We are seeking an enthusiastic and motivated Accounts & Audit Semi Senior to join our growing practice in Penzance. The successful candidate will support managers and partners in delivering high-quality accounting, audit, taxation and business advisory services to a varied portfolio of clients, including sole traders, partnerships, limited companies and not-for-profit organisations.
This is an excellent opportunity for an individual who is studying towards, or has recently completed, a professional qualification (ACA, ACCA or AAT) and wishes to develop their technical expertise and client-facing skills within a supportive and progressive environment.
Key Responsibilities
Accounts Preparation
-
Prepare statutory accounts for sole traders, partnerships and limited companies from a variety of accounting records and software packages.
-
Assist in the preparation of year-end accounts in accordance with relevant accounting standards and regulatory requirements.
-
Prepare management accounts and financial information for clients to support business decision-making.
-
Analyse accounting records and identify discrepancies, issues and opportunities for improvement.
Audit and Assurance
-
Assist in the planning, fieldwork and completion stages of audit assignments.
-
Perform substantive and compliance testing in accordance with audit programmes and firm procedures.
-
Prepare audit working papers and supporting documentation to a high professional standard.
-
Liaise with clients to obtain information and resolve audit queries efficiently.
-
Support audit managers and partners in delivering high-quality assurance services.
VAT and Bookkeeping
-
Prepare and review VAT returns using MTD-compatible software including Sage, Xero and QuickBooks.
-
Support clients with bookkeeping and VAT compliance requirements.
-
Provide software support and training to clients where required.
-
Review client accounting records and identify compliance issues relating to VAT and other regulatory obligations.
Taxation
-
Prepare self-assessment tax returns for individuals and sole traders.
-
Assist with the preparation of personal, partnership and corporation tax computations.
-
Liaise with HMRC as required and support colleagues in responding to client tax queries.
-
Assist clients with the ongoing implementation and compliance requirements of Making Tax Digital initiatives, including Making Tax Digital for Income Tax.
Company Secretarial and Compliance
-
Prepare and submit confirmation statements and other Companies House filings.
-
Assist with routine company secretarial matters and statutory compliance obligations.
-
Maintain accurate client records and ensure compliance with internal procedures.
Client Service
-
Develop and maintain strong professional relationships with clients.
-
Communicate effectively with clients via email, telephone, video conferences and face-to-face meetings.
-
Visit client premises where required to provide support and gather information.
-
Deliver work within agreed deadlines while maintaining high standards of accuracy and professionalism.
General Responsibilities
-
Support colleagues with ad hoc assignments, investigations, business analysis and other practice-related projects.
-
Keep up to date with changes in accounting, auditing, taxation and regulatory requirements.
-
Adhere at all times to professional standards, ethical requirements and confidentiality obligations.
-
Contribute positively to the development of the practice and the wider team.
Essential Skills and Experience
-
Experience working within an accountancy practice environment.
-
Good working knowledge of accounts preparation and bookkeeping.
-
Experience using cloud accounting software, including Xero, Sage and QuickBooks.
-
Understanding of VAT compliance and Making Tax Digital requirements.
-
Knowledge of audit procedures and assurance engagements.
-
Strong IT skills, including Microsoft Excel and Office applications.
-
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
-
Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple assignments and deadlines.
-
Professional and client-focused approach.
Desirable Skills and Experience
-
AAT qualified or studying towards ACA or ACCA qualification.
-
Previous involvement in audit assignments.
-
Experience preparing corporation tax computations and personal tax returns.
-
Knowledge of UK accounting standards and Companies House requirements.
-
Full UK driving licence.
Personal Attributes
-
High level of integrity and professionalism.
-
Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality.
-
Proactive and willing to take ownership of responsibilities.
-
Positive team player with a collaborative approach.
-
Eagerness to learn and develop technical knowledge and professional skills.
-
Ability to build credibility and establish trusted client relationships.
