Senior Practice Accountant

R&A Talent Aquisition Partners Ltd; Guildford; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading accountancy firm is seeking a Senior Accountant in Guildford to prepare year-end accounts, manage client relationships, and support junior staff. The ideal candidate will have ACCA or ACA qualifications and extensive experience in accountancy practice. Responsibilities include preparing VAT returns and maintaining compliance. Exceptional communication and organisational skills are essential along with proficiency in accounting software like Xero and QuickBooks. Continuing professional development opportunities are provided.

Qualifications

• Extensive post‑qualification experience in preparing statutory accounts.
• Strong client communication and relationship management skills.
• Proficient in leading accounting software and Microsoft Office Suite.

Responsibilities

• Prepare year‑end accounts for clients including limited companies and sole traders.
• Serve as main point of contact for client portfolio with regular updates.
• Prepare and submit VAT returns ensuring compliance.

Skills

Client communication

Tax compliance

Accountancy software proficiency

Organisational skills

Attention to detail

Education

ACCA or ACA qualified

Tools

Xero

QuickBooks

Iris

Job description

Role Summary

Our clients are a well‑established and respected accountancy practice providing expert accounting, tax, and compliance services to a broad and varied client base. Our mission is to offer practical, personalised financial support that helps clients meet their goals while maintaining strong compliance and professionalism.

As they continue to grow, they are looking for an experienced Senior Accountant to join our team. This role involves preparing year‑end accounts, managing client communications, and supporting junior staff where needed. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in accountancy practice, be confident handling a client portfolio, and take pride in delivering accurate, timely work with a friendly and approachable manner.

Key Responsibilities, Tasks and Activities

Accounts Preparation & Financial Reporting

• Prepare year‑end accounts for a range of clients including limited companies, sole traders, and partnerships.
• Ensure all financial statements are accurate, compliant with current UK accounting standards, and submitted on time.
• Review and finalise working papers and supporting schedules.

Client Communication & Relationship Management

• Serve as the main point of contact for a portfolio of clients, providing regular updates and responding to queries in a timely and professional manner.
• Provide general business and financial advice to clients, helping them understand their accounts and identify areas for improvement.
• Build strong, long‑term relationships based on trust and high‑quality service.

VAT & Tax Returns

• Prepare and submit VAT returns, ensuring compliance with Making Tax Digital (MTD) and HMRC regulations.
• Assist with corporation tax and personal tax computations as needed.

Workflow & Practice Support

• Manage workload effectively to meet deadlines and communicate clearly with managers on progress and capacity.
• Support and review junior team members' work, providing training and guidance where required.
• Maintain accurate records within the practice management and accounting systems (e.g., Xero, TaxCalc).

Continuous Development & Compliance

• Stay up to date with changes in tax, accounting, and regulatory requirements.
• Ensure all work complies with the firm's internal procedures, GDPR and relevant legislation.
• Engage in CPD activities to maintain technical knowledge and skills.

Continued Professional Development

We are committed to providing continuing professional development for the successful candidate. We expect the successful candidate to undertake available training courses and research to enhance personal knowledge, skills, and experience.

Person Specification

Experience

• Extensive post‑qualification experience in preparing statutory accounts and managing client compliance requirements within an accountancy practice.
• Proven ability to manage a diverse client portfolio, providing high‑quality service and building strong, long‑term relationships.
• In‑depth understanding of accounting standards, tax compliance, and regulatory requirements, with a consistent track record of accurate and timely filings.
• Strong communication and organisational skills, with the ability to lead by example, support junior staff, and maintain a client‑focused approach under pressure.

Skills & Qualifications

• ACCA or ACA qualified, with strong technical expertise in accounting and compliance.
• Solid understanding of UK tax legislation, statutory accounts preparation, and filing obligations.
• Demonstrated ability to manage a varied portfolio of clients across sectors, ensuring timely delivery of services and maintaining compliance standards.
• Excellent client‑facing skills, with a track record of building trusted relationships and providing commercially focused advice.
• Proficient in leading accounting software (e.g., Iris, Xero, QuickBooks) and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Clear and professional communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Highly organised, with strong attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple deadlines effectively