Senior Bookkeeper

Michael Page; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 27,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A growing accountancy practice in Birmingham is seeking a Bookkeeper to manage end-to-end bookkeeping for a diverse client portfolio. You will liaise directly with clients, ensuring accurate and timely record-keeping and compliance with VAT regulations. The ideal candidate must have strong skills in double-entry bookkeeping and experience with accounting software such as Sage and QuickBooks. The position offers a salary between £27,000 and £40,000, along with opportunities for career progression and professional development.

Benefits

Clear progression pathway

Structured training and professional development

Supportive working environment

Exposure to modern accounting technology

Qualifications

• Strong understanding of double-entry bookkeeping (debits and credits).
• Hands-on experience using accounting software like Sage 50, Xero, or QuickBooks.
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel, Outlook, and Word.

Responsibilities

• Manage full end-to-end bookkeeping for various clients.
• Prepare and submit VAT returns under different schemes.
• Liaise directly with clients to resolve queries.

Skills

Double-entry bookkeeping

Sage 50

Sage Business Cloud

Xero

QuickBooks

Data capture software (Dext)

Microsoft Excel

Document management software

Job description

Record keeping in various formats and systems for a variety of client businesses ranging from small to large, being able to Liaising directly with clients.

Client Details

The firm works with a diverse portfolio of owner-managed businesses across a range of sectors, including small companies, growing SMEs, and entrepreneurial clients. Clients value clear communication, reliable delivery, and practical support, often relying on the firm as an extension of their finance function. You will work closely with business owners, finance contacts, and external stakeholders, helping clients maintain accurate financial records, meet compliance deadlines, and improve their internal systems. The client base provides variety and challenge, offering exposure to different accounting systems, VAT schemes, and business models in a collaborative and supportive environment.

Description

Key Responsibilities

• Full end-to-end bookkeeping for a portfolio of client businesses
• Posting and raising sales invoices and credit notes where required
• Processing sales receipts and purchase payments via bank feeds and manual entries
• Reviewing, analysing, and posting purchase invoices using Dext and manual methods
• Performing regular bank, petty cash, and credit card reconciliations
• Identifying and correcting "wrong way" and aged balances on sales and purchase ledgers
• Posting journals including wages, loan interest, and accruals
• Reconciling supplier statements and producing customer statements for credit control
• Preparing trial balances and reconciling nominal ledgers
• Preparing and submitting VAT returns under various VAT schemes
• Applying CIS rules for contractors and subcontractors, including relevant postings
• Liaising directly with clients to obtain information and resolve bookkeeping queries
• Communicating with third parties such as HMRC, suppliers, and customers when required

Essential Skills & Experience

• Strong understanding of double-entry bookkeeping (debits and credits)
• Hands-on experience using Sage 50, Sage Business Cloud, Xero, and/or QuickBooks
• Confident use of bank feeds, including setup and troubleshooting
• Experience using data capture software such as Dext
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel, Outlook, and Word
• Comfortable working with scanning and document management software
• Able to work independently, manage deadlines, and take ownership of client records

Profile

• Strong background in an accountancy practice, taking ownership of bookkeeping and VAT for a portfolio of clients
• Strong hands-on knowledge of double-entry bookkeeping, with confidence in debits and credits
• Practical experience using Sage 50, Sage Business Cloud, Xero, QuickBooks, and similar software
• Comfortable preparing VAT returns under various schemes and handling CIS requirements
• Confident being the first point of contact for clients, able to explain figures clearly and resolve issues proactively
• Highly organised, commercially aware, and comfortable working autonomously while supporting and guiding junior staff

Job Offer

• Opportunity to join a growing and ambitious accountancy practice with a strong client base
• Salary range of £27,000 - £40,000, depending on experience
• Clear progression pathway into management of the bookkeeping team
• Structured training and professional development tailored to your long-term career goals
• Exposure to modern, cloud-based technology with up-to-date accounting softwareSupportive, collaborative working environment that values autonomy and development