Senior Accountant

Hawthorne-Finch Talent Solutions; Stoke-on-Trent; On-site; GBP 38,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

The Senior Accountant role at Hawthorne-Finch Talent Solutions, based in Stoke-on-Trent, offers broad, client-facing responsibilities across statutory accounts, tax, VAT, and management accounts for SMEs and owner-managed businesses.

You will work with senior colleagues, take ownership of assignments, and have the chance to progress towards Client Manager while developing through modern accounting systems and digital processes.

Qualifications

• Substantial recent experience within a UK Accountancy Practice.
• Strong statutory accounts preparation and finalisation experience.
• Practical Corporation Tax, Personal Tax and VAT knowledge.
• Experience working with SME and owner-managed business clients.
• Confidence communicating directly with clients.

Responsibilities

• 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 matters requiring Partner input.
• Support and develop junior colleagues.
• Contribute to efficient workflow and client service.
• Develop towards portfolio management and annual client-review meetings.

Skills

UK accountancy practice

Statutory accounts

Corporation Tax

VAT knowledge

Cloud accounting

Client communication

Supervision

Education

ACA/ACCA/AAT advantageous

Tools

Xero

QuickBooks

Sage

Job description

Senior Accountant

Location: Stoke-on-Trent
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 Stoke-on-Trent team.

This is a broad, client-facing position supporting SMEs and owner-managed businesses across statutory accounts, tax, VAT, management accounts and general business advice.

As part of a close-knit Practice, you will work directly with clients and senior colleagues, take ownership of assignments and contribute across multiple areas rather than being restricted to one specialism.

The position offers 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 tax, accounting and advisory matters requiring Partner input
• Support and develop junior colleagues
• Contribute to efficient workflow and client service
• Develop towards portfolio management and annual client-review meetings

About You

You should have:

• Substantial recent experience within a UK Accountancy Practice
• Strong statutory accounts preparation and finalisation experience
• Practical Corporation Tax, Personal Tax and VAT knowledge
• Experience working with SME and owner-managed business clients
• 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 Stoke-on-Trent office, with occasional work from a second office in the Congleton area where required.

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

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

Salary and Benefits

The opportunity offers:

• £38,000 to £45,000, depending on 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
• Increasing portfolio and client responsibility
• Support with continuing professional development
• Scope to progress towards Client Manager
• A close-knit and collaborative Practice environment
• Exposure to modern accounting systems and digital processes

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