About the Role
We are looking for a friendly, highly organised and motivated Accounts Assistant to join our busy accountancy practice in Chesham.
This is a varied role combining bookkeeping and accounts work with client communication and general office administration. The successful candidate will help ensure that client records are received on time, submissions and deadlines are carefully monitored, and work is coordinated efficiently across the practice.
A significant part of the role involves speaking with clients and answering the office telephone. Clear, understandable, confident and professional verbal communication skills are therefore essential. Applicants must be comfortable speaking to clients, taking accurate messages, answering straightforward queries and following up for outstanding records or information.
This is a fully office-based position within a close-knit team. We are looking for someone who is reliable, personable, proactive and able to manage several priorities in a fast-paced working environment.
Key Responsibilities
· Preparing and filing Making Tax Digital returns for self-employed clients.
· Bookkeeping for a variety of clients using Xero and other accounting software.
· Processing sales invoices, purchase invoices, receipts and bank transactions.
· Completing bank reconciliations and maintaining accurate financial records.
· Assisting with the preparation and submission of VAT returns.
· Supporting the preparation of management accounts, year-end accounts and tax returns.
· Monitoring client deadlines and helping to ensure that all work is completed and submitted on time.
· Contacting clients by telephone and email to request bookkeeping records, supporting documents and other required information.
· Keeping track of outstanding client records and following up promptly where information has not been received.
· Answering incoming telephone calls clearly and professionally, taking accurate messages and directing enquiries appropriately.
· Maintaining accurate and up-to-date client records.
· Coordinating tasks with colleagues to ensure that client work progresses efficiently.
· Handling incoming and outgoing post.
· Providing general administrative and office support as required.
Essential Requirements
· Previous experience in an Accounts Assistant, Bookkeeper or similar accounting role.
· Practical bookkeeping experience and a good understanding of bookkeeping principles.
· Experience using Xero or comparable accountancy software.
· Good IT skills, including experience using Microsoft Office applications such as Outlook, Word and Excel.
· Excellent spoken English, with a clear and professional telephone manner.
· Confidence communicating with clients by telephone and email.
· Strong written communication skills.
· Excellent attention to detail and accuracy.
· Strong organisational and time-management skills.
· Ability to monitor deadlines, follow up outstanding matters and manage multiple tasks.
· A friendly, professional and helpful approach.
· Ability to work collaboratively as part of a close-knit team.
· A positive attitude and willingness to learn.
Important Information
· This is a fully office-based role. Remote and hybrid working are not available.
· Applicants must have the unrestricted right to work in the United Kingdom.
· Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
· Applicants must be able to commute reliably to Chesham HP5 1PE or relocate before starting employment.
· There is no on-site parking, so applicants should consider their commuting arrangements before applying.
· A friendly office dog is regularly present in the workplace. Applicants must be comfortable working in an office where a dog is on-site.
The Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate will be approachable, dependable and confident speaking with clients. They will be comfortable using telephone systems, Microsoft Office and bookkeeping software, and will take pride in keeping records organised and ensuring that important deadlines are not missed.
They will understand that excellent client service involves not only completing accounts work accurately, but also communicating clearly, following up consistently and helping the wider team keep all client work on schedule.
Pay: From £26,000.00 per year
Work Location: In person
