Outsourced Accounting Bookkeeper in Scotland

The Bookkeeper exists to ensure that clients' day-to-day financial records are accurate, up to date, and maintained to a standard that supports informed decision-making and compliance. Working within a fast-paced outsourced environment, the role provides the transactional foundation on which client reporting and VAT submissions depend. It is an important first point of quality control within the delivery team, and a key touchpoint in maintaining strong client relationships at an operational level.

Key Responsibilities

• Maintain accurate bookkeeping records across a portfolio of clients using cloud-based accounting platforms, ensuring transactions are correctly coded and reconciled on a timely basis.
• Process supplier invoices, expenses, and bank transactions, resolving queries with clients or the Assistant Manager where coding or documentation is unclear.
• Perform bank reconciliations, identifying and resolving discrepancies in line with agreed deadlines and quality standards.
• Prepare and submit VAT returns under the supervision of the Assistant Manager, ensuring accuracy and compliance with HMRC requirements.
• Maintain organised and complete client records within Karbon and the firm's document management processes, ensuring all files are audit-ready at all times.
• Flag errors, anomalies, or unusual transactions to the Assistant Manager promptly, with appropriate supporting notes.
• Liaise with clients in a professional and responsive manner to gather information, resolve queries, and maintain a positive working relationship.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of bookkeeping workflows and client onboarding processes as directed.

Key Relationships

• Assistant Manager - primary line of supervision and technical escalation
• Wider Outsourced Accounting & Payroll team - day-to-day collaboration on shared client portfolios
• Clients - operational contact for transactional queries and information gathering
• Client suppliers and third parties - as required for invoice or payment queries

Skills, Knowledge & Experience

• Experience in a bookkeeping, accounts assistant, or similar finance support role (minimum 5 years preferred)
• Experience using cloud accounting software, experience with Dext or similar document capture tools is advantageous
• Prior experience in a practice or outsourced finance environment is desirable but not essential

Technical Skills

• Solid working knowledge of double-entry bookkeeping and VAT principles
• Competent in Microsoft Excel for data checking and reconciliation work
• Familiarity with Xero and/or other cloud-based platforms (Sage 50, QuickBooks)
• Good understanding of bank reconciliation processes and accounts payable/receivable

Qualifications

• Essential: GCSE (or equivalent) in Maths and English at grade C/4 or above
• Desirable: AAT Level 2 (Foundation) or currently studying towards AAT Level 3; Bookkeeping qualification (e.g. ICB)

Performance Measures (Success Criteria)

• Client bookkeeping is accurate, complete, and reconciled within agreed monthly deadlines across the portfolio
• VAT returns are submitted on time and without material errors
• Queries and anomalies are escalated promptly with clear supporting context
• Client satisfaction — positive feedback from clients and no recurring complaints relating to bookkeeping quality
• Turnaround time on transactions and bank reconciliations meets the team's published service standards
• Karbon records and file management are maintained in a clean and audit-ready state at all times

Benefits

• 23 Days Holiday
• Birthday off
• Annual bonus scheme
• Health cash plan after probation
• Company sick pay
• Enhanced parental pay policies
• Perkbox subscription
• 1 x paid membership / subscription
• Cycle to work scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Company pension scheme

AMS Group is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.