Head Office

We're on the lookout for a detail-driven Finance Officer to join our small but mighty team. You'll be key to ensuring our day-to-day financial operations run smoothly, and our records remain accurate, compliant, and well-organised.

This role is ideal for someone who enjoys working independently, has a keen eye for detail, and wants to be part of a growing, purpose-led organisation. You don't need prior knowledge of apprenticeship assessment – just a willingness to get stuck in and understand how we work.

This role is home-based with travel to co-working in Darlington/Teesside required approx once per month. It is part time, hours per week spread across 4 or 5 days. Hours of work can be discussed and agreed.

What You'll Be Doing

• Generate and issue month-end invoices to clients
• Manage the purchase ledger, including accurate tracking of purchases
• Check and process supplier invoices and arrange timely payments
• Handle credit control activities, including chasing overdue payments and issuing statements
• Respond promptly to finance-related queries from internal and external stakeholders
• Process payroll documentation (e.g. holiday requests, new starter and leaver forms)
• Manage and process staff expense claims
• Maintain accurate and organised financial records and documentation
• Produce regular and ad-hoc financial reports to support business planning
• Assist in other tasks and projects to support the growth and development of the finance function

• Suggest improvements to how we work and how we support others

• Other duties as required

What We're Looking For

You'll need to have:

• 2 years' experience in a similar finance or accounting role
• Good knowledge of accounting principles and financial processes, with strong numeracy skills
• Knowledge of HMRC requirements
• Exceptional attention to detail
• Excellent organisational and time management skills
• Proficiency in using accounting software and Microsoft Excel
• Ability to work independently and manage a flexible workload

• Curious, solutions-focused and always looking for ways to add value

• Highly organised with great attention to detail

• A great communicator, both written and verbal

It'd be great if you also have:

• A relevant finance or accountancy qualification
• A working knowledge of apprenticeships and assessment
• Familiarity with QuickBooks

What Success Looks Like in This Role

• Invoices, payments and other financial matters are handled with the highest degree of accuracy
• Invoices are generated and issued on time, every month
• Overdue payments are minimised or eliminated
• Our customers feel listened to and understand their payment obligations

• You spot opportunities and help shape how we work

• You're recognised as a credible and trusted advisor for colleagues and customers alike

Why Join Us?

At 1st for EPA, we're a growing, purpose-driven team that genuinely cares – about our work, our people, and the impact we make. We offer flexibility, trust, and a supportive environment where your voice matters and your ideas are heard.

Although this role is part time now, there's scope to grow in terms of both hours and responsibility as our business grows.

Here's what else you'll get:

• Salary £28k depending on experience (pro rata)

• A remote-first role with built-in flexibility

• Monthly co-working days (with lunch on us)

• 25 days' holiday (pro rata) plus 8 bank holidays

• 8 Wellbeing Hours per year – take a breather, go for a walk, enjoy a yoga class, grab a quiet coffee, volunteer, or simply step away for some head space... your choice.

• Career progression opportunities as the business grows

• Flexible working, agreed up front – while our business hours are 9–5, we're happy to explore a pattern that works for you and the business, agreed before your start date

• All the tech you need – laptop, monitor, and accessories

• A company with purpose, not just process

Our Values

At 1st for EPA, our values guide how we hire, support, and grow together. They show up in how we treat each other, how we work with partners, and how we make decisions:

We are quality-focused and we act with integrity

Integrity means doing the right thing and doing things the right way. This shows up in how we approach conversations, decisions, and day-to-day actions – with honesty, tact, and professionalism. We choose the right path, even when it's not the easy one.

We are supportive – we make a difference to real people

Whether it's colleagues, providers, apprentices, clients or wider stakeholders – we show respect, listen, collaborate, and act with the aim of helping others progress. It's about looking for what's possible, building on ideas, staying flexible, and helping things move forward even when plans shift .People count on us to do what we say we'll do.

We are adaptable and we embrace change

We adapt with purpose. Our world is fast-paced and apprentices are real people – every situation is different. We flex, pivot, and stay open to change. That means clearly communicating the why and the how, and helping others understand what the change is trying to achieve.

We are passionate – we love what we do

We're proud of what we build and who we build it for. This doesn't mean you need to be passionate about assessment itself – it's about believing in the impact you make and caring about doing great work.

We take ownership – we know our impact matters

We all play a part in the success of 1st for EPA. It's not just about completing your own tasks well – it's about understanding how your work fits into the bigger picture, how it affects others, and how we make time for what matters: business as usual, supporting others, and progressing long-term goals.

How to Apply

Send your CV and a cover letter explaining what excites you about this role and how your experience aligns with our needs. We'd love a brief overview of projects you've led on and/or results you've generated in previous roles.

Please note only applications with a cover letter tailored for this specific role at 1st for EPA will be considered.