Accounts Senior in St Helens

Looking for more than just your next Accounts Senior role? If you're an experienced Accounts Senior who has built a strong foundation in practice and are now looking for more responsibility, greater client exposure and a genuine route into management, this could be an opportunity worth exploring.

An established independent accountancy practice in St Helens is looking for an ACA/ACCA qualified, part-qualified or QBE accountant with around 7 years UK practice experience to join its growing team. You’ll manage your own portfolio of owner-managed businesses, limited companies, partnerships and not-for-profit organisations, working closely with clients and Directors rather than simply processing accounts behind the scenes. And importantly, there is a genuine opportunity to progress to Accounts Manager as the practice continues to grow.

What could your next step look like? You’ll take ownership of your own portfolio, preparing predominantly year-end and statutory accounts, alongside around 20% management accounts. You’ll also have the opportunity to:

• Build and develop strong, long-term client relationships
• Prepare year-end and statutory accounts
• Prepare management accounts
• Attend client meetings and provide practical accounting advice
• Support clients with cloud accounting, including desktop-to-cloud transitions and MTD
• Undertake some bookkeeping where required
• Work closely with the wider accounts and bookkeeping team
• Liaise with the tax team, who handle corporation and personal tax for higher-value clients

If you have audit experience, that's a bonus. The practice has a small audit team and would welcome someone who can provide occasional support during particularly busy periods, although audit is not a core requirement of the role.

You’ll be joining an established independent practice of around 28 staff and four Directors, with approximately 10 people across the accounts and bookkeeping function. The firm works predominantly with owner-managed and SME businesses, providing a personal and proactive service rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach. You'll have direct access to the Directors, giving you the opportunity to develop your technical knowledge, strengthen your client relationships and play a bigger part in the development of the practice. For someone who wants to progress, this is particularly important.

The successful candidate will report directly to the Directors, with clear potential to progress to Accounts Manager for the right person.

Are you the right fit? You’ll ideally have:

• Around 7 years UK accountancy practice experience
• ACA/ACCA qualification, part-qualification or QBE status
• Strong statutory and year-end accounts experience
• Experience managing your own client portfolio
• Good knowledge of UK accounting standards
• Strong communication and client relationship skills
• Experience with Xero and Sage
• IRIS experience would be advantageous, although training can be provided

Whats in it for you?

• Salary up to £42,000, depending on experience
• Genuine progression to Accounts Manager
• Direct exposure to Directors
• Your own varied portfolio of owner-managed and SME clients
• Friendly and personable independent practice environment
• The opportunity to build a long-term career rather than simply move into another Accounts Senior position