Senior Bookkeeper

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

Job summary

A growing bookkeeping company in Chelmsford is looking for an experienced Senior Bookkeeper to manage diverse bookkeeping functions. This temporary full-time role, covering maternity leave, is office-based with some travel required. Applicants should have at least AAT Level 3 and 3 years of relevant experience. Benefits include a competitive salary of £30,000 per annum, holidays, and free parking.

Benefits

Competitive Salary

20 days holiday plus bank holidays

Free Parking

Qualifications

• Minimum of AAT Level 3 required.
• At least 3 years practical bookkeeping experience.
• Clean driving license and access to transport for client visits.

Responsibilities

• Complete double-entry bookkeeping and manage sales and purchase ledgers.
• Prepare and submit VAT returns and monitor bank accounts.
• Manage payroll and CIS duties for clients.
• Produce management accounts and financial reports.
• Communicate professionally with clients and perform administrative tasks.

Skills

Double-entry bookkeeping

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Client liaising

Excel proficiency

Education

AAT Level 3

Tools

Sage

QuickBooks Online

Xero

Dext

FreeAgent

Hubdoc

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.