At a Glance
- Tasks: Prepare accounts, manage client portfolios, and provide financial advice.
- Company: Reputable accountancy practice with a modern, client-focused approach.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, supportive environment, and opportunities for progression.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with exposure to cloud accounting technologies.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and work with diverse clients across various sectors.
- Qualifications: ACA qualified with experience in accountancy practice and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 € per year.
Location: Downpatrick
Job Type: Full-Time, Permanent
Salary: £40,000 - £50,000 per annum
Our client is a long-established and highly respected accountancy practice with a strong reputation for delivering tailored financial and advisory services to SMEs, owner-managed businesses, and growing organisations across Northern Ireland. With a modern and client-focused approach, the firm provides a full range of services including accounts preparation, tax compliance, payroll, VAT, cloud accounting, and business advisory support. Due to continued growth, they are now seeking an experienced Qualified Accountant to join their Belfast office.
The Role
This is an excellent opportunity for a practice-trained accountant looking to join a supportive and professional environment with exposure to a varied client portfolio. The successful candidate will take ownership of accounts preparation, tax work, and client communication, working closely with a range of businesses across multiple sectors. The role would suit an ACA-qualified accountant coming from an accountancy practice environment who enjoys building strong client relationships and delivering high-quality work.
Key Responsibilities
- Preparation of year-end accounts for sole traders, partnerships, and limited companies
- Preparation and submission of corporation tax and personal tax returns
- Managing a portfolio of clients and acting as a key point of contact
- Providing support and advice to clients on financial and accounting matters
- Reviewing bookkeeping records and ensuring compliance with accounting standards
- Preparing VAT returns and management accounts where required
- Liaising directly with clients to resolve queries and gather financial information
- Supporting junior team members where appropriate
- Working with cloud accounting software including Xero, Sage, and QuickBooks
Essential Criteria
- ACA qualified (or equivalent qualification considered)
- Previous experience within an accountancy practice environment
- Strong experience preparing accounts for a variety of clients
- Experience with corporation tax and personal tax preparation
- Excellent communication and client relationship skills
- Strong attention to detail and ability to manage deadlines
Desirable Criteria
- Experience working with cloud accounting systems such as Xero, Sage, or QuickBooks
- Exposure to management accounts and advisory work
- Ability to manage a client portfolio independently
Why Apply?
- Join a highly reputable and established accountancy practice
- Exposure to a broad and varied client portfolio
- Supportive and collaborative working environment
- Opportunity for long-term progression and development
- Modern, cloud-focused practice with strong technical expertise
Qualified Practice Accountant employer: Ashton Recruitment
Join a highly reputable and established accountancy practice in Downpatrick, where you will benefit from a supportive and collaborative working environment that fosters professional growth. With exposure to a diverse client portfolio and opportunities for long-term progression, this modern firm prioritises employee development and offers a client-focused approach to financial services. Embrace the chance to work with cutting-edge cloud accounting technologies while building strong relationships with clients across various sectors.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Qualified Practice Accountant
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Attend industry events, join local accountancy groups, and connect with fellow professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can refer you to their firm.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills in interviews! Prepare examples of your past work, especially those that highlight your experience with accounts preparation and client communication. This is your chance to shine and demonstrate how you can add value to the team.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply anywhere—focus on firms that align with your values and career goals. Check out our website for opportunities at reputable practices like the one in Downpatrick. Tailor your approach to each firm to show you’re genuinely interested.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in keeping you top of mind. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and gives you another chance to reiterate why you’re the perfect fit for their team.
We think you need these skills to ace Qualified Practice Accountant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the job description. Highlight your ACA qualification and any relevant experience in accountancy practice to show us you’re the right fit!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about joining our team and how your background aligns with the role. Don’t forget to mention your client relationship skills!
Showcase Your Technical Skills:Since we work with cloud accounting software like Xero, Sage, and QuickBooks, make sure to mention your experience with these tools. It’ll help us see how you can hit the ground running!
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!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ashton Recruitment
✨Know Your Numbers
Brush up on your technical skills, especially around accounts preparation and tax compliance. Be ready to discuss specific examples from your previous experience where you successfully managed client portfolios or resolved complex financial queries.
✨Showcase Your Client Relationship Skills
Since this role involves a lot of client interaction, think of instances where you've built strong relationships with clients. Prepare to share how you’ve communicated effectively and provided valuable advice, as this will demonstrate your fit for the client-focused approach of the firm.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Cloud Accounting Software
Make sure you’re comfortable discussing cloud accounting systems like Xero, Sage, or QuickBooks. If you have experience with these tools, be prepared to explain how you’ve used them to enhance efficiency in your previous roles.
✨Prepare Questions for Them
Interviews are a two-way street! Think of insightful questions about their client portfolio, team dynamics, or growth opportunities within the firm. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it’s the right fit for you.
