Senior Practice Accountant

Axon Moore; Preston; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Axon Moore is supporting a well-established Preston‑area practice in appointing a Senior Accountant/Associate Director. The role involves reviewing accounts and tax work, direct client contact, and guiding colleagues within a growing franchise division.

You will work closely with the founder, taking on senior responsibilities as the business plans for growth and succession. The ideal candidate will bring significant practice experience, be able to manage complex client queries, and contribute to

Qualifications

• Experience building client relationships and providing practical accountancy guidance.
• Strong analytical and problem solving skills with commercial awareness.
• Ability to work independently with initiative and professional scepticism.

Responsibilities

• Review statutory accounts and tax work to ensure accuracy.
• Prepare accounts and tax returns where required.
• Discuss client queries clearly and provide practical solutions.
• Engage directly with owner‑managed businesses and explain financials.
• Support franchise division development and uphold quality standards.

Skills

Client relationship management

Analytical thinking

Commercially minded

Education

AAT/ ACA or ACCA qualification

Job description

Axon Moore are delighted to be supporting a well-established, growing and independent accountancy practice near Preston with the appointment of a Senior Accountant/ Associate Director.

The practice works closely with small owner-managed businesses, providing practical accountancy and tax support alongside clear, approachable advice. Alongside its established client base, the business is also developing a rapidly growing specialist franchise division, supporting franchise businesses across the UK.

This is a particularly exciting role, offering the opportunity to work closely with the Founder and Partner, who is looking ahead to retirement and is seeking a successor to take the business forward.

The Role

This is a newly created senior position, ideally suited to an experienced practice accountant who is confident reviewing accounts and tax work, dealing directly with clients and using their own judgement, whilst providing a responsive and high quality service.

Working closely with the Practice Owner, you will become a trusted senior member of the team. You will have significant client exposure and responsibility, helping clients understand their accounts and tax position, dealing with technical and practical queries, and providing guidance and support to colleagues.

Key Responsibilities

• Reviewing statutory accounts and tax work
• Preparing accounts and tax work where required
• Reviewing sole trader, partnership and limited company accounts
• Dealing directly with client queries in a clear and practical manner
• Meeting with clients and helping them understand their financial information
• Identifying issues, opportunities and areas requiring further attention
• Supporting colleagues with technical queries and more complex client matters
• Helping to maintain consistent standards across the practice
• Supporting the continued development and delivery of the growing franchise division
• Contributing ideas to improve systems, processes and the overall client experience
• Working closely with the Practice Owner as the business continues to develop and grow

About You

We are looking for an experienced accountant who can work confidently and independently, with strong practice experience and a genuine ability to build excellent client relationships.

You will be analytical, commercially minded and comfortable tackling complex issues, while maintaining a friendly, approachable and down-to-earth style.

The ideal candidate will have experience working with owner-managed businesses and a good understanding of accounts and tax. Experience within a retail, manufacturing or similarly relevant environment would also be beneficial.

You should be someone who enjoys taking responsibility, finding practical solutions and making a real contribution to a growing business.

Qualifications:

AAT/ ACA or ACCA qualified or qualified by experience, with relevant accounting and practice knowledge.

What's on Offer?

This is an excellent opportunity to join a successful and growing independent practice where you will have genuine responsibility, direct client exposure and the opportunity to make a real impact.

The business is also very flexible around working arrangements and can accommodate both full-time and part-time hours, making this an attractive opportunity for the right candidate.