Semi Senior Accountant

Hawthorne-Finch Talent Solutions; Congleton; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job summary

Hawthorne-Finch Talent Solutions is seeking a Semi-Senior Accountant for an established independent Accountancy Practice in Congleton. The role offers exposure across accounts, tax, VAT and client support with opportunities to progress.

You will handle statutory accounts, CT and personal tax returns for SMEs and owner-managed businesses, with flexible working in Congleton area and occasional travel to Stoke-on-Trent. The firm values accuracy and proactive service.

Qualifications

• Recent experience within a UK Accountancy Practice.
• Practical accounts preparation experience.
• Experience working with limited companies, sole traders or partnerships.
• Knowledge of Corporation Tax, VAT and general compliance requirements.
• Confidence communicating with clients.
• Good organisation and attention to detail.
• The ability to manage competing deadlines.
• Experience using cloud-accounting or Practice software.
• A positive and proactive approach.
• Interest in developing broader technical and client-management responsibility.
• AAT, ACCA or ACA study would be advantageous.
• Experience preparing Personal Tax Returns, management accounts or reviewing junior colleagues’ work would be beneficial but is not essential.

Responsibilities

• Prepare annual accounts for sole traders, partnerships and limited companies.
• Produce accounts from client records and reconciled working papers.
• Prepare Corporation Tax computations and returns.
• Assist with Personal Tax Returns.
• Prepare VAT Returns and supporting reconciliations.
• Produce management accounts where required.
• Complete bookkeeping and resolve accounting discrepancies.
• Liaise directly with clients to obtain information and answer queries.
• Support clients using Xero, QuickBooks, Sage or similar software.
• Manage multiple assignments and compliance deadlines.
• Maintain accurate client and Practice records.
• Identify technical matters requiring Manager or Partner input.
• Support junior colleagues where appropriate.
• Develop towards greater portfolio and client‑meeting responsibility.

Skills

Accounts preparation

Client communication

Attention to detail

Cloud accounting

Tax knowledge

Education

ACCA/ACA/AAT study

Tools

Xero

QuickBooks

Sage

Job description

Semi-Senior Accountant

Location: Congleton area, with occasional work from Stoke-on-Trent
Salary: £32,000 to £38,000, depending on experience
Job type: Permanent, full-time
Sector: UK Accountancy Practice

The Opportunity

An established independent Accountancy Practice is seeking a Semi-Senior Accountant to join its growing team.

This is a varied, hands‑on role within a close-knit firm supporting SMEs and owner‑managed businesses. You will gain exposure across accounts, Corporation Tax, Personal Tax, VAT and client support rather than being restricted to one narrow area.

The position would suit an experienced Practice Accountant who wants greater responsibility, direct client contact and a clear opportunity to develop towards Senior Accountant or Client Manager level.

Key Responsibilities

You will:

• Prepare annual accounts for sole traders, partnerships and limited companies
• Produce accounts from client records and reconciled working papers
• Prepare Corporation Tax computations and returns
• Assist with Personal Tax Returns
• Prepare VAT Returns and supporting reconciliations
• Produce management accounts where required
• Complete bookkeeping and resolve accounting discrepancies
• Liaise directly with clients to obtain information and answer queries
• Support clients using Xero, QuickBooks, Sage or similar software
• Manage multiple assignments and compliance deadlines
• Maintain accurate client and Practice records
• Identify technical matters requiring Manager or Partner input
• Support junior colleagues where appropriate
• Develop towards greater portfolio and client‑meeting responsibility

About You

You should have:

• Recent experience within a UK Accountancy Practice
• Practical accounts preparation experience
• Experience working with limited companies, sole traders or partnerships
• Knowledge of Corporation Tax, VAT and general compliance requirements
• Confidence communicating with clients
• Good organisation and attention to detail
• The ability to manage competing deadlines
• Experience using cloud‑accounting or Practice software
• A positive and proactive approach
• An interest in developing broader technical and client‑management responsibility

AAT, ACCA or ACA study would be advantageous, although applications are also welcomed from candidates who are qualified by experience.

Experience preparing Personal Tax Returns, management accounts or reviewing junior colleagues’ work would be beneficial but is not essential.

Location and Working Arrangements

The role will be primarily based at the firm’s office in the Congleton area, with occasional work from a satellite office in Stoke-on-Trent where required.

Some flexibility may be available once the successful candidate has completed induction and demonstrated the ability to manage work independently. The confirmed working arrangements will be discussed during the recruitment process.

Candidates should be able to commute reliably to Congleton and, where required, Stoke-on-Trent.

Salary and Benefits

The opportunity offers:

• £32,000 to £38,000, depending on Practice experience and technical capability
• Varied exposure across accounts, tax, VAT and client support
• Direct contact with SME and owner‑managed business clients
• Close working relationships with senior colleagues and Partners
• Increasing responsibility as experience develops
• Support with professional development
• Scope to progress towards Senior Accountant or Client Manager level
• A close‑knit and collaborative working environment
• Exposure to modern accounting software and digital processes

The complete benefits package will be confirmed during the recruitment process.