Semi Senior Accountant

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

Job summary

Hawthorne-Finch Talent Solutions Ltd is seeking a Semi-Senior Accountant to join its Stoke-on-Trent team. The role covers accounts, tax, VAT and client requirements, with direct client contact and progression towards Senior Accountant or Client Manager.

You will support SMEs and owner-managed businesses, work with senior colleagues, and gain broader exposure within a closely-knit practice. Hybrid/flexible working may be discussed.

Qualifications

• Recent UK accountancy practice experience.
• Practical accounts preparation experience.
• Experience with limited companies, sole traders or partnerships.
• Knowledge of Corporation Tax, VAT and compliance.
• Confident communicating directly with clients.

Responsibilities

• Prepare annual accounts for limited companies, sole traders and partnerships.
• Prepare Corporation Tax computations and returns.
• Assist with Personal Tax Returns.
• Prepare VAT Returns and reconciliations.
• Produce management accounts where required.
• Liaise with clients to obtain information and answer queries.
• Support junior colleagues where appropriate.

Skills

UK accountancy practice

Accounts preparation

Limited companies/SMEs

Tax & VAT compliance

Client communication

Organisation & detail

Deadline management

Cloud accounting software

Proactive collaborator

Tech & client management

Education

AAT/ACCA/ACA study

Qualified by experience

Tools

Xero

QuickBooks

Sage

Job description

Job Description

Semi-Senior Accountant

Location: 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 Stoke-on-Trent team.

This is a varied role supporting SMEs and owner-managed businesses across accounts, tax, VAT and wider client requirements.

You will work closely with senior colleagues, take increasing responsibility for client assignments and gain broader exposure than may be available within a larger or more departmentalised firm.

The position offers direct client contact and scope to progress towards Senior Accountant or Client Manager level.

Key Responsibilities

You will:

• Prepare annual accounts for limited companies, sole traders and partnerships
• 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 systems
• 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 directly with clients
• Good organisation and attention to detail
• The ability to manage competing deadlines
• Experience using cloud-accounting or Practice software
• A proactive and collaborative approach
• An interest in developing broader technical and client-management responsibility

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

Experience preparing Personal Tax Returns or management accounts would be beneficial but is not essential.

Location and Working Arrangements

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

Some hybrid flexibility may be considered once the successful candidate has completed their induction and demonstrated the ability to work independently. The final working arrangements will be discussed during the recruitment process.

Applicants should be able to commute reliably to Stoke-on-Trent and occasionally to Congleton.

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 continuing professional development
• Scope to progress towards Senior Accountant or Client Manager
• A close-knit and collaborative working environment
• Exposure to modern accounting systems and digital processes

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

All applications will be handled confidentially. No CV or identifying information will be shared with the hiring Practice without informed written consent for this specific opportunity.