Full-time | Monday to Friday | Marlow, Buckinghamshire | £26,500 to £27,500 per year
The Ralph is looking for an Accounts Assistant to join our small, close-knit Finance team while one of our Ralphers takes maternity leave in early 2027.
This is a full-time maternity-cover position, expected to last approximately 12 months, subject to the returning Ralpher’s maternity leave arrangements. The role may continue beyond the maternity-cover period, although this cannot be guaranteed.
The role combines finance administration with insurance claims, invoicing and communication with carers and insurance providers. It would suit someone who enjoys working with numbers but is equally comfortable communicating with people and solving problems.
A love of cake and the ability to tolerate country music would be a plus, but neither is mandatory!
About The Ralph
The Ralph is a compassion-focused multidisciplinary specialist referral centre for dogs and cats in Marlow, Buckinghamshire.
Our hospital opened in 2019 and is home to around 260 Ralphers. We place considerable emphasis on our culture, core values and mission, alongside providing excellent and compassionate care for our patients and their carers.
You will join a small Finance team and report to the Finance Manager and Financial Controller.
What the role involves
The role will involve some or all of the following:
- Reviewing accounts and communicating with team members and policyholders
- Processing complex insurance claims, both online and paper-based
- Discussing invoices and insurance claims with carers
- Responding to queries from insurance companies
- Responding to carer queries about accounts and claims
- Completing daily banking and reconciliations using Xero
- Producing ad hoc finance reports from our practice management system
About you
We are looking for someone who:
- Has strong interpersonal and customer-service skills
- Can explain numerical and financial information clearly and concisely
- Is confident using computers and spreadsheets
- Is motivated, organised and able to prioritise their own workload
- Uses their initiative and is comfortable working independently
- Communicates confidently by telephone and in writing
- Has a keen eye for detail
- Enjoys problem-solving
- Is comfortable working with numbers
- Brings relevant experience from a veterinary, insurance, healthcare finance or similar environment
Knowledge of insurance processes relating to animal companions, including how policy excesses work, is strongly preferred but not essential.
Experience using Xero is desirable, but we can provide training.
Formal finance qualifications are not essential. Relevant experience, aptitude and the right approach are more important to us.
Full training will be provided.
Hours and working arrangements
This is a full-time position working 40 hours over five days, Monday to Friday.
Each working day includes a one-hour paid lunch break.
There is some flexibility around working hours and working from home.
The successful candidate will need to start early enough to allow a proper handover before the current Ralpher begins maternity leave. Subject to that requirement, the start date is flexible.
Salary and benefits
- Salary of £26,500 to £27,500 per year, depending on experience and qualifications
- 28 days’ paid annual leave, including Bank Holidays
- Discretionary training allowance and support for further qualifications
- Contributions towards relevant professional fees and memberships
- Generous discounts on veterinary care for your own animal companions
- Flexible working arrangements once fully up to speed
How to apply
Please send your CV and covering letter to Sophie Dowdeswell at [email protected].
Sophie is Assistant to Shailen Jasani, our Founder, CEO and Clinical Director.
In your covering letter, please tell us why this role interests you and what you believe your experience would bring to The Ralph.
The closing date for applications is Monday 5 October 2026.
We encourage early applications. We reserve the right to close the vacancy earlier if we find the right candidate.Applicants must already have the right to work in the United Kingdom.
We do not offer visa sponsorship for this role.
Pay: £26,500.00-£27,500.00 per year
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Company events
- Discounted or free food
- Employee discount
- Free parking
- Work from home
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Marlow SL7 1YG: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Experience:
- Accounting: 1 year (preferred)
- Customer service: 1 year (preferred)
Language:
Work authorisation:
- United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Marlow SL7 1YG
