Practice Accountant

Mellis Blue; Watford; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

Mellis Blue in Watford is seeking a dedicated Permanent Practice Manager to join their team. You will oversee a diverse portfolio of owner-managed businesses, SMEs, and private clients, ensuring compliant accounting and tax work.

You will lead bookkeeping, statutory accounts, and management reporting, while building strong client relationships and supporting cloud accounting adoption, notably with Xero. This is an office-based role in Watford.

Qualifications

• Experience in bookkeeping and accounts preparation for an accountancy practice.
• Strong knowledge of accounting principles and practices.
• Xero experience is essential; Xero certification desirable but not mandatory.
• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy.

Responsibilities

• Prepare statutory accounts for limited companies, partnerships and sole traders.
• Prepare corporation tax computations and returns; review VAT returns.
• Bookkeeping and management accounts; produce accurate financial reports.
• Build relationships with clients and gather accounting records; liaise for issues.
• Support cloud accounting adoption and process improvements; assist with forecasts and cash flow.

Skills

Bookkeeping

Attention to detail

Client relationships

Organisation

Communication

Independent working

Education

Accounting knowledge

Tools

Xero

Job description

Our client in Watford is seeking a dedicated Permanent Practice Manager to join their team

In this pivotal role, you will be managing a diverse portfolio comprising owner-managed businesses, SMEs, and private clients. Your primary responsibilities include preparing statutory accounts for limited companies, partnerships, and sole traders, as well as preparing corporation tax computations and returns. You will also be involved in reviewing VAT returns, bookkeeping, and management accounts, ensuring all financial reports are accurate and compliant.

Building and maintaining strong client relationships is essential, as you will act as the key point of contact for day-to-day queries, liaising directly with clients to obtain accounting records and resolve any outstanding issues. Furthermore, your expertise will support clients with cloud accounting software, particularly Xero, and process improvements. Additionally, the role may involve assisting with forecasts, cash flow reporting, and management information where needed.

• Proven experience in bookkeeping and accounts preparation within an accountancy practice.
• Strong knowledge of accounting principles and practices.
• Experience of working with Xero is essential; Xero certification is desirable but not mandatory.
• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy in work.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple deadlines and tasks.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team environment.
• Good communication skills, with the capacity to build and maintain client relationships.
• This is an office-based role in Watford; candidates should be within commuting distance.

This is an excellent opportunity offering stability and career progression for someone with suitable experience. The benefits include a competitive salary, a supportive team environment, and the chance to work in a well-established practice in Watford.