Senior Bookkeeper

MTP Advisory; Chester; Hybrid; GBP 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

MTP Advisory is a modern, growing accountancy practice serving UK-based limited companies, self-employed individuals and entrepreneurs. We’re seeking an experienced Senior Bookkeeper to join and help shape our growth, with a role focused on bookkeeping, VAT compliance, cloud accounting and client relationship management.

The role is client-facing and hands-on, requiring you to manage a portfolio of clients, work closely with the director, and contribute ideas to improve systems and processes.

Qualifications

• At least 3 years’ bookkeeping experience within a UK accountancy practice.
• Experience of preparing VAT returns independently.
• Knowledge of Xero, including reconciliations and period-end adjustments.
• Able to manage your own portfolio of clients from records to completed books.
• Confident communicating with clients by phone and email.

Responsibilities

• Managing day-to-day bookkeeping for a portfolio of clients.
• Processing and coding sales and purchase transactions.
• Performing bank reconciliations and resolving discrepancies.
• Preparing VAT workings and VAT returns.
• Maintaining ledgers and client records accuracy.
• Supporting onboarding and cloud software setup.

Skills

Bookkeeping

VAT returns

Client management

Time management

UK accounting

Education

AAT Level 4

Tools

Xero

Dext

Sage

FreeAgent

QuickBooks

Job description

MTP Advisory is a modern, growing accountancy practice supporting limited companies, self-employed individuals and entrepreneurs across the UK.

As our client base continues to grow, we’re looking for an experienced Senior Bookkeeper to join the business and become a key part of our next stage of growth.

This is a varied, client-facing role focused on bookkeeping, VAT compliance, cloud accounting and client relationship management. You’ll work closely with the director, supporting a portfolio of clients whilst helping to shape the systems, processes and future direction of the practice.

We do things a little differently from a traditional accountancy firm. We believe in flexibility, trust, and giving people space to run their own client portfolio in the way that works best. To begin with, the role will involve up to three days a week in our Chester office, with the rest of the week from home. This gives you time to get to know our systems and procedures.

We’d love to hear from someone who takes pride in owning their work, enjoys building lasting client relationships and is keen to contribute ideas as the business grows.

As one of the first key hires within MTP Advisory, you’ll have the opportunity to make a genuine impact, influence decision making and grow alongside the business.

What you will be doing

You’ll be responsible for supporting a portfolio of clients and ensuring their bookkeeping and VAT obligations are managed accurately and efficiently.

This is a hands‑on role with plenty of client interaction and responsibility from day one.

You’ll work closely with the director, helping to deliver an excellent client experience whilst identifying ways to improve efficiency, systems and processes as the practice continues to grow.

The Responsibilities

• Managing the day-to-day bookkeeping for a portfolio of clients
• Processing and coding sales and purchase transactions
• Completing regular bank reconciliations and resolving discrepancies
• Preparing VAT workings and VAT returnsApplying the correct VAT treatment to transactions
• Maintaining accurate ledgers and ensuring client records remain up to date
• Reviewing financial information and identifying unusual transactions or trends

Client Management

• Acting as a key point of contact for clients on bookkeeping and VAT matters
• Dealing with client queries by phone, email and other communication channels
• Building strong relationships with clients and providing an excellent level of service
• Proactively chasing information required to meet client deadlines

Practice Support

• Supporting client onboarding and software setup
• Monitoring recurring monthly deadlines and workflows
• Working with cloud accounting software including Xero and Dext
• Identifying opportunities to improve client processes and internal workflows
• Supporting the continued growth and development of the practice

The Person we are looking for

• At least 3 years’ bookkeeping experience within a UK accountancy practice
• Experience of preparing VAT returns independently, with a sound understanding of VAT principles and treatments
• Knowledge of Xero, including reconciliations, journals and period‑end adjustments
• Able to manage your own portfolio of clients from records through to completed bookkeeping
• Confident dealing directly with clients, including requesting records and explaining queries clearly
• Strong organisation and time management, with the ability to prioritise multiple deadlines
• A high level of accuracy and attention to detail
• Self‑motivated, proactive and solutions‑focused
• AAT Level 4 qualified, or qualified by experience
• Experience using Dext or similar receipt‑capture software
• Experience onboarding new clients and taking over accounting records
• Experience supporting sole traders, contractors, e‑commerce businesses and SMEs
• Familiarity with Making Tax Digital for Income Tax (quarterly updates)
• Knowledge of other cloud software such as QuickBooks, FreeAgent or Sage

What we value

More important than qualifications, we're looking for somebody who

Takes ownership of their work

Enjoys working directly with clients

Wants genuine flexibility and autonomy

Is comfortable suggesting new ideas and improvements

Wants to play a meaningful role in a growing business

Is excited by the opportunity to help shape the future of the practice

S pecialist accountants for sole traders and start‑up businesss