Bookkeeper

Cowgills Limited; Bolton; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

Cowgills, one of the North West's leading independent chartered accountants and business advisors, is looking for an experienced Bookkeeper to look after a portfolio of clients. You will process AP/AR, reconciliations, VAT returns and set up Xero for clients wishing to do their own bookkeeping, with training support provided.

Join a collaborative team focused on client growth and clear communication. You'll work across MS Teams and email in a dynamic environment and contribute to high-quality,

Qualifications

• Experience with bookkeeping software such as Xero and Dext desirable.
• Good numerical skills and excellent communication skills to talk with clients over the phone, on MS Teams or over email.
• Be a team player and thrive in a collaborative environment, willing to share knowledge, support colleagues and meet tight deadlines.
• Be comfortable with change and excited by the opportunity to work in a dynamic environment.

Responsibilities

• Process accounts payable and receivable for a portfolio of clients
• Complete bank reconciliations with accuracy and efficiency
• Preparing and submitting VAT returns
• Setting up client software - especially Xero - for clients wishing to undertake their own bookkeeping
• Providing helpful training to clients on using Xero

Skills

Numerical skills

Communication skills

Team player

Willing to learn

Tools

Xero

Dext

Job description

As one of the region's leading independent chartered accountants and business advisors, Cowgills has the expertise and knowledge to provide you with a full-service offering. Our independence ensures that we can tailor our approach to suit our clients' individual needs. We have over 200 talented, committed and engaged employees, totally focused on delivering financial guidance and growth strategies to our clients. We're looking for an experienced Bookkeeper to look after a portfolio of clients.

Key Responsibilities

• Process accounts payable and receivable for a portfolio of clients
• Complete bank reconciliations with accuracy and efficiency
• Preparing and submitting VAT returns
• Setting up client software - especially Xero - for clients wishing to undertake their own bookkeeping
• Providing helpful training to clients on using Xero

Skills, Knowledge & Expertise

• You will be eager to learn as we provide on the job learning with internal training provided, although knowledge of bookkeeping software such as Xero and Dext would be desirable
• Have good numerical skills and excellent communication skills to talk with clients over the phone, on MS Teams or over email
• Be a team player and thrive in a collaborative environment, willing to share knowledge, support colleagues and be happy to work as part of a team to meet tight deadlines
• Be comfortable with change and excited by the opportunity to work in a dynamic environment

Belong @ Sumer

At Sumer, we know everyone's journey is different. That's why we're committed to fairness, removing barriers and giving people the support they need to do their best work. If you need any support during the hiring process, just let us know.

Our values represent what matters most to us and guide how we work every day:

• We Shine Together
• We Do the Right Thing
• We Make It Count

We know diverse teams make us stronger. That's why we're creating an inclusive workplace where everyone belongs and differences are valued and celebrated.

About Cowgills

When we work together, great things happen.

At Cowgills, we're more than just accountants and business advisors, we're your business partners, dedicated to helping you grow and succeed.

Entrepreneurial, straight-talking, and truly invested in your success, we're with you every step of the way. We don't just show up once a year to run the numbers and vanish. Whether you're just starting out, growing fast, or facing a few bumps in the road, we're here for all of it - from funding and tax to deals and strategy.

Clear thinking. Honest advice.

We've worked hard to be one of the North West's leading and fastest growing firm of accountants and business advisors. We're straight talking and entrepreneurial, with a focus on the commercial realities businesses face. That's why clients count on us. We invest time in getting to know the businesses we work with, enabling us to give structured advice that makes a tangible difference.

In 2024, Cowgills became part of Sumer Group - a collaboration of renowned regional accountancy practices with a shared vision to champion local small to medium-sized enterprises.

By bringing together the best in advisory & business services, Sumer Group retains the value that community-based practices offer and combines this with the scale, breadth of expertise and technologies that only a national organisation can muster.

Through our unique approach, we believe we can make a real positive impact and achieve growth for our company, our colleagues and our clients. Together, we are about doing the right things, putting people first and delivering the best possible services to those who sit at the heart of our economy and communities.

People first. Always.

We're a team of 250+ smart, energetic, down to earth people who care about doing a great job and doing it with a bit of personality. We work across many sectors, from property & construction, manufacturing & engineering, leisure & hospitality, technology and much more.

No egos. No corporate speak. Just people helping businesses grow.

Locations: Bolton, Liverpool, Manchester, Stockport and Wigan.

We take our clients on a growth journey, which can start as early as accounts management and evolves alongside their ambitions.

Whether it's scaling operations, navigating complex transactions, or planning for retirement, our full-service offering ensures continuity and expert guidance at every stage. We want you, our clients, to view us as true business partners – helping make informed decisions, maximise value, and prepare for the future.