Practice Accountant

Howett Thorpe; Farnborough; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days holiday

Private medical insurance

Barn office

Relaxed environment

Broad role

Exposure to leadership

Autonomy

Job summary

Howett Thorpe is seeking a Practice Accountant to join a small, established firm based in a stunning converted barn office in the countryside. You will have autonomy, contribute across accounts, tax and client advisory, and play a visible role in the firm.

Working closely with the Managing Director, you will manage client delivery, oversee junior team output, and uphold high standards of service across a diverse portfolio.

Qualifications

• ACA/ACCA qualified or qualified by experience.
• UK accountancy practice experience.
• Strong experience preparing statutory accounts.
• Knowledge of personal and corporate tax.
• Able to review work and support junior staff.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and review statutory accounts for a portfolio of small/owner-managed businesses.
• Work closely with the Managing Director on day-to-day client delivery and workflow.
• Take responsibility for deadlines and ensure accuracy and timeliness.
• Assist with personal and corporate tax compliance and advisory matters.
• Review bookkeeping and management information prepared by juniors.
• Act as a point of contact for client queries and ongoing support.
• Guide and train junior team members and improve processes.
• Assist with ad hoc accounts, tax and advisory tasks.
• Build strong long-term client relationships through high-quality service.

Skills

Statutory accounts preparation

Client relationship management

Autonomy in small team

Tax compliance

Reviewing junior staff work

Communication skills

Organised and proactive

Education

ACA / ACCA qualified or QBE

Job description

This is the type of role that is becoming increasingly difficult to find. Joining a small, established firm based in a stunning converted barn office in the countryside, you will become a genuinely important part of the team rather than one person in a large structure. The setting offers something different from the typical practice environment, combining a relaxed atmosphere with high quality client work and the opportunity to play a visible role in the firm.

Working closely with the Managing Director, you will take ownership of a broad range of client work, support junior team members, and help shape how the team continues to develop. This is a role for someone who enjoys variety, values autonomy, and wants to work somewhere where people know your name and your contribution matters. With exposure across accounts, tax, client advisory, and team support, no two days will look exactly the same.

Practice Accountant – Benefits

• 25 days holiday
• Private medical insurance
• Beautiful converted barn office in a countryside setting
• Relaxed and supportive working environment
• Broad and varied role with genuine day-to-day variety
• Direct exposure to senior leadership
• High level of autonomy and responsibility

Practice Accountant – About The Role

This is a broad, hands-on practice role with significant variety across accounts, tax and client support. You will work closely with the Managing Director to manage client delivery, oversee junior team output, and ensure a high standard of service across the portfolio.

Alongside statutory accounts preparation and review, you will be involved in personal and corporate tax work, bookkeeping oversight, and general client advisory support. The role is designed for someone who enjoys taking responsibility, working independently, and being trusted with a wide range of client matters within a small, close-knit team. Key responsibilities:

• Prepare and review statutory accounts for a portfolio of small and owner-managed businesses
• Work closely with the Managing Director on day-to-day client delivery and workflow
• Take responsibility for managing client deadlines and ensuring work is completed accurately and on time
• Assist with personal and corporate tax compliance work and basic advisory matters
• Review bookkeeping and management information prepared by junior staff
• Act as a key point of contact for client queries and ongoing support
• Support, guide and train junior team members within the practice
• Help maintain and improve internal processes and client service delivery
• Assist with ad hoc assignments across accounts, tax and client advisory work
• Contribute to building strong long-term client relationships through high-quality service

The successful Practice Accountant will have:

• ACA / ACCA qualified or qualified by experience
• Previous UK accountancy practice experience
• Strong experience preparing statutory accounts
• Working knowledge of personal and corporate taxExperience reviewing work and supporting junior staff
• Comfortable working independently in a small team environment
• Strong communication and client relationship skills
• Organised, proactive and reliable approach
• Full right to work in the UK