Semi-Senior – Accounts

Hollybank Trustees Ltd; Sidcup; Hybrid; GBP 32,000 - 46,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Auto-enrolment Pension Scheme

Professional membership support

PayCare for Dental/Optical/Therapies

Dress for your Diary Policy

Job summary

A respected accounting firm is seeking a Semi-Senior Accountant to assist with financial reporting, bookkeeping, and tax preparation. The role offers a structured training path towards an internationally recognized accounting qualification, while working in a hybrid model between the office and home. Candidates should possess good IT abilities and communication skills, and enjoy engaging with clients. This position also includes mentoring opportunities for junior staff, along with various employee benefits.

Qualifications

• Assist with financial reporting, tax preparation, bookkeeping, and VAT return preparation.
• Work towards a professionally recognized accounting qualification.
• A degree is not essential but may be advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Preparation of year-end statutory accounts.
• Preparation of corporation tax returns.
• Assist with preparation of VAT returns.
• Liaise with clients and respond to queries professionally.
• Train and mentor junior staff.
• Liaise with clients and respond to queries professionally.
• Keep up to date with changes in accounting regulations and financial laws.
• Prepare and process invoices, expenses and payments.
• Collaboratively work with other Service Lines within our group.
• Assist more junior members of the team in accounts and bookkeeping activities.
• Assist Directors/Managers with ad hoc projects.
• Train and mentor junior staff and provide technical guidance on simple accounting concepts.
• Take on additional responsibilities as identified in association with role expectations.

Skills

Strong IT/Microsoft Office abilities

Clear written and spoken communication skills

Enjoy working with people

Enjoy learning both formally and on the job

Education

Currently studying towards ACA, ACCA or AAT (Level 4 or higher)

Minimum of 5 GCSEs (Level 5 and above), including Maths and English Language

A-levels (or equivalent) in Maths and/or English

Tools

CCH

Sage

QuickBooks

Xero

Excel

Job description

Location: Hybrid / Sidcup, UK
Job type: Permanent / Full-time
Sector and subsector: Accounting & Finance | Accounts Payable
Salary: Competitive Salary

Summary of the role:

A Semi‑Senior Accountant will assist with financial reporting, tax preparation, bookkeeping, VAT return preparation and gain real‑world accounting experience. Working with Senior Accountants and the wider team, you’ll receive a structured training path to support your career progression at Affinia Ltd. We operate a hybrid working model, splitting time between the office, client sites, and study for professional exams with flexibility to work from home as needed.

We also provide ongoing training to develop soft skills, including positive first impressions, time‑management and communication. You will continue to work towards an internationally recognised accountancy qualification, gaining valuable on‑the‑job experience with a respected firm.

Key tasks and responsibilities:

As a Semi Senior Accountant, you will assist portfolio holders in delivering a broad range of accounting services while maintaining exceptional customer service.

• Preparation of year‑end statutory accounts for Sole Traders, partnerships, LLPs, Charities and Limited Companies.
• Preparation of corporation tax returns for review.
• Assist with preparation of VAT returns for review.
• Liaise with clients and respond to queries professionally.
• Keep up to date with changes in accounting regulations and financial laws.
• Prepare and process invoices, expenses and payments.
• Collaboratively work with other Service Lines within our group.
• Assist more junior members of the team in accounts and bookkeeping activities.
• Assist Directors/Managers with ad hoc projects.
• Train and mentor junior staff and provide technical guidance on simple accounting concepts.
• Take on additional responsibilities as identified in association with role expectations.

Professional skills/qualifications:

A degree is not essential but may be advantageous (e.g., Accounting, Finance, Business, Data Science). You will have the opportunity to study and obtain a professionally recognised qualification (ACA, ACCA or AAT Level 4 or higher).

• Currently studying towards a professional qualification such as ACA, ACCA or AAT (Level 4 or higher).
• A‑levels (or equivalent) in Maths and/or English are advantageous but not essential.
• A minimum of 5 GCSEs (Level 5 and above), including Maths and English Language.
• Strong IT/Microsoft Office abilities.
• Experience with CCH, Sage, QuickBooks or Xero is desirable but not essential (full training provided).
• Clear written and spoken communication skills.
• Enjoy working with people.
• Enjoy learning both formally and on the job.

Culture & Core Benefits:

At Affinia, our culture is driven by ambition and a commitment to positively impact all the communities we serve. We are dedicated to the success, development, and wellbeing of our colleagues, helping them achieve their goals and seize opportunities that arise with our growth. Alongside a flexible and inclusive work environment, we offer the following core benefits:

• Auto‑enrolment Pension Scheme.
• Professional membership support.
• PayCare – claim money back for Dental / Optical / Professional Therapies.
• Dress for your Diary Policy.

Affinia is a flexible business that embraces a hybrid working model where our colleagues enjoy a mix of home and office work. We welcome applications from people seeking flexible roles and are happy to explore preferred working patterns. Affinia is committed to being an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our policy is unequivocal: we do not tolerate discrimination based on age, disability, sex, race, religion or belief, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, or sexual orientation. We pride ourselves on being an inclusive organisation that actively promotes equality of opportunity for all, valuing the right mix of talent, skills and potential. We welcome applications from a diverse range of candidates, and selection for roles is based solely on individual merit.