Client Accountant

Autograph Specialist Recruitment Limited; Hampton Lovett; On-site; GBP 38,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Autograph Recruitment is seeking a Client Accountant to join a growing accountancy practice. You will manage a portfolio of owner-managed businesses, delivering management accounts, VAT, bookkeeping and broader outsourced finance services.

The ideal candidate will have practice experience, strong VAT knowledge, and be proficient with Xero. AAT Level 3 is expected, with ACA/ACCA studies advantageous.

Qualifications

• Experience in accountancy practice or outsourced accounts is essential.
• Strong VAT knowledge and management accounts experience.
• Good bookkeeping skills and double-entry accounting understanding.
• Working knowledge of CIS and PAYE/payroll information.
• Confident managing client relationships and deadlines.
• Strong organisational skills and proactive approach.
• Experience using Xero or similar cloud accounting software.

Responsibilities

• Manage a portfolio of clients and build long-term relationships.
• Prepare management accounts, month-end journals, accruals, prepayments and reconciliations.
• Prepare and submit VAT returns and resolve queries.
• Maintain bookkeeping records and support CIS and PAYE accounting.
• Coordinate multiple deadlines and drive progress with clients.
• Provide client support and training on Xero and cloud systems.
• Collaborate with colleagues and mentor junior team members.

Skills

Client relationships

Management accounts

VAT knowledge

Bookkeeping

Xero experience

CIS/PAYE knowledge

Organisation

Education

AAT level 3 or equivalent

ACA/ACCA studies advantageous

Tools

Xero

Job description

The Opportunity

Autograph Recruitment is delighted to be working with a growing accountancy practice seeking an experienced Client Accountantto 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.