Senior Accountant

Hawthorne-Finch Talent Solutions; Congleton; On-site; GBP 38,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A well-established independent Accountancy Practice in the Congleton area is looking for an experienced Senior Accountant to join its team. This is a client-facing role supporting SMEs across statutory accounts, tax, VAT and management accounts.

You will manage client assignments, liaise directly with business owners and mentor junior colleagues, with potential progression toward Client Manager responsibilities.

Qualifications

• Substantial experience in UK accountancy practice.
• Strong statutory accounts preparation and finalisation.
• Knowledge of Corporation Tax, Personal Tax and VAT.
• Experience supporting SMEs and owner-managed businesses.
• Confident in client communication and managing assignments with limited supervision.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and finalise accounts for companies, sole traders and partnerships.
• Produce accounts from client records and reconciled working papers.
• Prepare Corporation Tax computations and returns.
• Prepare or assist with Personal Tax Returns.
• Produce VAT Returns and management accounts.
• Review accounting records and resolve discrepancies.
• Manage multiple client assignments and deadlines.
• Act as a regular contact for clients.
• Explain accounts, tax liabilities and year-end adjustments clearly.
• Support clients using Xero, QuickBooks, Sage or similar systems.
• Identify matters requiring Partner input and assist with junior colleagues' work.
• Contribute to efficient workflow and high client-service standards.

Skills

UK practice experience

Statutory accounts

Corporation Tax

VAT knowledge

SME client support

Client communication

Portfolio management

Education

ACA/ACCA/AAT

Tools

Xero

QuickBooks

Sage

Job description

Senior Accountant

Location: Congleton area, Cheshire
Salary: £38,000 to £45,000, depending on experience
Job type: Permanent, full-time
Sector: UK Accountancy Practice

The Opportunity

An established independent Accountancy Practice is seeking an experienced Senior Accountant to join its team in the Congleton area.

This is a varied, client-facing role supporting SMEs and owner-managed businesses across statutory accounts, tax, VAT and management accounts.

Working within a close-knit team, you will take ownership of client assignments, work directly with business owners and support the development of junior colleagues. The position offers broader exposure than a heavily departmentalised role and provides scope to progress towards Client Manager responsibility.

Key Responsibilities

You will:

• Prepare and finalise accounts for limited companies, sole traders and partnerships
• Produce accounts from client records and reconciled working papers
• Prepare Corporation Tax computations and returns
• Prepare or assist with Personal Tax Returns
• Produce VAT Returns and management accounts
• Review accounting records and resolve discrepancies
• Manage multiple client assignments and compliance deadlines
• Act as a regular point of contact for clients
• Explain accounts, tax liabilities and year-end adjustments clearly
• Support clients using Xero, QuickBooks, Sage or similar systems
• Identify accounting, tax and advisory matters requiring Partner input
• Review or support work completed by junior colleagues
• Contribute to efficient workflow and high client-service standards
• Develop towards portfolio management and annual client-review meetings

About You

You should have:

• Substantial and recent experience within a UK Accountancy Practice
• Strong statutory accounts preparation and finalisation experience
• Practical Corporation Tax, Personal Tax and VAT knowledge
• Experience supporting SMEs and owner-managed businesses
• Confidence communicating directly with clients
• The ability to manage assignments with limited supervision
• Strong organisation and deadline-management skills
• Experience using cloud-accounting or Practice software
• An accurate, proactive and client-focused approach
• An interest in progressing towards Client Manager responsibility

ACA, ACCA or AAT qualification would be advantageous. Strong qualified-by-experience candidates will also be considered.

Experience reviewing work, supervising junior colleagues or leading client meetings would be beneficial.

Location and Working Arrangements

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

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

Any potential flexibility after induction will be discussed during the recruitment process.

Salary and Benefits

The opportunity offers:

• £38,000 to £45,000, depending on Practice experience and technical capability
• Varied work across accounts, tax, VAT and management accounts
• Direct contact with SME and owner-managed business clients
• Close working relationships with senior colleagues and Partners
• Increasing portfolio and client responsibility
• Continuing professional development
• Scope to progress towards 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.