will have AAT level 3 or equivalent experience, proficiency in accounting software, and strong Excel skills. Join a supportive culture with competitive salary and benefits.

Benefits

Private Medical Insurance

Life Assurance

Cycle to work scheme

Company Pension

Qualifications

• Experience in an accounting role with proven working knowledge.
• Awareness of IR35 regulations.
• Thorough knowledge of accounting principles and procedures.

Responsibilities

• Manage invoices and expenses according to company policies.
• Perform financial reconciliations and maintain month-end documentation.
• Assist in P&L analysis and audits as needed.

Skills

Proficiency in financial reporting systems

Good organisational skills

Strong communication skills

Ability to work on own initiative

Education

AAT level 3 or qualified by experience

Tools

Business Central or similar ERP

Microsoft Excel

Job description

About the Role

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

The 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.

Visit our website at: Home | James Fisher and Sons plc

For more information about our values and behaviours, follow: About us | James Fisher and Sons plc

If this sounds like the ideal next step in your career, then click ‘apply’ now!

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.

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.