Practice Accountant
Location: Bedford, Bedfordshire
Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience and qualifications
Join an Award-Winning Accountancy Practice
TaxAssist Accountants is one of the region's leading independent accountancy practices, supporting over 600 businesses and individuals across Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire. With offices in Bedford, St Neots, Huntingdon, and Olney, we are passionate about helping small businesses succeed through proactive advice, excellent client service and the intelligent use of modern technology.
Following continued growth alongside the acquisiton of another local practice, we are seeking an ambitious Practice Accountant to join our team in Bedford. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced practice professional looking to develop their career within a progressive, technology-driven firm that genuinely invests in its people.
Our team has received national recognition for service excellence, and we pride ourselves on building long-term relationships with our clients whilst helping them embrace technology to improve efficiency and profitability.
The Role
Working closely with our Senior Practice Accountant and Senior Leadership Team, you will play a key role in supporting clients across a broad range of accounting and tax services. This is a varied and rewarding position suited to someone who enjoys working directly with clients, solving problems, embracing technology and contributing to the continued success of a growing practice, whilst still ecouragning and supporting learning for junior team members.
Key ResponsibilitiesClient Portfolio Management
- Manage a portfolio of small business and personal tax clients.
- Build strong client relationships and act as a trusted point of contact.
- Deliver exceptional service whilst identifying opportunities to add value.
Workflow Management & Client Onboarding
- Assist with workload planning and job allocation across the team.
- Support the onboarding of new clients, ensuring a smooth and professional transition into the practice.
- Work closely with our Transactional Finance Team to ensure successful handover and ongoing service delivery.
Accounts Preparation
- Prepare year-end accounts for sole traders, partnerships and limited companies.
- Review extended trial balances.
- Ensure all work is completed accurately and in accordance with current accounting standards and legislation.
Management Accounts
- Prepare high-quality management accounts and business performance reports.
- Support clients in understanding their financial performance and making informed business decisions.
Bookkeeping & VAT
- Support the Tranactional Finance team when required.
- Prepare and review VAT returns.
- Assist clients with cloud accounting systems and digital record-keeping.
Payroll & Practice Support
- Develop an understanding of payroll processes and client requirements.
- Provide support across the wider practice as required.
- Contribute to the continuous improvement of internal systems and processes.
About YouEssential Requirements
- Previous experience working within a UK accountancy practice.
- Strong knowledge of accounts preparation, bookkeeping and VAT.
- Experience using cloud accounting software, particularly Xero and QuickBooks.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage competing deadlines.
- A proactive, professional and client-focused approach.
Qualifications
- AAT qualified, ACCA/ACA/AFA qualified, or currently studying towards a recognised professional accounting qualification.
- Part-qualified candidates with the right level of practice experience will also be considered.
Desirable Skills
- Experience using Sage and FreeAgent.
- Experience preparing management accounts.
- An interest in technology and process improvement.
- A willingness to learn and develop professionally.
Personal Attributes
We are looking for someone who:
- Takes pride in delivering exceptional client service.
- Enjoys working as part of a collaborative team.
- Has a positive, can-do attitude.
- Is adaptable and comfortable embracing new technology.
- Can work independently whilst taking ownership of their workload.
- Enjoys building long-term relationships with clients and colleagues.
What We Offer: Career Progression
We are committed to helping our people succeed and offer genuine opportunities for career advancement within a growing and ambitious practice.
Training & Study Support
Support towards relevant professional qualifications for the right candidate.
Competitive Salary & Rewards
- Competitive salary based on experience and qualifications.
- Annual performance bonus scheme.
- Additional rewards linked to client service excellence and 5-star Google reviews.
- Clear opportunities to increase earnings and responsibility as your career develops.
Supportive Working Environment
- Friendly and collaborative team culture.
- Modern cloud-based systems and technology.
- Exposure to a diverse range of clients and industries.
- A business that values new ideas and continuous improvement.
Location
The role will be primarily based from our Bedford office, with occasional travel to our other offices across Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire as required.
Applying
Please note: Applicants must have previous experience working within a UK accountancy practice. Unfortunately,applications without UK practice experience will not be considered.
If you are looking to join a forward-thinking, award-winning practice where your contribution will be valued and your career can genuinely progress, we would be delighted to hear from you.
Job Types: Full-time, Part-time
Pay: £32,000.00-£35,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Company events
- Company pension
- Sick pay
Experience:
- accounting in practice: 3 years (required)
Language:
Licence/Certification:
- accounting qualification, we will consider QBE (required)
Work authorisation:
- United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person
