ACCA Senior Accountant

R&A Talent Aquisition Partners Ltd; Guildford; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A respected accountancy practice in Guildford is seeking an experienced Senior Accountant. This role includes preparing year-end accounts, managing client relationships, and assisting junior staff. The ideal candidate will be ACCA or ACA qualified, with comprehensive knowledge of UK tax legislation and a proven track record of client portfolio management. This position offers a competitive salary, flexibility with 2 days WFH, and a range of benefits including a pension and birthday leave.

Benefits

Competitive salary

2 days work from home

Pension

Day off for birthday

Benefit discount scheme

Qualifications

• Extensive post-qualification experience in preparing statutory accounts and managing client compliance.
• Proven ability to manage diverse client portfolios and deliver high-quality service.
• In-depth understanding of accounting standards and regulatory requirements.

Responsibilities

• Prepare year-end accounts for various client types including limited companies and partnerships.
• Serve as the main contact for client portfolio, providing updates and advice.
• Prepare and submit VAT returns, ensuring compliance with regulations.

Skills

ACCA or ACA qualified or finalist

Strong technical expertise in accounting and compliance

Solid understanding of UK tax legislation

Excellent client-facing skills

Proficient in leading accounting software

Strong communication skills

Highly organised with attention to detail

Education

ACCA/ACA qualification

Tools

Xero

Iris

QuickBooks

Job description

Our clients are a well-established, very friendly, respected accountancy practice providing expert accounting, tax, and compliance services to a broad and varied client base. As they continue to grow, they are looking for an experienced ACCA/ACA Qualified / or Finalist - Senior Accountant to join the team. This role involves preparing year-end accounts, managing client communications, and supporting junior staff where needed. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in accountancy practice, be confident handling a client portfolio, and take pride in delivering accurate, timely work with a friendly and approachable manner.

Key Responsibilities, Tasks and Activities

• Accounts Preparation & Financial Reporting under FRS 102/105
• Prepare year-end accounts for a range of clients including limited companies, sole traders, and partnerships
• Ensure all financial statements are accurate, compliant with current UK accounting standards, and submitted on time
• Review and finalise working papers and supporting schedules

Client Communication & Relationship Management

• Serve as the main point of contact for a portfolio of clients, providing regular updates and responding to queries in a timely and professional manner
• Provide general business and financial advice to clients, helping them understand their accounts and identify areas for improvement
• Build strong, long-term relationships based on trust and high-quality service

VAT & Tax Returns

• Prepare and submit VAT returns, ensuring compliance with Making Tax Digital (MTD) and HMRC regulations
• Assist with corporation tax and personal tax computations as needed

Workflow & Practice Support

• Manage workload effectively to meet deadlines and communicate clearly with managers on progress and capacity
• Support and review junior team members' work, providing training and guidance where required
• Maintain accurate records within the practice management and accounting systems (e.g., Xero, TaxCalc)

Continuous Development & Compliance

• Stay up to date with changes in tax, accounting, and regulatory requirements
• Ensure all work complies with the firm's internal procedures, GDPR and relevant legislation
• Engage in CPD activities to maintain technical knowledge and skills

Person Specification

• Extensive post-qualification experience in preparing statutory accounts and managing client compliance requirements within an accountancy practice
• Proven ability to manage a diverse client portfolio, providing high-quality service and building strong, long-term relationships
• In-depth understanding of accounting standards, tax compliance, and regulatory requirements, with a consistent track record of accurate and timely filings
• Strong communication and organisational skills, with the ability to lead by example, support junior staff, and maintain a client-focused approach under pressure

Skills & Qualifications

• ACCA or ACA qualified or finalist, with strong technical expertise in accounting and compliance
• Solid understanding of UK tax legislation, statutory accounts preparation, and filing obligations
• Demonstrated ability to manage a varied portfolio of clients across sectors, ensuring timely delivery of services and maintaining compliance standards
• Excellent client-facing skills, with a track record of building trusted relationships and providing commercially focused advice
• Proficient in leading accounting software (e.g., Iris, Xero, QuickBooks) and Microsoft Office Suite
• Clear and professional communication skills, both written and verbal
• Highly organised, with strong attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple deadlines effectively

In Return

A competitve basic salary with 2 days WFH, Pension, A day off for your birthday, Benefit discount scheme