Finance Assistant

Why join us?

Bringing together leading minds and practitioners in the sector, Wessex Archaeology is a trusted archaeology and heritage service provider and educational charity. From our network of international offices, we work in partnership with our clients to deliver sustainable solutions to manage the historic environment - above ground, below ground and underwater. We are committed to our social impact. This means using the knowledge and connections we make through our commercial activities as a catalyst to engage the communities in which we work.

The position:

We are seeking an experienced and proactive Finance Assistant to join the Wessex Archaeology Finance Team. Working from our Amesbury offices with a hybrid working pattern, you'll enjoy the perfect balance of collaboration and flexibility.

If you're organised, detail-focused and thrive in a busy finance environment, this role offers the chance to hit the ground running, make an immediate impact, and gain valuable experience within a supportive and welcoming team.

The role - what's involved?

Main responsibilities:

• Matching and processing purchase ledger invoices, reconciling statements, updating supplier details
• Checking Purchase Orders for accuracy and closing if no longer required.
• Processing staff reimbursable and credit card expenses
• Bank reconciliations
• Processing and reconciliation of fuel cards, vehicle hire and plant hire payments
• Manage finance email inbox
• Provide support to other team members, when necessary, e.g. raising sales ledger invoices, project activations, debt chasing.
• Contribute to system and process improvements

Position requirements:

• Experienced and confident in using accounting packages (Xero an advantage)
• Previous experience in accounts payable and other bookkeeping tasks.
• You will have excellent numeracy, Excel skills and attention to detail
• Strong communicator, capable of engaging with staff at all levels
• You will be proactive in your approach

Desirable:

• Experience of using project management software
• Experience of interpreting contract payment terms
• AAT level 2 or equivalent

What can you look forward to?

Our focus is on creating a collaborative culture where people can thrive, develop and where safety and wellbeing come first. From anonymising candidate data in our recruitment process to continuous improvements in our benefits, we're committed to creating a safe, fair and inclusive working environment.

We offer:

• 22 days of annual leave per year plus bank holidays rising to 27 after 5 years of continuous service.
• Option to buy up to 5 days holiday per year.
• Salary Sacrifice Pension Scheme, Wessex Archaeology employer pension contribution 6.5%.
• Life assurance scheme of three times your basic salary.

Wellbeing and family-friendly benefits

• Our maternity, adoption and shared parental pay is 100% for 12 weeks, 90% for 21 weeks and 6 weeks statutory, day 1 eligibility.
• Enhanced paternity leave, up to 4 weeks from day 1.
• 5 days of carers leave.
• Paid sick leave from the start of a contract, with the number of days dependent on length of service.
• Hybrid and flexible working arrangements where applicable.
• Company Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) - free and confidential service in the form of counselling and assistance in areas such as health and stress.
• AIG SmartHealth - round-the-clock support for you and your family.

Sustainability and other benefits

• Electric Vehicle Salary Sacrifice Scheme.
• Bike2Work scheme.
• 100% Professional membership costs reimbursed.
• High-quality personal protective equipment (PPE) provided.
• Free transport from regional offices to sites.
• Time in lieu or paid time for drivers.
• Subsistence allowance.

How to apply

Interested in working with us?

Email your completed application form and equal opportunities monitoring form by 4th August 2026. All applications will be acknowledged within two weeks of the closing date.

We welcome applications from people with disabilities and aim to be supportive in our recruitment and employment practices. Please let us know if you need any special arrangements or adjustments in the application or interview process.

Successful candidates must have proof of identity and eligibility to work in the UK by the start of their employment.