At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead onboarding sessions and help clients navigate our Accounting-as-a-Service product.
- Company: Join 1st Formations, a leading UK provider empowering entrepreneurs.
- Benefits: Earn up to £40k with a hybrid working model and comprehensive benefits.
- Other info: Enjoy opportunities for progression and a culture that values ownership and learning.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by supporting startup founders and small business owners.
- Qualifications: Experience in client onboarding and understanding of UK compliance requirements.
The predicted salary is between 32000 - 40000 £ per year.
We are looking for an Onboarding Executive to set new clients up for success from the moment they join our Accounting-as-a-Service product. This person will take ownership of the onboarding process, helping startup founders and small business owners understand their responsibilities, configure essential tools like Xero, and transition smoothly into our long‑term service model.
About 1st Formations: At 1st Formations, we empower entrepreneurs to start, run, and grow their businesses with confidence. Running a business shouldn’t be slowed down by company formation, statutory compliance, accounting, or payroll. From day one, these essentials should be seamless, reliable, and intelligently handled – freeing founders to focus on building and scaling. We’re a leading UK provider of company formation and compliance services, building a modern, fully integrated technology platform that supports founders at every stage of their journey.
The Role: We’re looking for a detail‑driven and client‑focused Onboarding Executive to set new clients up for success from the moment they join our Accounting‑as‑a‑Service product. You’ll take ownership of the onboarding process, helping startup founders and small business owners understand their responsibilities, configure essential tools like Xero, and transition smoothly into our long‑term service model.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead structured onboarding sessions with new clients, explaining services, systems, and statutory obligations.
- Configure and set up core systems such as Xero in alignment with accountancy best practices.
- Guide clients through initial compliance requirements (e.g. UTRs, VAT/PAYE registration) and filing deadlines.
- Clearly explain key responsibilities, communication processes, and what to expect from our team.
- Identify additional services the client may need (e.g. payroll, VAT) and support internal upsell conversations where appropriate.
- Ensure all client details are accurately captured in internal systems.
- Document and hand over all relevant information to the Customer Service and Retention teams.
- Spot risks early (e.g. clients falling behind on setup) and raise flags to relevant stakeholders.
- Contribute to refining onboarding processes and improving the client experience from day one.
What We’re Looking For:
- Experience onboarding clients in a professional services, SaaS, or accountancy environment (UK accounting industry experience is a plus).
- Understanding of UK compliance requirements (e.g. Corporation Tax, Self‑Assessment, VAT thresholds, AML, payroll obligations).
- Familiarity with Xero or other cloud‑based accounting tools like QuickBooks, Dext, or Sage.
- Excellent communication skills: able to explain complex processes in a simple, supportive way.
- Proven ability to run structured client calls and keep sessions focused and productive.
- Confident working with small business owners and startup clients who are new to accounting concepts.
- Strong documentation habits: able to prepare clean, accurate handovers for internal teams.
- Comfortable managing multiple concurrent onboarding processes.
What We Offer:
- Up to £40k and comprehensive benefits package.
- Hybrid working model (3 days in office; 2 days from home).
- Real opportunities for progression as the business scales.
- The chance to influence both customer experience and product development.
- A culture that values ownership, impact, and continuous learning.
Equal Opportunities: 1st Formations is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. We consider all applicants for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, criminal history, disability, or gender identity. We encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please let us know.
Onboarding Executive employer: 1st Formations
1st Formations is an exceptional employer located in Greater London, offering a dynamic work culture that prioritises innovation and collaboration. With a competitive salary range of £90-110k and a hybrid working model, employees benefit from a strong focus on personal and professional growth, alongside opportunities to make a significant impact in the ecommerce sector. Join a team that values continuous learning and encourages creative marketing strategies to drive success.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Onboarding Executive
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company inside out! Research 1st Formations and understand their services, values, and culture. This will help you tailor your conversations and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of the team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your onboarding pitch! Since you'll be explaining complex processes to clients, make sure you can communicate clearly and confidently. Role-play with a friend or family member to get comfortable with the material.
✨Tip Number 3
Network like a pro! Connect with current employees on LinkedIn or attend industry events. Building relationships can give you insights into the company and might even lead to a referral, which is always a bonus!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at 1st Formations.
We think you need these skills to ace Onboarding Executive
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Onboarding Executive role. Highlight your experience with onboarding clients and any familiarity you have with tools like Xero. We want to see how your skills align with what we do!
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since this role involves explaining complex processes, it’s crucial to demonstrate your communication prowess. Use clear and concise language in your application to show us you can break down complicated concepts into simple terms.
Highlight Relevant Experience:If you've worked in professional services, SaaS, or accountancy, make sure to mention it! We’re particularly interested in your understanding of UK compliance requirements and how you’ve helped clients navigate these before.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from our team. Plus, we love seeing applications come through our own platform!
How to prepare for a job interview at 1st Formations
✨Know Your Onboarding Process
Familiarise yourself with the entire onboarding process for new clients. Understand how to explain services, systems, and compliance requirements clearly. This will help you demonstrate your ability to guide startup founders and small business owners effectively.
✨Master the Tools
Get comfortable with Xero and other cloud-based accounting tools mentioned in the job description. Being able to discuss these tools confidently will show that you're ready to help clients configure essential systems right from the start.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Prepare to explain complex accounting concepts in a simple way. Practice articulating how you would guide clients through their responsibilities and initial compliance requirements, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Highlight Your Client-Focused Approach
Think of examples where you've successfully onboarded clients or improved their experience. Be ready to discuss how you can identify additional services they may need and support upsell conversations, showcasing your proactive approach.