Client Accountant

Autograph Specialist Recruitment Limited; Droitwich Spa; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Autograph Recruitment is seeking an experienced Client Accountant to join an growing accountancy practice. You will manage client relationships, prepare management accounts and VAT returns, and support bookkeeping across owner-managed businesses.

Key duties include maintaining CIS/PAYE-related accounting, using Xero or similar cloud systems, and ensuring deadlines are met while guiding junior team members. AAT 3 is expected; higher qualifications are advantageous.

Qualifications

• Experience in accountancy practice is essential, ideally outsourced accounts or business services.
• Strong VAT knowledge and management accounts experience.
• Good bookkeeping skills and understanding of double-entry accounting.
• Working knowledge of CIS and PAYE/payroll information.
• Confident managing client relationships and competing deadlines.
• Experience using Xero or similar cloud accounting software.
• AAT Level 3 or equivalent; AAT Level 4, ACA/ACCA studies or qualification by experience would be advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Manage a portfolio of clients, building strong, long-term relationships.
• Prepare management accounts, month-end journals, accruals, prepayments and reconciliations.
• Prepare and submit VAT returns, resolving queries as required.
• Maintain accurate bookkeeping records and support CIS and PAYE-related accounting requirements.
• Manage multiple client deadlines, proactively chase information and keep work progressing.
• Use Xero and other cloud accounting systems, providing client support and training where needed.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues and support junior team members where appropriate.

Skills

Client relationships

VAT knowledge

Management accounts

Bookkeeping

CIS/PAYE

Organisational skills

Xero

Cloud accounting

Education

AAT Level 3

AAT Level 4 / ACA/ACCA advantageous

Tools

Xero

Cloud accounting software

Job description

The Opportunity

Autograph Recruitment is delighted to be working with a growing accountancy practice seeking an experienced Client Accountant to join its team.

This is an excellent opportunity for a practice accountant who enjoys working closely with business owners, managing client relationships and delivering a varied range of accounting services.

You will manage a portfolio of owner-managed businesses, providing support across management accounts, VAT, bookkeeping and wider outsourced finance services. The role requires someone proactive and organised, who can confidently manage competing deadlines, resolve queries and take ownership of their clients' needs.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage a portfolio of clients, building strong, long-term relationships.
• Prepare management accounts, month-end journals, accruals, prepayments and reconciliations.
• Prepare and submit VAT returns, resolving queries as required.
• Maintain accurate bookkeeping records and support CIS and PAYE-related accounting requirements.
• Manage multiple client deadlines, proactively chase information and keep work progressing.
• Use Xero and other cloud accounting systems, providing client support and training where needed.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues and support junior team members where appropriate.

The Ideal Candidate

• Previous accountancy practice experience is essential, ideally within outsourced accounts or business services.
• Strong practical VAT knowledge and management accounts experience.
• Good bookkeeping skills and understanding of double-entry accounting.
• Working knowledge of CIS and PAYE/payroll-related information.
• Confident managing client relationships and competing deadlines.
• Strong organisational skills, attention to detail and a proactive approach.
• Experience using Xero or similar cloud accounting software.

AAT Level 3 or equivalent practical experience is expected. AAT Level 4, ACA/ACCA studies or qualification by experience would be advantageous.

The Company

Our client is an established accountancy and business advisory practice supporting a diverse portfolio of owner-managed businesses. With a focus on personal service and commercial advice, the firm is committed to developing its people and providing opportunities for career progression across its wider business services team.