Accounts Assistant

Cherry Professional - Relationship Led Recruitment; Gainsborough CP; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 36,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Exposure to SME client base

Audit exposure

Development path through qualification

Job summary

Cherry Professional is working with a well-established accountancy practice to hire a Part-Qualified Accountant (AAT) to join their team. This role involves hands-on accounts preparation for SME clients, with bookkeeping, VAT compliance and occasional audit support.

You will work across a varied client portfolio, supporting day-to-day delivery and building your technical knowledge as you continue your AAT studies. A clear development path awaits as you progress.

Qualifications

• 12 months+ experience in a similar accountancy practice role.
• Working towards AAT qualification (Level 3/4 preferred).
• Proficient with MS Office, Sage and Xero.
• Detail-focused with strong prioritisation across multiple clients.
• Excellent communication and client-facing manner.

Responsibilities

• Prepare year-end accounts and supporting schedules for SME/owner-managed clients.
• Assist with management accounts as required.
• Bookkeeping and general ledger maintenance.
• Prepare and submit VAT returns and support VAT compliance.
• Use Sage and Xero to process client records.
• Analyse data with Excel to present information.
• Support on audit assignments when needed.

Skills

Attention to detail

Communication

Prioritisation

Education

AAT Level 3/4

Tools

Sage

Xero

MS Office

Job description

Cherry Professional is working with a well-established accountancy practice that’s looking to hire a Part-Qualified Accountant (AAT) to join their team. This is a great opportunity for someone who enjoys hands-on accounts preparation for SME clients, with a mix of bookkeeping and VAT compliance, plus the chance to support on audit assignments from time to time.

The role

You’ll work across a varied portfolio of owner-managed and SME clients, supporting the team with day-to-day delivery and building your technical knowledge as you continue your AAT studies.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Preparing year-end accounts (and supporting schedules) for SME / owner-managed clients
• Assisting with management accounts where required
• Bookkeeping and general ledger maintenance
• Preparing and submitting VAT returns and supporting VAT compliance work
• Using Sage and Xero to process and review client records
• Working confidently with Excel and MS Office to analyse data and present information
• Occasionally supporting on audit assignments (fieldwork / testing / file completion support)

About you

To be considered, you’ll need:

• At least 12 months’ experience in a similar role within an accountancy practice
• Currently studying AAT (Level 3 or Level 4 preferred), or actively working towards qualification
• Working knowledge of:
• MS Office (especially Excel)
• Sage
• Xero
• A practical, detail-focused approach and the ability to manage priorities across multiple clients
• Strong communication skills and a professional, client-focused manner

What’s on offer

• Exposure to a broad SME client base and a supportive team environment
• Opportunity to gain some audit experience alongside accounts and tax/VAT work
• A role with clear development routes as you progress through your qualification