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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage your own client portfolio and deliver technical accounting services.
- Company: Focus Accountancy, a small, agile firm with a values-led approach.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, real progression opportunities, and mental health support.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and make a real impact from day one.
- Qualifications: Qualified Accountant with 3+ years of UK practice experience.
- Other info: Small team environment with genuine flexibility and modern tech.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Why This Role Exists
We’ve got our Stapleton office running smoothly and hired three graduates in the last year who we’re developing into future client managers. But Barry needs qualified, experienced support NOW to manage clients and gradually take on practice management responsibilities.
What You’ll Actually Do (From Day One)
- Manage your own client portfolio – primarily contractors, consultants, freelancers (plus some other businesses) who’ve chosen us for our personal approach
- Full technical delivery – VAT returns, tax returns, year-end accounts, tax planning advice, oversight of bookkeeping (not hands-on bookkeeping)
- Remote-first client relationships – mostly via Zoom, phone and email (face-to-face available but not the norm)
- Tech-savvy approach – we’re fully cloud-based; you must be comfortable with IT systems
- Gradually take on team oversight – help develop our three graduates who are our future client managers
- Share operational duties – as you prove yourself, help Barry with day-to-day practice management
The Bigger Picture (6-12 Months In)
If this works well, you’d naturally grow into:
- Practice management responsibilities
- Personnel oversight (we’re a team of 9, not 50)
- Client success and retention strategy
- Being the person who helps keep everything running smoothly while Barry focuses on strategy
What We Actually Need
- Qualified Accountant (ACA/ACCA/CIMA) with 3+ years of UK practice experience
- Client-facing confidence – you enjoy being the go-to person (mostly remote contact)
- IT literate – essential, not optional; comfortable with cloud systems and technology
- Leadership potential – willing to take on responsibility and people management
- Technical competence – focus on oversight rather than hands-on bookkeeping
- Within 10 miles of Bristol city centre – hybrid but need you in Stapleton 3 days/week
- Long-term mindset – not looking for a 12-month stepping stone
Why You’d Want This
- Hybrid working – 3 days Stapleton office, 2 from home (genuine flexibility)
- Real progression – natural evolution to practice management role
- Autonomy from day one – manage your own clients, make decisions
- Small team impact – team of 9 where you’ll actually matter
- Modern tech stack – FreeAgent cloud software (everyone’s accredited), fully digital
- Values-led practice – aiming for Net Zero by 2030, 100% paperless
- Mental health support – we mean it
- Cycle to work scheme
- Flexible hours – work-life balance matters here
About Focus Accountancy
We specialise primarily in contractors, consultants and freelancers (plus some other business clients). We’re small (deliberately), agile, and proud of our high retention rates. Fair warning: We’re looking for the right person, not just any person. This might take time, and that’s okay.
What We’re NOT Looking For
- Someone who just wants to "do the accounts" without client contact
- People using this as a stopgap before moving to industry
- Anyone who exaggerates on their CV
- Someone who needs hand-holding
- Anyone not comfortable with technology and digital working
- People outside 10 miles of Bristol city centre
The Process
- Stage 1: Video interview with Helen (our talent partner)
- Step 2: Informal coffee with Barry (not in office – relaxed first meeting)
- Stage 3: Technical interview + office visit to meet the team
- Stage 4: Final interview + DISC profiling
After initial coffee, everything moves to Helen at HFBAC to keep things smooth and clear.
Qualified Accountant in Bristol employer: Focus Accountancy Ltd
Contact Detail:
Focus Accountancy Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Qualified Accountant in Bristol
✨Tip Number 1
Get comfy with video interviews! Since you'll be managing clients mostly through Zoom, practice your online presence. Make sure your tech is sorted and you look professional on camera – it’s all about making that great first impression!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your client-facing confidence! During interviews, share examples of how you've successfully managed client relationships in the past. This role is all about being the go-to person, so let them see your personality shine through.
✨Tip Number 3
Brush up on your technical skills! Since they’re looking for someone who’s IT literate and comfortable with cloud systems, make sure you can talk about your experience with relevant software. Highlight any tech-savvy projects you've worked on.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to express your long-term mindset! They want someone who’s in it for the long haul, so during your chats, mention your career goals and how you see yourself growing within the company. It’ll show you’re serious about the opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Qualified Accountant in Bristol
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Personality: When you're writing your application, let your personality shine through! We want to see who you are beyond your qualifications. A bit of humour or a personal touch can make your application stand out.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Qualified Accountant. Highlight your relevant experience, especially in client management and technical delivery. We love seeing how your background aligns with what we do!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate straightforward communication, so avoid jargon and fluff. Make it easy for us to see why you’re the right fit for our team.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Focus Accountancy Ltd
✨Know Your Numbers
Brush up on your technical knowledge, especially around VAT returns, tax planning, and year-end accounts. Be ready to discuss your experience with these areas in detail, as they are crucial for the role.
✨Showcase Your Client Management Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed client relationships in the past. Since this role involves remote client interactions, highlight your comfort with technology and communication tools like Zoom and email.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Potential
Think about instances where you've taken on responsibility or helped develop others. This role has a future focus on team oversight, so showing your willingness to lead and mentor will set you apart.
✨Embrace the Tech
Familiarise yourself with cloud-based accounting software, particularly FreeAgent, as it's part of their tech stack. Being tech-savvy is essential, so be prepared to discuss how you've used technology to improve efficiency in your previous roles.
