Client Accountant

Bennett and Game Recruitment LTD; Leeds; Hybrid; GBP 28,000 - 37,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days annual leave

Study support up to £500 per exam

2 paid study days per module

Job summary

Bennett and Game Recruitment LTD is seeking a Client Accountant to independently manage a portfolio of around 200 clients, with a dedicated assistant team handling prep work. The role offers a hybrid setup after probation, focusing on review, sign-offs, and strategic advisory while fostering long-term client relationships.

Ideal candidates will have 2–3 years experience in practice, ACCA/AAT qualifications, or equivalent by experience, with strong communication and end-to-end accounting skills.

Qualifications

• 2–3 years of accountancy practice experience with client portfolios.
• AAT or ACCA/CTA qualification, or equivalent by experience.
• Strong end-to-end accounting knowledge (statutory accounts, tax returns).
• Excellent verbal and written communication; ability to explain complex concepts.
• Proactive, confident, and client‑focused mindset.

Responsibilities

• Portfolio management: Manage ~200 small-to-medium clients, using FreeAgent.
• Review & sign-off: Review accounts, tax, VAT and personal returns prepared by the assistant team.
• Client advisory & relationship management: Main contact for clients, providing tailored business advice.
• Technical oversight: Guide on tax efficiency, payroll, and financial management.
• Deadline delivery: Collaborate to meet statutory filing dates and monthly deadlines.

Skills

Portfolio management

Financial advisory

Communication

Attention to detail

Time management

Education

AAT qualification

ACCA/CTA part-qualified

Qualified by experience

Tools

FreeAgent

Job description

Client Accountant

Location: Office-based with Hybrid Working options (3 days office / 2 days remote after probation)

Employment Type: Full-time, Permanent (37.5 hours per week)

Salary: £28,000 - £37,000 (Dependent on experience and qualifications)

Role Overview

The Client Accountant position is a self-sufficient role designed for an experienced practice professional capable of independently managing a portfolio of around 200 clients (SMEs, sole traders, and contractor-led limited companies).

Unlike traditional practice roles where partners sign off on every detail, you will take ownership of your portfolio. An dedicated Assistant Accountant team handles the initial preparation work, allowing you to focus on review, sign-offs, strategic advisory, and maintaining strong, long-term client relationships.

Key Responsibilities

• Portfolio Management: Manage a full portfolio of approximately 200 small-to-medium clients, using cloud accounting software (FreeAgent).
• Review & Sign-Off: Review financial accounts, company tax, VAT, and personal tax returns prepared by the assistant team, ensuring technical accuracy and compliance.
• Client Advisory & Relationship Management: Serve as the main contact point for your clients, providing tailored business advice and support throughout their lifecycle-from incorporation to closure.
• Technical Oversight: Provide clear, approachable guidance on tax efficiency, payroll, and general financial management without overwhelming clients with jargon.
• Deadline Delivery: Collaborate with the wider team to meet statutory filing dates and key monthly office deadlines.

Requirements & Qualifications

• Experience: Minimum 2-3 years of experience within an accountancy practice handling client portfolios.
• Qualifications: AAT qualified, ACCA/CTA part-qualified/qualified, or qualified by experience (practical capability and portfolio handling are prioritised).
• Technical Competency: Strong understanding of end-to-end statutory accounts, tax returns, and client advisory within a small business setting.
• Communication Skills: Outstanding verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to build rapport and explain complex accountancy concepts simply.
• Mindset: Confident, accountable, and comfortable offering honest guidance to business owners.

Working Hours & Hybrid Setup

Core Hours & Flexi-Time: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM required core presence; start between 8:00 AM and 10:00 AM, finish between 4:00 PM and 6:00 PM (37.5 hours/week). Lunch breaks last 30 minutes to 2 hours between 12:00 PM and 3:00 PM.

Office & Remote Schedule: Hybrid working (3 days office / 2 days remote) is available after a 4-month probation period. Full in-office attendance until 5:00 PM is mandatory on monthly Accounts/VAT deadline days and for company social events.

Benefits, Progression & Culture

Time Off & Support: Includes 25 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays. Study support covers up to £500 reimbursement per exam/module (AAT/ACCA/CTA) post-probation, plus 2 paid study days per module (1 exam, 1 revision).

Growth & Perks: Performance-based career progression up to Team Manager without strict qualification barriers. Environment features a casual dress code, open-plan office, and regular welfare events.

Bennett and Game Recruitment are a multi-disciplined technical recruitment agency based in Chichester, West Sussex operating across the UK with specialist teams covering a range of industries.

We are acting as a Recruitment Agency in relation to this vacancy, and in accordance with GDPR by applying you are granting us consent to process your data, contact you about the services we offer, and submit your CV for the role you have applied for