Practice Bookkeeper

Confidential; Ashford; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

Farrer Barnes Ltd is representing a well-established firm of Chartered Accountants based in Ashford, Kent, recruiting an experienced Bookkeeper to join the growing team.

You will deliver comprehensive bookkeeping and accounting services to a varied client portfolio, including VAT returns, CIS and payroll, while working with cloud-based platforms such as Xero, Sage and QuickBooks. The role offers a hands-on, client-facing environment with clear opportunities for progression.

Qualifications

• 2–5 years' relevant experience in an accountancy practice.
• Experience with bookkeeping, VAT, CIS and payroll.
• Experience using cloud-based accounting software (Xero, Sage or QuickBooks).

Responsibilities

• Maintain accurate bookkeeping records for a diverse client base.
• Prepare and submit VAT returns.
• Assist with CIS and payroll requirements.
• Support wider accounting and practice services as appropriate.
• Develop client relationships and deliver a high level of service.
• Work with Managers and Directors with increasing responsibility.

Skills

Bookkeeping

VAT returns

CIS

Payroll

Client service

Education

AAT qualification

Tools

Xero

Sage

QuickBooks

Job description

Farrer Barnes are delighted to be working with a well-established and highly regarded firm of Chartered Accountants based in Ashford, Kent, who are looking to recruit an experienced Bookkeeper to join their growing team.

The firm has experienced sustained and positive growth through a combination of client referrals and new business development. With clear plans for continued expansion, the Directors are committed to building a supportive, progressive and forward-thinking working environment where individuals can develop their careers.

The practice has fully embraced modern, cloud-based accounting technology and works extensively with platforms including Xero, Sage and QuickBooks. Experience using these, or similar accounting software, is therefore essential.

The Role

As a Bookkeeper, you will take responsibility for delivering a range of bookkeeping and accounting services to a varied portfolio of clients. Your responsibilities will include:

• Maintaining accurate and up-to-date bookkeeping records for a diverse range of clients.
• Preparing and submitting VAT returns.
• Assisting with CIS and payroll requirements.
• Supporting with wider accounting and practice services, depending on your experience and areas of expertise.
• Working with a varied client base across a broad range of industries and business sizes.
• Supporting clients including sole traders, limited companies and LLPs.
• Developing strong working relationships with clients and providing a high level of service.
• Working closely with Managers and Directors, with increasing levels of responsibility and client exposure available as your experience develops.
• This is a hands‑on role within a growing practice, offering the opportunity to take ownership of your work while continuing to broaden your technical knowledge and client‑facing experience.

About You

• You may be AAT qualified, or you may have built your career through practical experience and are now looking for an opportunity to develop further within a progressive accountancy practice.
• Most importantly, you will have gained solid practical experience within an accountancy practice environment, ideally covering a range of areas including:
  • Bookkeeping
  • VAT return preparation
  • CIS
  • Payroll
  • Cloud‑based accounting software such as Xero, Sage or QuickBooks

You should have at least 2-5 years' relevant experience, ideally more, gained within an accountancy practice of any size.

We are particularly interested in speaking with candidates who enjoy a varied, hands‑on role, are confident working across multiple clients and are keen to develop their responsibilities and client relationships over time.

Farrer Barnes Ltd does not discriminate on the grounds of age, race, gender, disability, creed or sexual orientation and complies with all relevant UK legislation. Farrer Barnes Ltd acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and employment business for the supply of temporary workers.