Senior Bookkeeper

Spider Web Recruitment; Chelmsford; On-site; GBP 30,000; Full time

Job summary

A growing bookkeeping firm is seeking an experienced Senior Bookkeeper for a temporary, full-time office-based role. Responsibilities include managing a variety of bookkeeping functions, preparing VAT returns, and producing management accounts. Candidates must have AAT Level 3 and at least 3 years of practical experience. A positive attitude and strong communication skills are essential. This position offers a competitive salary and benefits, including 20 days holiday plus bank holidays.

Benefits

Competitive Salary: £30,000 per annum

Holiday: 20 days plus 8 days bank holidays

Free Parking

Qualifications

• Minimum of AAT Level 3 required.
• At least 3 years' practical bookkeeping experience.
• Clean driving licence and access to transport.

Responsibilities

• Manage bookkeeping functions for clients across Essex and London.
• Complete double-entry bookkeeping and manage ledgers.
• Prepare and submit VAT returns.
• Manage payroll and CIS duties for clients.
• Produce management accounts and financial reports.

Skills

Attention to detail

Professionalism

Client communication

Strong Excel skills

Ability to use accounting platforms

Education

AAT Level 3

Tools

Sage

Xero

QuickBooks Online

Dext

BrightPay

Job description

Senior Bookkeeper

Spider is advertising on behalf of a growing bookkeeping company for an experienced Senior Bookkeeper to join their team on a temporary, full-time basis. The role is office-based in Witham, with occasional travel to client premises across Essex and London.

The assignment is expected to start on 5 January 2026 and will run for up to 15 months to cover maternity leave, with the potential to become a permanent role.

Why them

This expanding bookkeeping practice provides comprehensive financial support to a wide range of clients. They pride themselves on professionalism, accuracy, and delivering excellent client service. With a friendly, supportive team environment, they value positivity, adaptability, and a "can do" approach.

Fantastic company benefits include

• Competitive Salary: £30,000 per annum
• Holiday: 20 days plus 8 days bank holidays
• Free Parking

About the role

As a Senior Bookkeeper, you will be responsible for managing a variety of bookkeeping functions for clients across Essex and London. This role requires professionalism, strong attention to detail, and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team. You will liaise directly with clients and provide high-quality bookkeeping support throughout the maternity cover period. Working hours for this role will be Monday to Friday, 8.30am - 5pm.

Main responsibilities and Duties

• Complete double-entry bookkeeping, manage sales and purchase ledgers, and maintain accurate financial records.
• Prepare and submit VAT returns, monitor bank accounts, and track cash flow.
• Manage payroll and CIS duties for clients.
• Produce management accounts and financial reports.
• Communicate professionally with clients and internal team members, and carry out general administrative tasks as required.
• Work confidently with multiple accounting platforms (Sage, QuickBooks Online, Xero, Dext, FreeAgent, Hubdoc, BrightPay) and Microsoft applications, including strong Excel skills.

About you

As a Senior Bookkeeper, you will be personable, professional, and able to work with accuracy and confidence. You must hold a minimum of AAT Level 3 and have at least 3 years' practical bookkeeping experience within an accountancy or bookkeeping environment. You will be presentable, flexible, and adaptable, with a positive attitude and the ability to exceed client expectations. A clean driving licence and access to transport is required due to occasional client site visits.

If you have the relevant skills and experience for this Senior Bookkeeper role and would like to be considered, please apply by forwarding an up-to-date CV as soon as possible. We look forward to hearing from you.

Please check your email inbox and spam/junk folder for any correspondence for this role. If you require any reasonable adjustments or information in an alternative format, please inform us as soon as possible so that appropriate arrangements can be made.

Additional keywords: Bookkeeper, Senior Bookkeeper, AAT, Payroll, CIS, VAT, Management Accounts, Sage, Xero, QuickBooks, Dext, BrightPay, Finance, Accounts, Bookkeeping Practice.

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