Bookkeeper

LMJ Group | Chartered Accountants; Luton; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Career progression

Cloud-based accounting tech

Professional development

Supportive team

Job summary

LMJ Group | Chartered Accountants is seeking an experienced Bookkeeper/Accountant to join our team. This hands-on role is ideal for someone with at least 3 years' experience in an accountancy practice, confident managing bookkeeping for multiple clients and VAT basics.

You will prepare VAT returns, assist with year-end accounts, and support the wider accounts team, while maintaining accurate records and meeting deadlines in a fast-growing practice.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years' experience working within a UK accountancy practice.
• Excellent knowledge and experience of preparing VAT returns.
• Experience preparing basic accounts for sole traders, partnerships and limited companies.
• Good understanding of UK accounting principles and basic UK GAAP.
• Experience with Xero and QuickBooks; familiarity with cloud accounting platforms.

Responsibilities

• Manage day-to-day bookkeeping for a portfolio of SME clients.
• Maintain accurate accounting records and ensure transactions are recorded and reconciled.
• Process invoices, expenses, payments and receipts.
• Review and reconcile transactions in cloud accounting platforms.
• Prepare VAT returns and assist with year-end accounts.

Skills

3+ years UK practice experience

VAT returns

Basic accounts preparation

Client management

Attention to detail

Education

AAT qualification

ACCA/ACA part-qualified or equivalent

Tools

Xero

QuickBooks

Dext/Hubdoc

Job description

We are a fast-growing, forward-thinking accountancy practice seeking an experienced Bookkeeper/Accountant to join our team.

This is a hands-on role suited to someone with at least 3 years' experience working within an accountancy practice, who is confident managing bookkeeping for multiple clients and has strong knowledge of VAT and basic accounts preparation.

The successful candidate will be responsible for maintaining accurate and up-to-date accounting records, preparing VAT returns, assisting with year-end accounts and supporting the wider accounts team.

We are looking for someone who is technically capable, highly organised and commercially aware, with excellent attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple client deadlines.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage day-to-day bookkeeping for a portfolio of SME clients.
• Maintain accurate accounting records and ensure transactions are correctly recorded and reconciled.
• Complete bank, credit card and control account reconciliations.
• Process purchase and sales invoices, expenses, payments and receipts.
• Review and reconcile transactions imported through cloud accounting and bookkeeping platforms.
• Identify and resolve bookkeeping discrepancies and unusual transactions.
• Maintain accurate ledgers and ensure client records are kept up to date.
• Work with clients to obtain missing information and resolve bookkeeping queries.

VAT

• Prepare and review VAT returns for a portfolio of clients.
• Ensure VAT transactions are correctly coded and VAT returns are accurate and submitted within deadlines.
• Understand the main UK VAT rules, including standard-rated, zero-rated and exempt supplies.
• Assist with VAT registrations, VAT scheme changes and other VAT-related matters where required.

Accounts Preparation

• Prepare basic year-end accounts for sole traders, partnerships and limited companies.
• Assist with the preparation of statutory accounts and supporting schedules.
• Complete year-end reconciliations and journals.
• Prepare working papers and supporting documentation for review by senior team members.
• Assist with corporation tax and personal tax return preparation where required.
• Liaise with senior accountants and managers to resolve outstanding queries and complete accounts efficiently.

Client Management

• Communicate directly with clients regarding bookkeeping, VAT and accounts-related matters.
• Build strong and professional relationships with clients.
• Request and follow up on outstanding information in a timely manner.
• Provide a responsive and helpful service to clients.
• Identify issues or opportunities that should be referred to the senior accountant or Director.

Team & Practice Support

• Work closely with accountants and managers to ensure client work is completed accurately and on time.
• Support junior members of the team where required.
• Contribute to improving bookkeeping processes and workflow.
• Assist with cloud accounting system implementations and client migrations.
• Maintain high standards of confidentiality, accuracy and professional conduct.

Skills & Experience

The ideal candidate will have:

• Minimum 3 years' experience working within a UK accountancy practice.
• Excellent knowledge and experience of preparing VAT returns.
• Experience preparing basic accounts for sole traders, partnerships and limited companies.
• Good understanding of UK accounting principles and basic UK GAAP.
• Experience with Xero and QuickBooks
• Experience working with cloud accounting and document management systems such as Dext/Hubdoc.
• Ability to manage multiple clients and deadlines independently.
• Strong attention to detail and a methodical approach to work.
• Good written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to identify errors, investigate discrepancies and resolve issues.
• AAT qualified, part-qualified ACA/ACCA, or equivalent practical experience would be advantageous.

Personal Attributes

We are looking for someone who is:

• Highly experienced and confident in bookkeeping
• Proactive and organised
• Reliable and able to take ownership of their work
• Commercially aware and solutions-focused
• Detail-oriented, with a strong focus on accuracy
• Confident communicating with clients
• Comfortable working independently while also being a strong team player
• Able to work under pressure and manage competing deadlines
• Keen to develop their technical knowledge and career within a growing accountancy practice

What We Offer

• Opportunity to join a growing and forward-thinking accountancy practice
• Varied portfolio of SME clients across different sectors
• Exposure to bookkeeping, VAT and accounts preparation
• Supportive team environment with opportunities for professional development
• Opportunity to develop your accounting and client-management skills
• Modern cloud-based accounting systems and technology
• Clear opportunities for career progression within the firm