Client Accountant

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

Benefits offered by this job

25 days annual leave

Study support

Paid study days

Job summary

Bennett and Game Recruitment are seeking a Client Accountant to take ownership of a self-sufficient portfolio of around 200 clients, including SMEs, sole traders and contractor-led limited companies.

You will review accounts, VAT and personal tax returns prepared by an Assistant Accountant team, provide tailored business advice, maintain strong client relationships and ensure deadlines are met.

Qualifications

• 2-3 years experience in an accountancy practice handling client portfolios.
• AAT qualified, ACCA/CTA part-qualified or qualified.
• Strong understanding of end-to-end statutory accounts, tax returns, and client advisory within a small business setting.
• Outstanding verbal and written communication skills.
• Confident, accountable, and able to offer honest guidance to business owners.

Responsibilities

• Manage a portfolio of ~200 clients (SMEs, sole traders, contractor-led entities).
• Review accounts, company tax, VAT, and personal tax returns prepared by the assistant team.
• Provide tailored business advice and maintain long-term client relationships.

Skills

Portfolio management

Client advisory

Communication skills

Attention to detail

Education

AAT qualified

ACCA/CTA part-qualified

Qualified by experience

Tools

FreeAgent

Job description

Job Title: 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.