Part Qualified Accountant in Scotland

The Part-Qualified Accountant sits at the next level above bookkeeping within the delivery team, bridging transactional processing and higher-level financial reporting. The role exists to prepare accurate management accounts, support month-end and year-end processes, and contribute to the quality of client-facing outputs. Operating within a client portfolio model, the postholder plays an important role in building client confidence through technically sound, well-presented work — whilst continuing to develop professionally towards full qualification.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare monthly and quarterly management accounts for a portfolio of clients to a draft-ready standard, including profit and loss, balance sheet, and key variance commentary.
• Perform and review month-end close procedures, including prepayments, accruals, depreciation, and intercompany adjustments where applicable.
• Review and oversee bookkeeping outputs completed by junior team members, providing feedback and flagging corrections to the Assistant Manager.
• Prepare and submit VAT returns with a high degree of accuracy and in compliance with Making Tax Digital requirements.
• Support year-end preparation, including production of schedules and working papers to assist with statutory accounts preparation and audit readiness.
• Assist with the onboarding of new clients, including chart of accounts setup, data migration checks, and integration configuration within Xero or other agreed platforms.
• Liaise directly with clients on management accounts outputs, providing clear explanations of variances and financial performance where required.
• Maintain full and accurate records within Karbon and the team's document management systems, supporting a consistent and compliant delivery model.
• Actively engage with training and development activities in support of ongoing qualification progress.

Key Relationships

• Assistant Manager — primary supervisor and technical escalation point
• Bookkeepers — day-to-day collaboration and quality review on shared client portfolios
• Senior team members / Partner — periodic review of client outputs and development conversations
• Clients - operational and reporting-level contact across the portfolio
• Client auditors, solicitors, and bankers — as required in support of client engagements

Skills, Knowledge & Experience

• Experience
• Minimum 5 years' experience in an accounting, finance, or practice environment
• Demonstrable experience preparing or contributing to management accounts
• Prior experience in an outsourced or multi-client environment is advantageous
• Technical Skills
• Solid grounding in double-entry accounting, accruals, prepayments, and balance sheet reconciliations
• Working knowledge of VAT including standard, flat rate, and cash accounting schemes
• Proficient in Xero; experience with Dext, Karbon, or Silverfin is advantageous
• Awareness of FRS 102 reporting requirements desirable
• Qualifications
• Essential: Actively studying towards AAT Level 4, ACA, or ACCA (part-qualified); AAT Level 3 (or equivalent) completed or in progress
• Desirable: AAT Level 4 completed or near completion; ACA/ACCA student registered with a recognised body

Performance Measures (Success Criteria)

• Management accounts prepared to draft-ready standard within agreed monthly deadlines, with minimal review points raised by the Assistant Manager
• VAT returns submitted accurately and on time, with no material errors or late filings
• Bookkeeping review outputs are consistent and constructive, supporting junior team development
• Client satisfaction — positive feedback on quality and clarity of reporting outputs
• Year-end working papers prepared to a standard that minimises preparation time for the senior review
• Qualification milestones met in line with agreed study plan and appraisal targets

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.