Semi Senior Accountant

Affinia is a leading, UK Top 50 Accountancy firm. Through successful acquisitions and organic growth, the firm has seen significant development within the last 18 months. Last October we launched our new brand ‘Affinia’ (www.affinia.co.uk) which saw the coming together of LB Group and six other likeminded firms across the East & South East of England to form a combined challenger accounting, tax and business advisory firm.

With a combined heritage spanning over 300 years, we have more than 400 accountancy professionals based in Stratford, Colchester, Chelmsford, Ipswich, Halstead, Harlow, Orpington, Sidcup and Sutton. We advise businesses, government and public sector organisations and individuals in the UK and internationally across seven principal practice groups: Accountancy & Advisory, Tax and Planning, Audit Services, Corporate Finance, Digital Solutions, Payroll and Financial Planning.

We have invested continuously in technology and gained in-depth knowledge across a broad range of markets, growing through acquisitions and private investment. We offer an exceptional service to our clients, with access to our sector experts to develop the strategy that will help them reach their goals. We keep a finger on the industry pulse, so our clients receive the best short to medium and long-term advice.

Summary of role

As a Semi Senior Accountant, you will assist with financial reporting, tax preparation, bookkeeping, VAT return preparation and gaining hands-on exposure to real-world accounting practices whilst being supported by senior members of the team. Working with Senior Accountants and the wider team you will receive a structured training path to support your career progression at Affinia Ltd. We operate a hybrid working model, so you will split your time between working from home, visiting the office, client sites when required or studying for your professional exams.

We also provide ongoing training to develop your ‘soft’ skills. You will gain hands-on client experience, so in your early years especially we’ll equip you with training on essential skills like making a positive first impression, mastering effective time management techniques, and enhancing your communication skills. You will continue to be working towards an internationally recognised accountancy qualification (with the chance to continue studies further) and gaining valuable on-the-job experience with a highly respected accountancy firm.

Key tasks and responsibilities:

• Assist our portfolio holders in delivering a broad range of accounting services to our clients whilst maintaining exceptional customer service.
• Take responsibility for assisting Seniors and Managers to work on a portfolio of clients, assisting with:

• Preparation of year-end statutory accounts for a mix of Sole Traders, partnerships, LLPs, Charities and Limited Companies.
• Preparation of corporation tax returns for review.
• Assist with preparation of VAT returns for review.
• Liaising with clients and responding to queries in a professional manner.
• Keeping up to date with changes in accounting regulations and financial laws.
• Preparing and processing invoices, expenses, and payments.
• Collaboratively working with other Service Lines within our group.
• Assist more junior members of the team in accounts and bookkeeping activities.
• Assisting Directors/Managers with ad hoc projects.
• Train and mentor more junior members of staff and seek to support, train and provide technical guidance on simple accounting concepts.
• Additional responsibilities as and when identified in association with expectations of the role.

Professional skills/qualifications

• A degree isn’t essential but may be advantageous (e.g. in Accounting, Finance, Business, Data Science) as you will have the opportunity to study/continue to study and gain a professionally recognised qualification (ACA, ACCA or AAT (AAT Level 4 or higher).
• Ideally, currently studying towards a professional qualification such as ACA, ACCA or AAT (AAT Level 4 or higher).
• A-levels (or equivalent) in Maths and/or English may be advantageous but are not essential.
• A minimum of 5 GCSEs (Level 5 and above), which must include Maths and English Language.
• Strong IT/Microsoft abilities.
• Regular use of CCH, Sage, QuickBooks, Xero preferred, but not essential as full training will be provided.
• Have clear written and spoken communication.
• Enjoy working with people.
• Enjoy learning both formally and ‘on the job’.

Core Benefits:

At Affinia, our culture is driven by ambition and a commitment to positively impact all the communities we serve. We are dedicated to the success, development, and wellbeing of our colleagues, helping them achieve their goals and seize the opportunities that come with our growth. Alongside a flexible and inclusive work environment, we offer the following core benefits:

• Auto enrolment Pension Scheme with True Potential.
• Professional membership support.
• Paycare – claim money back for Dental / Optical / Professional Therapies.
• Dress for your Diary Policy.

Affinia is a flexible business which has embraced a hybrid working model where our colleagues enjoy a mix of home and office working. We welcome applications from people looking for flexible and agile roles and we are happy to explore your preferred working patterns as part of your application.

Affinia is committed to being an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our policy is unequivocal: we do not tolerate discrimination based on age, disability, sex, race, religion or belief, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, or sexual orientation. We pride ourselves on being an inclusive organisation that actively promotes equality of opportunity for all, valuing the right mix of talent, skills, and potential. We welcome applications from a diverse range of candidates, and selection for roles is based solely on individual merit.