Accounts Assistant (Bookkeeping & CIS focussed)
Location: Bath, Somerset
Job Type: Full-Time, Permanent
Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience and qualifications
Join OCL Accountancy
OCL Accountancy is a well-established and friendly accountancy practice located just south of Bath city centre. Since 1988, we have supported owner-managed businesses and personal tax clients across the South of England and London, providing accounting, taxation, and business advisory services.
We pride ourselves on delivering a personal, proactive service and building long-term relationships with our clients. As our client base continues to grow, we are looking for an experienced Accounts Assistant with strong bookkeeping expertise to join our close-knit team.
This is an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys working directly with clients, takes pride in maintaining accurate records, and is looking to develop their career within a supportive accountancy practice.
The Role
We are seeking a proactive and detail-oriented Accounts Assistant with significant bookkeeping experience and a strong understanding of VAT and CIS compliance.
This is a client-facing role where you will become a trusted point of contact for a portfolio of clients, helping them manage their bookkeeping obligations while ensuring accuracy and compliance.
The successful candidate will be expected to join us as soon as reasonably possible, subject to notice periods and availability.
Key Responsibilities
Bookkeeping, VAT and CIS
- Prepare and submit VAT returns using Making Tax Digital compliant software, primarily Xero and QuickBooks
- Reconcile bank transactions, supplier invoices and customer records
- Independently review VAT returns and VAT audit reports to identify errors and opportunities for correction.
- Reconcile VAT control accounts and investigate discrepancies
- Prepare and file monthly CIS300 returns
- Record and monitor CIS suffered through EPS submissions where applicable
- Analyse CIS filings and reconcile information back to bookkeeping records
- Serve as the primary point of contact for bookkeeping, VAT and CIS-related client queries
- Support and mentor junior team members in bookkeeping, VAT and CIS processes
Future Development Opportunities
Once core bookkeeping responsibilities are handled, the role offers exposure to:
- Preparation of statutory accounts and supporting working papers
- Payroll processing
- Assisting in preparation of personal tax returns.
- IRIS Accounts Production and Business Tax software
About You
To be successful in this role, you will ideally have:
- A minimum of AAT Level 3 qualification (or equivalent)
- At least 2 years' experience within an accountancy practice
- Significant hands-on bookkeeping experience
- Strong knowledge of VAT and Making Tax Digital requirements
- Experience preparing and submitting CIS300 returns
- Confidence reviewing bookkeeping records and identifying errors
- Experience using cloud accounting software such as Xero, QuickBooks and Sage
- Excellent organisational and communication skills
- The ability to manage client relationships independently and professionally
- A positive, team-oriented attitude with a willingness to support colleagues
Working Pattern
- Full-time permanent position
- Office-based role in Bath
- Applicants should expect to work from the office on a full-time basis during at least their first 24 months of employment
What We Offer
- Competitive salary based on experience and qualifications
- Annual performance bonus
- Ongoing professional development and career progression opportunities
- Exposure to a wide variety of clients and business sectors
- Company-funded social events, including race days, theatre trips and team meals
- Perkbox membership with discounts at major retailers
- Free on-street parking close to the office
- Supportive and collaborative working environment
Apply Now
If you're an experienced bookkeeping professional looking for your next challenge within a respected and growing accountancy practice, we'd love to hear from you.
Job Type: Full-time
Experience:
- practice bookkeeping and VAT: 2 years (required)
Work authorisation:
- United Kingdom (required)
