At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage client accounts, prepare tax returns, and produce financial statements.
- Company: Join a vibrant management accountancy practice in the heart of St Albans.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, flexible hours, and great perks like private medical insurance.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team with opportunities for career growth and a fun office culture.
- Qualifications: Experience in accounting, strong Xero and Excel skills, and excellent client-facing abilities.
- Other info: Dog-friendly office and regular social events to keep the team spirit high.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 32000 £ per year.
About the Company:
Our client is a well-established management accountancy practice with a vibrant city centre location in St Albans on the main high street. There are currently seven staff and a tax-associate based in the St Albans office.
About the Opportunity:
They are seeking an ambitious accountant with experience to take on a portfolio of client compliance as well as handling new client work. The role is full-time and involves the production of year-end statutory accounts, corporate tax returns, personal tax returns, VAT returns, trust returns, bookkeeping and management accounts production. Client relationship management is key.
There is a long-term career development opportunity for the right person, to play a senior role in a successful business.
About the Responsibilities:
Joining as Accountant, you will be providing services to clients operating across various industries. This role will involve:
- Statutory accounts production – SME / FRS 102 & 105 using IRIS
- Preparation of Corporation Tax Returns using Iris
- Preparation of Personal Tax returns
- Preparation of VAT Returns using Xero
- Bookkeeping using Xero
- Preparation of Management Accounts using Excel and Xero
- Company Secretarial – Basic filings & maintenance of Company Register using Iris
- Practice Management using Bright Manager
- Internal Communications using TEAMs
- Xero and Excel skills to strong level
- Client-facing soft skills
It is also ideal but not necessary if you have experience of the below:
- Payroll processing – {Sage Bureau}
- Ad-hoc tax knowledge
- Excel advanced spreadsheet development
About the Applicant:
The ideal candidate will be able to work to tight client delivery deadlines and co-ordinate with other team members to assist with workflows. Payroll and company secretarial skills would be desirable as well. The ideal candidate must be a motivated and personable individual who can integrate well with a team and embrace change; they are looking for constant improvement and want input from all our staff.
About the Benefits:
- Salary: Between £30,000 - £40,000
- Days: Full-time Monday to Friday Hours: 9.00am to 5.00pm (At present they are trialling a 4pm finish on a Friday with no contractual changes).
- Pension: 4% Employer’s Contributions
- Holiday: 28 days pa (incl statutory BHs), rising 1 day per year of service to max 33 days pa
- Parking: Parking permit provided free for next door car park
- Life Insurance (subject to terms and conditions)
- Private Medical Insurance (subject to terms and conditions)
- CostCo executive club membership
- Sick pay (subject to terms and conditions) Regular staff social events
- Dog friendly office
Contact Detail:
FIRE Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Accountant
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific software mentioned in the job description, such as IRIS and Xero. Having hands-on experience or even completing online tutorials can give you a significant edge during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight your client relationship management skills in conversations. Since this role emphasises client-facing interactions, be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully managed client relationships in the past.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your enthusiasm for continuous improvement and teamwork. The company values input from all staff, so discussing how you've contributed to team projects or suggested improvements in previous roles can resonate well with the hiring team.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your ability to meet tight deadlines. This role requires working under pressure, so think of specific instances where you've successfully managed multiple tasks or projects within strict timeframes.
We think you need these skills to ace Accountant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in accountancy, particularly with statutory accounts, tax returns, and bookkeeping. Use keywords from the job description to demonstrate your fit for the role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for accountancy and your ability to manage client relationships. Mention specific experiences that align with the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Highlight Technical Skills: Emphasise your proficiency in software mentioned in the job description, such as Xero and Excel. If you have experience with IRIS or Bright Manager, be sure to include that as well.
Showcase Soft Skills: Since client-facing soft skills are key for this role, provide examples of how you've successfully managed client relationships or worked effectively within a team in your application.
How to prepare for a job interview at FIRE
✨Know Your Numbers
As an accountant, you’ll need to demonstrate your proficiency with numbers. Brush up on key accounting principles and be prepared to discuss your experience with statutory accounts, tax returns, and bookkeeping. Familiarity with software like Xero and IRIS will also impress your interviewers.
✨Showcase Client Relationship Skills
Client relationship management is crucial in this role. Be ready to share examples of how you've successfully managed client expectations and built strong relationships in previous positions. Highlight your soft skills and ability to communicate effectively.
✨Demonstrate Teamwork
This position requires collaboration with other team members. Prepare to discuss how you’ve worked in teams before, especially in high-pressure situations. Emphasise your adaptability and willingness to embrace change, as the company values constant improvement.
✨Prepare Questions
Interviews are a two-way street. Prepare thoughtful questions about the company culture, career development opportunities, and the specific challenges the team faces. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it’s the right fit for you.