Senior Accountant in Chester

A fast-growing accountancy practice is looking to appoint a qualified Senior Accountant on a permanent, full-time basis. This is a varied, client-facing role involving responsibility for a portfolio consisting primarily of SMEs and start-up businesses. You will prepare statutory accounts, management accounts and corporation tax returns while providing clients with practical financial guidance as their businesses develop. The position would suit an ACA or ACCA-qualified accountant with at least three years' accountancy practice experience who can manage client assignments, maintain strong relationships with business owners and support junior colleagues.

THE SENIOR ACCOUNTANT ROLE

• Managing a portfolio of SME and start-up clients
• Acting as the principal day-to-day contact for clients
• Preparing statutory accounts for limited companies, partnerships and sole traders
• Managing accounts assignments from initial records through to completion
• Preparing corporation tax computations and company tax returns
• Producing monthly and quarterly management accounts
• Preparing and reviewing VAT returns
• Reviewing bookkeeping records and balance-sheet reconciliations
• Identifying and resolving errors, discrepancies and accounting queries
• Supporting clients with budgeting, forecasting and cash-flow planning
• Providing clear commentary on financial performance
• Explaining financial information to business owners from non-finance backgrounds
• Identifying potential accounting, tax and commercial issues
• Liaising with HMRC and external advisers when required
• Reviewing work completed by junior members of the team
• Providing coaching, feedback and technical support to less experienced colleagues
• Monitoring client deadlines and ensuring work is completed accurately and efficiently
• Maintaining accurate working papers in accordance with the practice's quality standards
• Supporting managers and partners with advisory projects and complex assignments

THE PERSON

• Be ACA or ACCA qualified
• Have at least three years' experience working within an accountancy practice
• Have experience managing or supporting a portfolio of SME and start-up clients
• Be experienced in preparing statutory accounts and corporation tax returns
• Have experience producing management accounts and VAT returns
• Be confident communicating directly with business owners and senior stakeholders
• Be able to explain financial information clearly to non-finance clients
• Have excellent attention to detail and a high level of accuracy
• Be organised and able to manage competing client deadlines
• Have experience reviewing junior colleagues' work or be comfortable taking on this responsibility
• Be commercially aware, proactive and interested in developing broader advisory experience
• Have experience using accountancy software such as Xero, QuickBooks or Sage
• Knowledge of accounts production and tax software would be beneficial

This is an excellent opportunity for a qualified Senior Accountant to manage a varied portfolio of growing businesses while developing their client advisory experience within a supportive accountancy practice.